Hajj

Moving around

merged within a sea

of humanity

I strove earnestly

with many a seeking

wanting souls, demanding-

a greater share

of wholesome Divinity.

I ache too

to dissolve - submit

my cells, in their

bare molecular form

to be part, adorn

mosaic that purposeful nature forms -

my tangible self

does yearn its place

in vastness thats Yours.

Lips converse each day

with Thee, and

many a prayers whisper'd

some said aloud

others beseech in murmurs

I listen with silent lips -

in awe

as arid flesh does struggle

to articulate only utterance

of my soul.

Hear me Lord here,

where You've

called for me

listen to me above thunderous rolls

frightening rise and fall of sea

within its waves

is a tiny form

the particle that carries

name of me

has presented to Yea

with its discrete call

and a plea.

Rabb,

I've said it before

I say again with glee-

here I am

ready to heed

be available

to soak and drench

in sweat and rain

I'll happily toil

in submission, I've turned

to thee - so reject me not

as its your turn now

to accept Me.

Lost Soul

I wanna know

who I am

where I belong.

Starting from East

from a land

of diversity,

where black and brown

held cheerful stance

to dance gleefully

in paucity;

in prime

I walked

thru' sun and sand

across span of seven seas

to western land

where I merged

with ease

to abide

amidst human hues

of white, yellow

dark, stark and sallow

but I had

lost me.

In seeking answer

to know myself

will it be then

of any help

to start to question

probe some further -

What is the colour

of a human soul?

Happiness

I was happy

when you tiptoed

ever so silently behind

to hold hands

and walk beside

oblivious to the storm

raging within

you dissloved

to blend with me

as one.

Happiness,

I know you now -

where art thou?

Paathshala

कितना तोड़ती मरोड़ती है
झकझोरती खाखोरती है
फैलती फिर सिकोड़ती
भी है
ये जीवन की पाठशाला
केवल इतना बतलाने को
की जीवनधार में
प्रवाहित हैं कई, पर मानस
बस अकेला है.

Life lawn

Across the wide expanse
of sprawling lawn lies-
a lifetime of memories
some tender, too sweet
others best weeded out
I think as fingers extend-
knackered and knarled
to gently separate
the lush and green
from yellowed, faded lot
endurance hurts
at pricks of thorn
telling me to dare not
withdraw, for bitter
or sweet, desirable tho' not
they present to me
seeds from yesterday -
sown and surviving
cast my way
by winds of time
stand as stubborn
reeds on very own
ground that spans
my today.




- Sabina Fatima Hussain

Sharebroker called

Sharebroker called:

Ma'am,

there's been a slump

market is bust

with share prices record low

the opportunity's best

to sow

for future, its good time

to invest.

I said:

yeah you're right

I've heard on the news

recession's rife

and businesses on close

in millions are numbers

with no wages to keep

families 've broken

lives been lost;

gover'ments announced

public coffers are dry

banks've been funded

for executives to thrive

with workers at strike

home 'n' hearth

at threat-

the present sounds dire,

thanks for the tip;

as stakes seem high

it must be opportune

to risk good fortune

act before delay

hampers any chance

of projected growth

go ahead, do secure

abide by the no'm

can you please buy

for me

the best shares

in contentment.com

Zebra Crossing

Four decades

It takes -

more or less

to see across and through

understand the hue

of stripes

in black and white

laid on way

that is meant

to be crossed

to be on other side,

to accept it all

then walk in control

unperturbed

putting on hold

waiting traffic rush

as its time here

to let fears go

be safely on move

for at middle age

is reached-

the zebra crossing

of life.

Networked

I was a small-town girl
so grew up
chatting, talking, laughing
living life with a swirl.

I am now
a grown up part
of a complex globe:
with changed dynamics
in order to survive
it is inevitable to try
struggle to belong
instead of self
to a plexus of people
that take pride
more than themselves
in those that they know
by positions they hold;
so energies are spent
to painstakingly plan
where to be and when
how to sell
self credentials of worth
look happy, wear smile
feign cheer to befriend -
never the person
but their post is beheld.

I too do
still chat, interact
communicate, connect
and talk with a screen
when reading and listening
in between the said line,
I however remain
consciously on guard
to save from hurt
li'l girl that hides
behind expertly worn
veneer of a pro'
as regretfully with past
ways of the carefree
are gone-
it seems indeed

into a jangle of nerves
I am truly networked!

Being Human

Human being
was born -
to rise as fair from folly,
but with lifetime lost
in zest
to be this and be that
to keep in balance

the worldly act

to be seen more important

than the rest

especially more than one

who's somewhat less,

I say -

where's a chance

ever for us

to try to just

being Human.

The inevitable

Hey I see

a ripple in the six pack

with red rucksack poised on back,

an impatient move of shoulder tells -

he is ready

to go out, Honey!

Will he falter

on the way

or walk ahead

with challenge in steps

will he tread with head held

tall and high

'coz tempest

of prenatal blood

churned him so -

it ignited fires

in his belly?

Or, will heart

be overruled

overcome by sane superior mind

as a quirk

of Mendelian rule

mark your claim

to make calm cautious stance

his easy, restful stead

'coz he chose

to live life like you

with acceptance

that wants cause no stir

not blow a whistle

on foul play

umpteen hidden in

our social mores.

Oh how

impatiently do I watch

to see where in him

is you or me:

in that arch of bushy brow

that seem mine

the flare of nose

yes, its yours;

but what about his sight?

In what direction shall it take

to which school

will the will belong

which path will be trod

when we're steered on along

with, wherever

that vision beckons

merger of our genome(s),

there in time we'll travel with him

together - you and me,

as nature's alchemy

when it rewrote us

we were destined

to be he.

Look he's ready-

the cocktail of our lives

is to be served, and

savoured by his world,

dahling its time to let go

to bid farewell

say adieu

as spring is henceforth bygone

all we can do is behold

hold on to other's hand

for our bid

has already been done -

...............................................................

Love,

blink no longer at horizon

by Jove,

he is gone.

With fruits

near harvested,

summer's eve gets only shorter,

autumn's chill is set on the on

and winter, it soon shall creep

upon, so turn

give life a bear hug, then

before we hear or say

mate good bye

please, look back not

look on no further

here for you

I do still wait

in good faith I remain

to keep

your heart 'n' hearth

in warmth.

Manthan

agar jeevan hai

Kshirsagar jis ki

machalti, jhinjhhorti

lahron se takra kar

hi paana hai

muthi bhar sarvratan-

to mujhe duba do

har pal nishthurta se

kar lo mere pran haran

par de dena

sab kuch hi le kar

bas woh ek anmol ratan

bhar dena meri jholi

mein seep liye

sacche preet ki

satvik aanch,

jis mein jeevan dan

deta divya deep

ka prakash saja ho!

Paarkhi Prabhu

Tum to paarkhi

ho na niyaton ke

to mila kyon nahi

mera man aangan

tumhe

apna ghar basane ko?

fursat ho to jhanko

is man mein

jahan har kone ko

kiya swarn khara tha

bas tum se hi

gaanth lagane ko.

phir diya kyon nahin-

kehlate jo Daata,

kisi gaam

mujhe sukoon

chalti hoon dagmag

kadmon se jab

is karmbhumi pe

jis pe tum ne

mera naam likha?

suno main ne

Rabb maana hai

tum ko, Parmaatma

naam se hi jana hai

to ab duja nyaay

upaay nahi -

ke kadam tika do

haath pakad lo

ukhdi meri saans sambhalo

durgam ye agnipath hai

ab wo waqt aa gaya

Vidhata

mere bhi to

Prabhu bano na.

Ties of blood

they say

ties of blood

remain unsevered bonds

over time

through highs and lows

in hours of need

when traversing up and down

its kind voice of kith and kin

that sustains

with unfailing respite

affirming again

and again

that alone we're not

meant to endure

in hardest of times

our relatives are there

to cheer

as blood is thicker

than water.

this for me

is a myth -

well proven in time and again

for my brood endured

gave precious company

only when times were hearty, of plenty

yet when i yearned

for a healing touch

or turned to them

for a listening ear,

in desperation

I found -

in times of distress

my kindred

were too busy

to care.

We'd shared

a root, bore names of same

one family tree,

but with the misfortune's strike

it was blood

that swiftly dried

the element of water

it flowed so freely

to cleanse to cure

it gushed as spring

from source untagged

chanced upon by heart

steadfastly

they stood near

enough to reach

to lean upon

unquestioning shoulders;

so affectionately

these nameless bonds

extended with ease

enabled to live

survive beyond the mundane

in human existence -

their Holy hand

had wiped off gently

all tarnish and tear.

-

Thank God

that water is thinner

than blood.

In life

In life

we ride high tide

and sometimes low

when on crest

its easy to be spotted

to be followed

by those who

clambour close to play

up to the challenge

of the survival game;

its at bottom of troughs

though that we find

only self

to hug close, hold tight

to stay barely afloat

and if at such times

blessed are we with a few

precious chums

that choose

to swim alongside

to hum

tunes of patience,

courage and cheer

to tug us along

with lifeline spelt hope

pulling to the shores

with selfless care,

they are the ones

that deserve

to be cherished

close to our heart.

mama ka nidhan

Badi hi sookhi

rookhi padi thi khaak

tumhari qabr pe

pardes ki mitti

jhulsaati dhoop mein

dekha so mama

aansuon ka chidkao

aaj main kiye

aayi hoon

kuch nami mein

jo kami pade to

khwabon mein aa

batla jana-

main phir aaoongi

rone ko.

Parvaaz

Hawaiee jahaz jab

ruka khada tha

khila mein -

zamin ambar ke darmiyan

utarne ke intezaar mein

tha thama, ke lambe safar ki

thakaan thi.

Dekha main ne tab

bhoori dharti aatoorta se

moonh uthaye

tak rahi thi ek tak

kshithij mein pat gagan ka

neela, ujjwal, pradeept aasman

us se aalingan badh

hone ki manokamna

bas anayas mere man ki

mook pukar bani

to us damm palat

prithvi ye boli:

haad maans aur hawa

par nirbhar Paarth Putra

hey Maanas

teri parvaaz abhi baaqui hai.

Bihar ki Beti

उस प्रदेश की गीली मिट्टी पे

नंगे पाँव चली, बचपन खेली 

कंकर, गोली, और गुड्डी बन 

स्वच्छंद फिरी कुछ यूँ कि 

नील गगन में निर्भय ही 

अन्य पतंगो संग पेंच लड़ाई थी;

जून की लू और जनवरी की बोरसी -

इन की तपिश ने सेंका यूँ कि

ज़िंदगी की झुलस कभी 

मन विचलित ना कर पायी थी।

वो सोंधी ख़ुशबू सावन की -

जिस से रिझ कर जनप्रीत में 

मन मतवाला होता था;

साँझ की पूर्वा बयार ने आँगन में 

गेंदा, चमेली, जूही, चम्पा,

रात की रानी, रजनीगंधा का 
प्यार पुरम पूर उँडेला था;

उसी आँगन पड़ी चारपाई पर से

टूटते तारे तकते तकते, 

तकिया पर सर रखे 

ख़्वाबों की चूनर बुन जाती थी, 

फिर ध्रुव से दिशा इंगित करवा

सुबह अपनी राहों का निशाँ 
ढूंढ पाती थी.

अहा! बड़ा खुश मस्त सा 
जाम पिया वहाँ 

प्रकृति के अलबेले घेरे में -

नीम, बरगद तले झूला झूले

जिन की मस्त उठानों ने

जीवन में उड़ानें भरने की 

अदा हमें सिखलायी थी।

बेरें खाईं, गुठली चूसी

चटखार सहित इमली खायी थी,

गंगा ने सींचा इस मिट्टी को 

ऐसे की धैर्य, संतोष के अंकुर फूटे

खायी रोटी नमक जो इस धाम -

खरी वाणी और सच को चुन कर

सबल मनोबल लिए अडिग कदम से 

कर्मयोग पे पर बने रहने की

निष्ठा जानी थी.

सो दूर सही - 

हूँ नतमस्तक ऋण से, विधाता 

गर्व का आभास भी है 

आज सात समुंदर पार सही 

पर बेटी हूँ बिहार की। 

Maa

Maa ruko abhi

nahi badi huwi main

man nirbal ab bhi

darta hai.

Maa thamo zara

kuch aur ghadi

meri peed haro

ke jwar taap jo ho

har asmanjas

har thokar par

hriday chitkar bas

maa maa

karta hai.

Nahin badi huwi main..

Don't dig
new roots
into this unaccustomed
Earth-
as skin shrivels
on me I fear
I'll lose touch with
grounds that I always
knew to be
my own.

4.4.10 on bus when returning from Venice to Florence.

- Sabina Fatima Hussain

Nirvana

i've reached

a state

where there is no want

to possess

yes i'm ready

to let go -

is this nirvana -

i ask myself

when my cup of life

is just full

filled to the brim

with no drop to spare

for over spill

no space is there

remaining to let

extreme emotions

in!

Thought bubble that floated up on the steps at St Marcos Sqaure in Venice with Aamal quietly playing by me on the afternoon of 3.4.10

My Gladiator

You said

can you be a Gladiator

I say Son sure be -

all of us are anyway warriors

in varying ways of world.

Some wage war

for want of wealth

some to possess power

or seek control so

they wreak havoc

with awesome plunder

on all to be fancied

time casts their mark

with bloodshed, parting, disaster,

a trail of legacy

is left behind

in seeping wounds so raw

they still continue to bleed

smoulder pages of our history.

Those battles cost

a fortune dear

for soil and toil of world

beauty, creativity were

destroyed after

so lovingly man's hand

generated whenev'r

it happened that there was

a brief pause for peace.

Looking back

at tales of past,

I'll wish and choose

to bless thee

with best as I can see

head, go forth

do fight, if you must,

but not for sake

of base desire,

your choice of war

ought deserve

brave mettle of the Freeman

I raised aloft

to let his eyes see

lofty causes to aspire

so surge, lunge and rise

to discover

countless ways

to truth, justice and liberty

for all with your might obtain

science and art as art of God

to be preserved.

Do cast your sword

yes cut with steely words

let man's mind yield

with flicks of pen

move of tongue

colossal blows of intellect

render carve out

reach for destiny

go Gladiator go achieve

live as man among men

who're committed by their vows

with raging passion in caring heart

smear hope and faith across

your life's canvas

to urge some more

inspire many

against what humanity

sadly still endures-

for poverty, pain and misery

are demonic scourges that

my Gladiator has

to strike.

Aamal asked to be a Gladiator, standing in arena of the Colosseum, Rome on 1st April 2010.

The guide said:

take Hope, Charity, Faith

to find

true wealth

of this world-

is Contentment.

Thought bubble raised by travel guide Michael in Florence on 3rd April, 2010.

I stopped

asking long ago-

'Why me?'.

instead when

come joy

or sorrow

I take

I smile

then say-

'What next?'

I pray

in solitude

seeking silence

in your strength

I take refuge

in pain

let me feel

You in human touch,

in hardship

give a will

to try again

Yes,

I ask for Heaven

here to see

'coz Blue Planet

is Divine-

if only life could be let

to be

no Eden

can ever better be.

leaving a mark

the very fact that
'you are'
you've left
your mark
on the face of time;
its deep

for some

for others mere dent ,

how does it matter;
now no longer
can even destiny erase
that you've happened
evolved and overcame
to be
a cherished page

of history

in memory

of those who love

You.

Inspired by words of Shampa Banerjee: http://shampa-frozenmoments.blogspot.com/2010/03/aspirations.html

aankhon se bahta

paani sasta hai

aaj menhgi hai

kuch pal ki bas

khushi.

waqt bahut hai

bhag daud ko-

par paane ki

khoj mein kahan

milta hai kabhi

sukoon?

dooriyan kat ti

to hain safar se-

ho paati kya tab hasil

sada hamen

hamari manzil?

shabd likhne

sunne ki kami kahan-

phir bhi ghulli milli

hai kyon man mein

ye ghor ekaki?

computer, cyber

sms, email, phone

kayi sadhan

anek manoranjan hain

pade magar-

mila nahi jag bhar mein

saccha preet aur

saathi.

Adharm ki neenv par ,

dharam ki imarate

bulund nahin hoti

sach ka pani

khara hi sahi

seenchta to hai

jadon ko-

tabhi sar utha kar

lahlaha patin hain

ped ki shaakh

uski ubharti

tahniyan!

nisha ka pat

choom kar

suraj ne apni

kirnon ko bikhera hai

amantrit kar raha hai go

phir se

jo saj chuka hai

karm bhoomi ka rann

aakash mein hai

prakat 'aaj'

aao ise ham

apne bhinn rang

se bhar den

kuch yoon

ke pradipt prakash

se bharpoor ho

navprabhat ka

ye savera hai.

Musings

Yes mind wanders

and alongwith

it takes my soul

seeking and questing

ardently I pause and peek

look into other lives

trying hard to understand

how peace

is achieved

in humdrum and chaos

of daily existence.

Coping from one day

to next, is weekly toll

ticking away months,

then years

on calendar's scroll

I find no time to be

a rishi or muni

to rest in mountains or green,

to spend life on ponder

'bout hows and whys

of mortal existence

randomly chanced

upon the earth

when womb bore forth

new life joined

diverse cosmos

doomed with discontent

wanting to know,

find real purpose in life

with wholesome goal

aspiring to live

with aim to fulfil

a human role

in one lifetime.

Racing through list

from day to day

plagued is mind

unresolved about

meaning of 'mine'

I pick signs hither

then for clues look thither

I ask myself

why is it worthwhile to live

for mere mirth, just a laugh,

ignoring eternal fact

that ruthless can be

twists, turns in life,

where precious fragility

defines being alive

where no one escapes

marks of pain, parting is there

tests with heartbreaks

for on cycle of life, there's no control

on matters that matter

in joy or pain, loss or gain,

or when happiness profound

bows off with curtsey

to let

sorrow seep in

with sway of an unwaverin'

reckless sweep of tide

the unseen hand of Divine

has beckoned - He

rolls and calls

from log of Destiny.

Truthseekers so many

are seeking for truth

or is it myth,

they search in vain?

will answers tally,

or be found at all?

at times to wonder

seems such waste of time

to want to know

what lies in store

when uncertainty appears

to be the natural law!

Ah unresolved,

remains my fractionated form

scattered as bits

of an unsolved jigsaw

I ache and crave

for utter Unity-

would meditation, detachment

grant this wish,

or

magic potion of being loved

act, be illusory reprieve,

will solace be found

with devotion to One

will I find 'me' ever

in harmonious unison?

Pahchaan

Paani

kabhi kahan
thamta hai -
anjali bharo to

jal rista hai
badal bane phuhar

nadi, nala, jharna ban

bahta rahta hai aab

dekho agar

tum saagar ko

usme bhi paoge dhaar

thame neer

tabhi jab

roke dharti

banaa ke jheel talaab

lekin wahan

mauje nahin hotin.

Priye,
isi liye to main bahta paani

hoon.

March

Steps today

led my way

to green, where

heartening it was

to see

new shoots

breaking

weather toughened ground

eager to bloom

were buds of yellow

and violet crocuses

harbingers of spring

unchecked, unfettered

were held not back

by the chill that bites

still stifles the air;

a statement was made thus

simply to say

mettle of new lot

will always have its way

to brush aside

sway away

any wintry gloom

there's promise of colours

that March of youth

can bring.

On way to Hervines with Kranti.

chamkila pal

ek chamkila pal
sarak pada kal
beete lamhon ke matiyale
paanon ke darmiyan se
jab puraani yadon
ki taaq main
sanwar rahi this;
jane kab se
phansa raha
woh wahan
intezaar mein
aur phir bin maange
bin chahe gulzar
kar gaya dhoondhlati galiyan
jin ka rang ab
kuch pheeka
pad chala tha!

Saarthi

Saarthi
meri nigah
dhoondhti hai
har gaam
tumhara hi chehra
umadti bheed mein
jahan
insaanon ka toofan
hichkole de raha hai
aur

mere man mein
abhang sannata
hai.

a promise

what shadows
are you talking about
mate these only form
with reason, it happens
when sun shines high
in clear sky to warm

and yield passion

ardence sweet fruit of desire

arise only in spring and summer

fair seasons of life

have long since left

now fall is here

to temper

with age our roots outstretch
hold on reach deep

to settle down in

toughened soil

a bare and bearing soul

that stands bereft
of memories

its been long

since these were shed

in heaps and piles

like time-yellowed leaves

they've dried

shrivelled for ever

never shall now green adorn us

the hours of dusk

and dawn are past

gone is the bygone

forever its etched deep

set in stone

as far as I can see

a tranquil night

is there to loom
blending in the horizon

so at this moment

of rest and ease, I'm keen

not to let

any light to filter in

I'll leave no space, no room

my dear

for shades, sound, shapes
from yesteryear
to haunt or disenchant

hence close to mind
hold fret nor fear

'coz sunshine has departed,

no lamp or candle

shall be lit

for thee, your love did not endure

in darkness

it'll meet its doom-

No shadows will be cast.

dosti bhali hai
ashiqui se -
prem vish
bahut vishaila
hai!

the increasing gap

small wonder
it is to note
that
rich and wealthy
surge ahead
gloating of
what's held
in account -
assets, pennies
and many pounds;
for privileged
the sums are there
to reap, and grow
yield yet more
and more
as money begets
money.

Left far behind
in health and bounty,
dismissed mercilessly
from
an unfairly played
social race
are the penniless;
they have nothing
but nought
to multiply with
and
this always will
leave a zero!

I
devoid
the
void
filling
it
with
word.

A Friend is one
who holds your heart
is there,
when you need them
for such a friend
do make concessions
as you would like, treat them
forgive easily their mistakes
accept apology , when sorry's said.
be kind, when they're
out about
living in a strange land.

Accept invitation to be togeth'r
answer greetings with a smile
don't ever treat with boredom
their company is to treasure
Discourage backbiting with,
about them,
prevent from being unfair
persist in giving
good advice,
and stand by when
they've come to hurt,
are subjected to injustice.

Guide them to get back
when they are lost
help redeem losses that may occur
fulfill their trust to very best
take their word to be of honour
sincerely do guard
their secrets
don't ever forsake them
if tide runs high
times become too troubled.

Accept their gifts
with warmth and love
never take them ever
for granted
thank for their help, support
be grateful for assistance
return favours with good
and kind word,
send on and off
a wish.

Extend a hand
when they're 'bout to fall
visit when they are ill
be there for them
at their funeral
to speak of them
as person of character
and good merit,
then affectionately
reach, hug in protection
their family as your own.


Wishing everyone the best of all relationships - FRIENDSHIP

Zindagi mein
sulag
tabhi tak -
tufanoon se
guzar basar kar
takleefon ki gard jhad
kuch pal sahi
jab jati hai saj
doston ke sang
hoton par
hansti khilkhilati
khushi.

Faith

It is possible
to rise
from the ashes
with a smile.

Na tumhare sukh mein hum
na hamare dukh mein tum
phir kaisi
ye yaari
rishtedari?

I remember

SJC I remember
your vast expanse of grounds-

that spread the world

out there for me

in many a vibrant colour

there I saw esteemed

Sister Mary

as chubby as her kindness

that was there defined

in every single crease

on that friendly face

dignity stood proud

upon a lone white hair

jutting from her chin.

SJC I remember
our nose fronted 'Blue Bus'
it ferried squash'd and squeeling

school kids, plus

my half dozen siblings

from Krishna Puri to

the Ghat Mahendroo

its wheels did steadily reel

screechily when bus

came to halt

were throngs and throngs

of hawkers-

they yelled to shell out

pachak and golgappa

peppered guava did entice

while mouth watering were

the lavishly served

spicy chats of aaloo.

The moustached 'Golden' man

doled out

ice-creams from his box

his indulgent smile

spoke in volumes of satisfaction

it flick'd and gleam'd

as lollies were licked off

we then galloped

on and on, hopped across

rows and rows of

stone bench

to hastily quench

the thirst we drank

from leaky cups

of hand.

SJC I remember
flights of hungry ravens-
in hoards they swooped

down upon mates

who flock'd in grounds

behind shut green gates

to run in merry play

it was then

those beasts descended

to prey at lunch hour

our food was grabbed

snatched taken away

devoured, consumed

in jolly galore;

all we did was turn

our eyes with a sorry sigh

to look up

at the open sky

with tears and dismay

SJC I remember

those ghostly ghostly tales
spun by boarders -

they cheekily played

silly games of planchett

then recounted with brags

of gal nightly visits

and spiritly encounters

to astound and scare

very life off us, who

turned away in gay abandon,

bidding them adieu-

every afternoon

we went to homes

leaving them in school.

SJC I remember
the games - budhiya kabbadi
kho kho, dots and crosses

roses and posies
march to beat of drums

chanting prayers

and hymns were sung
in classrooms and assembly;

sounds of songs rose high

to kiss, reverberate

thru' the beams that adorn'd

our old music hall

a lasting spell was cast upon us

when Bollywood classics

got screened-

then there were

plays, debate, elocution

fancy dress competition

were held to cheer, enchant

there was challenge and salute

with varied talent displays.

SJC I remember
eerie narrow stairs

right beside the auditorium door

that led high

to junior lab and library

it catered with

Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys,

Famous Five, Secret Seven
Naughty Girl of Enid Blyton
thrilled to bits, primed us

for adventures

in our lives.

In lessons were: 'Miss

please excuse me'

for not needed escapades to loo

then were times

when we conspired

to peek inside

the habit to gain

some very naughty views

then were times

of innocent wander

exploring the rear corridors

curiosity brought me

to chance and peep inside

nuns' living quarters

where silence often graced

aisles were quiet

inside the Chapel

where I could get

a taste of peace.

SJC my alma mater

I'll always remember

the decade well spent

learning what

life ought be from you:

physical and social sciences
man is a social animal
problem solving with maths
hand in hand go rights and duty

honour, courage and humility

to let devotion integrity

guide, be compass

when ways felt lost

we learnt here to

say with ease - 'I love you'

and lasting friends for life

I gained so many, SJC

I got much

too much from you.

Phir wohi rudali

Kal anayas hi ghoomte ghoomte
cyber ke bikhare pannon par
shabd todate jodate
bahla rahi thi main
apne vichlit man ko -
tab kan kan roondha gaya
mere bachpan ke
ek dost ka gham -
wahi ekaki
wahi rudan tha
wahi thi
paapi prem ki peedan.

Junjhlayi main
kuch kari rudali,
phir man se thi hook uthi -
kyon hum sab sakhi
ghoom rahe bematlab
chahat chahne ke
gol ghunwar mein?
kayi aur bhi to ho sakte the
aur hain bhi masale nit paraye
unhen apnate
aur jee jate hum tum
bin hichki ke.

Kahan khot hai?
kidhar kami thi -
jab rang chadhata tha Vidhata
jab bunte jate the har din
bachpan se dhaage yauwan ke?

Kaal ghalat tha
jab janame the -
ya mamta ka aanchal
seenchta tha vyarth hi
karampath pe aanewale
din ko?

Dosh tha kakscha, katha ka
ya guru dakshina par hi
koyi gaanth padi thi -
jo le gayi woh dayan
bahla ke ham se, tum se,
kisi aur sakhi se
sukh, chain hamara
bik gaya nirarthak
muffat hi sub kuch
loota, sacchi preet ki
laalas aas ne.

Refer poem 'advice' on http://billiboli.blogspot.com/2009/07/advice.html

Angeethi

Hai darkar mujhe
ek angeethi
jis ke koilon ki
dahak se senk loon
apna thithoorta
soona man.

today's lesson

All I smell, see
hear and feel to taste
is because the grey cell
works for me.
These work well
and serve right
only with intellect
that foresees -
desire and lust
deliver not
rather settle discontent,
not glee
So wisdom lies 
in awareness
in being conscious
and striving on
incessantly -
to set the spirit free.

Recipe to freedom: dharam, karam & yoga

Satyamev Jayate

Gandhi ji bole to sahi
shikshak ne bhi seekh dhari
maa ne batlaya tha padh padh -
Satyamev Jayate Jayate

Nahin samajh sake
nadaan bade the
waqt ko phir batlana tha
jab jhooton ki
andhi nagri mein
umar chadhi
ghata ghor ghiri
tab mere dagmag kadmon ne
arth sahaj hi jaana tha
pag hile nahin, hast bali huye
us dum hi-
jab man achran ek jut bole
Satyamev Jayate Jayate.

I loved staying awake
Clambouring out of bed
Each day -
To welcome sound 'n' sight
To ride the highs and low
That was brought in with light.

Things have changed
Ever so slowly silently -
Turning my days
Into long welcome nights
I love falling asleep
again and again.

Soulmate

I'd met once
not long before -
a mate
who was matched
in mind to mine.

We gazed together
at same horizon
in same frame of time -
spotted hues
smelled fragrance
sought and thought
in ways similar

when nights and days
were chatted away
sipping sizzling cups
of tea and lime.
Our paths had met
once and once alone
by chance, destiny
it was to move on
without any ponderance
on the sweetness of

our rhyme.

We parted road
changed direction
moving on was will of life

No questions there
remained to raise
no need to seek for reason
why it was meant
to look ahead
why couldn't norms

entertain us

why life couldn't be asked

for more of life

in this life?

Never for once

did we stop or listen

to heed melody of our souls,
small surprise then
I never realised-
person that'd been
left behind was

true partner
to my whole.

Not until the night

before did

a realisation dawn
transported I was
shipped ashore

across waters of sublime
Lo behold it seemed

no dream, I was there

in sweet company

it was my friend
with you
I was at home.

We walked
we talked
looked, laughed and
stopped along to listen
pouring forth
in our silence
were no less than

a thousand word
so much was said
not much undone
without utterance
of a kind.

Your glance was set
upon my face-
it warmed aglow

my gaze
without speaking
you raised a hand

to stop from fall

a single drop
holding on to lash.


Lips then moved
while hearts rejoiced -
sanity began to slip
my words flowed alongside

yours in a conversation

divine up along

till pause was reached

in time to seize in heart

the demand

of random flutter.

A surge was felt-

it paved the way
to give in to temptation
hands held abay
pushing away
from sway of stray emotion

when pupils locked
passions razed
to pinnacles of desire
I chose it then

to lay my head

to rest

it was against the heart

I sensed, homecoming

it was forever!

The moment lasted
a fleeting second,
next minute it was gone.
our breaths had risen

to fall in heave
leaving us to wonder
how the hell we'd survived

the blaze of life

with fortitude

and no ardour?

All we did was
to lay and savour
when peace and vigour
gushed in force

from deep tranquil hollows

our souls were filled

right to their brims
for one had met

the other.

I woke up next
in empty bed, turning over

to my side desperately in vain

I tried to hide
as rays of sun

did hit me;

painfully

it extinguished

the night, light

extended sight and vision

I c'd see with my stretch

of arms, a working day

had begun.

There was no time
to swoon or moon for

while sweet bliss it was

with you near

no heart breaks now, its okay

even tho' you're gone
for I've had

my chance, a special moment
it'll hold to

make my smile to linger
happily I'll mill about

my daily grind, strive around

till supper.

Rise and shine

I'll my love now, to hum

along the way
I'll search for memories
all day through in experience

that was meant to last

be eternal it was not

yet O how beautiful

it was for sure

when mind had

mated mind!