Madlena and I
were in lighthearted stroll
by banks of river Rhine
when she grabbed my hand
and said 
in as loud as a whisper might:'
/hey look 
there's a couple
of madly in love swans 
how lovingly they gaze 
to rest in the other's loving eye
they float serenely on river water
that gently flows and ebbs 
gathering ripples 
into its folds as drizzles
come in of snow 
that's just begun.

I turned to look
follow her
point of finger
And heard her urge
to go on
not delay 
to save image of love in nature
in darkest recess 
of my head.

I listen 
to the passion that soars high
in my friend's caring tone
she says 
she's heard it sung
passed down generations
in local legends and lores
grandmums have assured 
and said -
the one who gets such view
is surely surely blessed 
to find true love 
in this very lifetime
it'll be theirs 
Forever and ever
so my friend
don't delay
I want it so
much for you!

I laughed 
and turned in
to search 
my tender grieving heart
it gave a shrug 
as if to courtesy down and say:
Madlena there isn't 
room herein
I've already had to fit in
many a facets of love
thats talked about
I've been inb love
been sufficiently loved 
much before
I've seen
these lovebirds that sail
with grace bringing
nature's grace to fore
If at all its a sign 
it tells me
my heart 
has had its fill 
of plenty 
of what two share
and it Entices not
for intoxicatingly sweet 
though it is -
it limits it confines
the joy of being.


My love of now 
extends far beyond
in every facet that I witness
I see in its miraculous shine
reflections of Divine
that sometimes touches
twinkle of trust 
in little toddler's hand
or hope that lights
the seeking eye
its held in parent's patients toil
expressions of arts and science
that mind creates
carries indelible mark
that glows in love's radiant spark
and most of all 
I see it apparent
In timeless friendship 
or when unattached hand 
extends beyond blood or social tie
to lift to grace
a fallen soul
and so you see 
I've already witnessed love of many a kind
Madlena dear
at its very best
thats enough for any lifetime
to holds in eternal bind.

From darkness
there leaped 

at me -
demons of loneliness
deception and sadness profound.

I seized upon fear

i'd no choice

but to step near
and valiantly 

look past from past.

Peering through 

my soul's silent ground

I found You 

who stood beyond

with light upheld

I was urged

to accept the Truth.

You've broken
this cage of rib and spine
where I'd placed my heart
To take refuge in.


You made appear
an angel dear
to liberate 
undo the rein
I had worn 
for so long
that now I fear 
I'm exposed ever
more and more 
to barbaric thrusts
of barbs and darts
That cupid 
will hurl 
my vulnerable way.

How do You 
then propose 
I take these 
on myself
chin up with brace and steel?
Or shall 
I duck, demure lie low
Or may be 
melt to mellow
in fluid form -
where it'll 
be easy
to absorb 
pain and pleasure 
will disperse alike
with ease no distress.

Yes that's the truth
Of my self realisation
You are 
You've always been there
Even
When I was not seeing
Not listening
Not speaking to your presence
Not tasting the essence
Of my being 
I was thinking and doing 
for all else but you
...apologies.

Their eyes met
For a moment 
to get glimpse
of another soul -
both were 
a part filled bowl
that clanged 
to cheer and mate
to quench
of the other
with fervour 
they took fill 
Without 
a pause 
to exchange
serve the other
.......
They parted
Departed to go separate
on paths much trod
For prepared tho'
they were 
to receive 
not give -
each chose to suckle 
not succour
to become together 
one complete whole.

The Chinese medicine man
donned a somber face 
to say, Woman -
your pulse is weak
with sluggish heart you live
with serious imbalance 
of yin and yang.

I hear a giggle of hope
it rises in my belly 
that sneaks out
smile of joy,
bashfully I do speak
to convey:
Great going
you're spot on Doc
I've been 
in deep freeze slumber
for long 
too long a time 
no less than two decades in all;
you know what 
I'm glad i'm here
and heartbeat 
is there at least 
for you to revive 
When I've 
only just about
begun to wake out
of at best
laid to rest reverie.

Thank you -
I've put 
the full stop 
in complete peace
as I leafed thru' 
Liz Gilbert's journey
in Eat Pray Love;
how gently in
a magnificent miraculous way
did You let
the penny drop!

In stillness of soul then
I knew 
the how and why 
of my being 
and understood -
I know You now
and You always knew me 
how could ever I
in depths of ignorance?
suffice it then 
to say at last
with a relieving heave
all that matters 
in this Universe
with truth
is this affair 
that's on between
You and me 
in Your wholeness
I seek to 
be complete
.....
Om Purnamada Purnamidam 
Purnat Purnam Udachyate
Purnasya Purnam Adaya
Purnameva vashishyate.

Taqdeeron ne likha
Har Milne wale
Rahi ka naam 
karmon ki kitab mein
Jab panne khule
To paya
har prushtha se jhaank rahi
Thi smriti ateet ki
Mere man ke ateethi
Har ek ne 
prem-mantra padha
Chao shradha se
Bas zindagi ke utaar par
Saath nibhana Bhool Gaye.

Sense and sensibility
Courtesy two eyes 
Two ears
A head to think
A heart that ticks
And a tongue -
It wants now
Speak only of You.

its true
as the guru said:
connections of heart
is freedom enshrined
in the light
thats Divine shine
of You
our All Creating Source -
its great
i've learnt lesson of love
to take bow
and carry the karmic flame
You handed
with enlightening force
with a mission
that states
Unity in diversity
will bring peace
to all.

Jotted on 25.2.13 while reflecting on Swami Vishnudevananda's mission statement.

कितने ही आधे अधूरों
को यूं ही जोड़ दिया तुमने
कि इक खली खिला
बरक़रार है दोनों के दरमियाँ
पूर्ण होने की प्यास बाकी है
और जो ये बतला दिया
कि मोजूद है एक अकेला
इस धरा पे
जिस से रूह का रिश्ता
परमात्मा के समीप होने का
प्रदीप्त साक्षी है,
तो प्रशन सुनो
अधीर बंदगी का -
क्यों नहीं बतला देते
एक ही बार
कि खालिक तुम हो
और ये राबता
तुम्हारी बेजुबान मुहब्बत का अक्स है
कलबे खिल्कत पे
तो दिलों की धड्कन को खनकने दो
भरपूर बेकसक
क्योंकि
तुम्हारी किताब में हर दिलबर का नाम दर्ज
साफ़ अमानत धरा है-
तो दे दो हर एक को वोह परम प्रीत
जिस के रब तुम्ही तो
दाता भी तुम्ही हो.

Jotted on 13.2.13

Pack up traveller

My body feels racked
So is the soul
So far experience of sail
Mostly raging ravaging storms
And me ill equipped
And rose tinted glasses
I wore
To gauge hues of horizon
Made me falter and fall
For times umpteen
There was weakness in heart
forever in love
Groomed in humility
To be unquestioningly let down
With all that was on fore
I was eager
So eager to please
I'd only self to debase
Take it all
With just a pinch of salt...
Now that I know
With reality revealed
I fear no more
I've handed the ores
To One who was there
tugging me with vestiges
of my vessel along
Through the worst of storm
He demonstrated His might
And i humbly witnessed
with heaving sighs
The One who was kind
Unconditional in love
Unseen and supreme
He landed me safe
On this interim shore -
It's now up to me
To rise from disgrace
Fill fuel set fire
And be ready
Be on sail
In directions uncharted
Its my leap of faith
That'll carry asail
My diminutive form
To where I was
Set out to go -
Be it sweet or gore
It just feels right
i am ready
to turn a page in my book
I've to move on

hey i thought
i was stumped out
clean bowl'd
before my innings
had come
to a natural close
........................
and then You
pulled the final string
to make me jump off
from pavilion - apathy
to pitch of applause
true to word
of Your Glory
and wondrous record
of bringing life to dead
cleaving herb out of seed
cultivating and growing
on not only the meadow
but even on stone
and with
miraculous style too!

which love?

in my experience
love in its ardence
is a chameleon
eager to possess
it can poison
change colour
back out with
turn of season
while true friendship
slumbers you warm
blesses, sates and endeavours
to bring
to life - the smell
colours and joy of spring

i want to start
this day
with statement
that tickled heart
at morn today -
thanks for making me
walk beside
with best of soul
of my time....
and then You sustained
kept 'em safe,
kept 'em well
only to make
all appear, surround
just when i needed
to know, feel
Your presence
through them.

i felt the power
of Your miracle wand
it moved with such ease and grace
and healed wound
that'd remained raw
unseen on surface.

the heart had been left
in deep freeze
for long years that merged
into decades
and when to defrost
i took hold
i withdrew
the ice was sharp
stung and bit, it bled
my core

समझो ना

सुन समझ रही थी
पर करने का  सामर्थेय नहीं थी
जूटा पा रही
कर्मपथ दुर्गम और जो उस पर
थी मुश्किल से संभल रही
तो कहाँ घूंट उतरती
स्वयं शक्ति से
वो जो सामने विराग विष का प्याला
रखा था यूं कि पुनर्जनम के वास्ते
मरने की शर्त लगी थी
- तो फिर समक्ष
समर्पण के सिवा
क्या राह बची थी?

सो मैं ने मन छोड़ा
और तुम ने झट  थाम लिया -
बस यही निदान था।

भोर

भोर हुई है
सूरज बस निकलने ही वाला है
बादलों का पट सीना चीर कर
अपनी भरपूर चमक लिए
धुप से धरती का ये सिरा
सहलाने गुदगुदाने -
पता है जो
यहाँ बड़ी देर तलक
तारीक शब का बसेरा था
उफ़ यहाँ कितना अँधेरा था।

my heart is boarded up
with a sign up
to say -
from today
all cowards with their cowardice
need find
another place to stay.

उपकार

तो आखिर दिखाई लीला
तुम ने जो मैंने
योगेणे चित्तस्य पदेना वाचां
के मन्त्र पढ़े
कुछ यूँ कि बिखरते बिखरते
निकल पड़ी हूँ
अपने सप्त चकरों के घन चक्कर से
और दर्शक बनी निहार रही हूँ
इस यकीं के साथ कि
वो मैं नहीं थी -
जब सहस्र सो चुका था
अज्ञ को भी थी नींद लगी
विशुद्दी को शुद्ध अशुद्ध की
कुछ थी पड़ी नहीं
अनाहत आहत पड़ा था
और बेचारा मणिपुर -
निर्धन अपनी शक्ति के मणि मोती लुटा
टुकुर टुकुर बस ताक रहा था
स्वाधिष्ठान और मूलाधार को
जो अनायास ही
तांडव कर चले थे
जो मुझे कदाचित
अब कबुल नहीं -

शुक्र गुजार हूँ।

inspiring words: yogena cittasya padena vacam
                           malam sarirasya ca vaidyakena
                           yopakarottam pravaram muninam
                           patanjali pranjalir anato'smi
                           Om shanti shanti shantihi

meaning: yoga purifies consciousness, language and speech
               the impurities of the body are removed with science of medicine
               these were given in the best of forms by my saint ('muni') - to whom i want to get close to
               patanjali to whom i pay respects to him with folded hands
               Om --- peace, peace and peace alone/
               

i'm home alone
again inundated with thoughts
that bother You so
i try
not to let seed
undo forming habit
its just that each one
as i remove
from heart's recess
heaves a long sigh -
it winces
along with me

just read your lines -
they said
you planned, created to lead
each to its goal
- where am i heading though
give me my light lest
in this darkness
as a blind
i'm led astray.

Awakening

It's ok
I heard You
speak thru deepak*-
it was gently said
between silent thoughts
that he was given
he was chosen
to be Upaguru
just for then
to reflect Your light
and let me see
self in clarity -
I am blessed
to be loved
and love
without belonging to any
other than Yea


I will heed
I'll free, not hold
I'll let him go too
but only for You.

Amen


* Deepak Chopra - meditations on love: 'loving your beloved'

...so I've heard
You say
by the case of every passing day
i've to stand for right and
will for patience
to get out of harm's way,
so whatever my plight
coz here
i certainly have no right
i'll take charge
of my aching heart
submit surrender in longing to you
but much
that i trust thee
i can't help pause
take stock and cry -
Why
did You leave me alone
in experience of love again?

in this world
like all things finite
love
has a life span too
- i accept with grace
what wisdom You endow
in heart
but being human
i will turn
seek and ask:
as from You we've come
to wait patiently for
eternal return
so i'll uphold my patience
and hold You to Your promise
that when i return
let my reward be he.

कहने सुनने को
अब हम तुम ही है
बस तो
इस से पहले कि बात बढे
शिकायतों का सिलसिला चले
एक दरख्वास्त बता दूं ?

दुआ समझ कर पूरी कर दो ....

एक कुटिया किनारों पे तामीर करा दो
साहिल से सागर को तका करुँगी
ना मेरा आँचल भीगेगा
ना तुम्हारी ओर
कोई अंगुली उठेगी।

After writing this Your hands led me to the FB page and guess what I read written there :)

Rent a house for me in Your neighborhood

I can't stay away from you.

~Rumi♥

कहा तुम ने
तो मैं ने सुन लिया
लो आ गयी
पलट मोती बिखरा गयी -
शायद विरक्ति से घबरा गयी थी
अपने अंधेरों में थोड़ी देर
इक लौ की चमक से
थरथरा गयी थी

तुम ने थामा
हाँ सही किया
पर इस मार्ग पे क्या
विद्विषा का प्याला क्या
तुम ने था नहीं धरा?

You say i've erred
for i dared
and danced
with desires
that rage in a sinning soul
well isn't it fair
then for me to say
recall my Lord
by whose command
it ignited and sparked
then to forbid
and ask to tame
with heart and hands already charred
answer my prayer
from where do i find
the strength
to douse it all?

ok resume
i'm here to heed
with all ear
proviso -
you hear
me out too.

You'd removed
my fear
when through a deluge of tear
I heard You say
I won't get more
than I can ever bear
so its about time
to let me know
when can i expect
this pine
to begin to slow?

yes You're so right
no dreams should rest
on castles that aren't mine.

so i will pull out
straight and rest in sanity
sanctity thats Thine.

but remember
it has to be together
for - 'sah viriam karva vahe'
was my call
do hold me tight
or else i'll sway
falter and fall.



reminder note:

yes i'm listening...

You say it isn't right
to call love as Your light
if it leaves one with deliberation
in shadows of pain
knowing full well
it'll cost them
their life
yes it isn't right
to call it love when it stands
beside only when there's shine
then choose to slip away
without a pretense or
apology to have
other gain
another stab at life.

i agree...
but listen
there's one line that i need to add
in fairness
love was there with me in melancholy
to mop pick up the litter that they'd
left...only this time
Your light was reflected
it was diffused
in form of friends that
stood by.

i love You
for at last making me wise.

Lo I've left
company of friends too
coz You said
You wanted me alone
to whisper
Truth in my ear
so go on
begin -
I'll listen...

कैसे जियूं?

बहुत मुश्किल है
सुबह काम पे जाना
यूँ हँसना मुस्कुराना
जैसे कोई बात नहीं।

बहुत मुश्किल है
अकेले ही रोना खिलखिलाना
ख्यालों में यूँ डूब जाना
जैसे हो तुम्हारा साथ यहीं।

बहुत मुश्किल है
गाडी चलाना, बदमस्त नग़मोँ में
खुद को बहलाना यूँकि
मंजिल की याद नहीं।

बहुत मुश्किल है
हर शाम घर आना
बत्तियों से मूंह छुपाना
जैसे मिले  तनहाइयों  पे
तुम्हारा भी नाम कहीं ।

प्यासी हूँ

प्यासी हूँ
सो लफ़्ज़ों के बुलबुले लपेट
पंक्तियाँ बटोरती हूँ
हर्फ़ पिरोती हूँ
आधेअधूरों को तोड़ती मरोड़ती हूँ
फिर  अपने तुम्हारे ख्वाबों
का सिलसिला बुन
सिरहाने समेटती हूँ -
शाम इसी तकिये पे
सोना है।

missing you

no sooner
that i rise

to pick myself up

open door to step

out of home or car

am pushed back 

the cold draught of air

makes me pull back

and shiver against metal 

or the wall

and i know

its not the rotten weather -

i've left behind the blanket

your memory that's my shawl -

yes its you

that i miss.

अजीब दुविधा

अजीब दुविधा है -
धर्म पकडूँ, या योग ?
योग करूँ तो
तुम मिलो
तुमसे मिलूँ फिर
धर्म कहाँ?

Rabba -
don't test me so
all i have is from you
and so is
self control.

ख्वाब गुस्ताख सही मासूम होते हैं
- गुनाह तो नज़रों का है
जो खाव्मखाह ही
ख्यालों के कारवां में
उम्मीद ढूंढती है ...


in response to Sunita Singh Goyal's beautiful poetry:

ख़्वाब गुस्ताख़ होते हैं 

बिना जिए  नहीं मरते हैं ...

और होते हैं पत्थर-दिल भी,

किन्हीं मजबूरियों से नहीं पिघलते हैं ...

हाँ कभी-कभी थककर सो जाते हैं,

फिर बहुत देर तक नहीं उठते हैं ....

और कभी डर जाते हैं

छोटे बच्चों की तरह और,

बिना नींद भी सोने का नाटक करते हैं ....

पर ख़्वाब गुस्ताख़ होते हैं, 

बिना जिए  नहीं मरते हैं ....

ख्वाबों की नींद को कई बार,

लोग समझ लेते हैं उनकी मौत,

कुछ दिन मातम मनाते हैं,

फिर आगे बढ़ लेते हैं ....

पर सोये हुए ख्वाब, इक दिन जागते हैं,

कभी चुपके चुपके अंगड़ाईयां तोड़ते,

आँखें मलते, परिपेक्ष को पहचानते,

और कभी बच्चों से शोर मचाते,

चिडचिड़ाते, माँ से दूध मांगते,

उठ जातें हैं जीने के लिए ....

क्योंकि जब तक जिएंगें नहीं,

उन्हें मौत नहीं आएगी...

ख़्वाब गुस्ताख़ होते हैं, 

बिना जिए  नहीं मरते हैं 

patience

Winter's deep
ice yet to thaw
trees now bereft
having shed leaves of sorrow
wait to be taken
by spring
then sweet -
watch how
with seasons' change
we'll watch
catch all colours
to make rainbow
together in awe!

खाली हूँ
मन मालिक फिर से हाथ पसारे
पड़ाव दाल दिया है यहीं
झोली भर दो ...

Thank You

i valiantly took another strike
of Cupid
to turn heart
inside out -
the old puckered scar was holding back
and You said its alright
to pull it out
Now that the job's done
i'll gently unpluck, extract
from this fresh bleeding wound
the healing dart
to gratefully hand it back to You
then I will
sow, stitch and salve
be ready to move on
but before i take lighter steps
for journey that takes to You
let me bow down in grace
and say
a very big Thank You.

चारा

खौलते पानी का ताप
कम करने के दो ही चारे हैं
या तो आंच मद्धम कर दो
या पानी बढ़ा दो -
आंच मेरे बस में नहीं
सो मैंने
मटका पलट दिया।

hazard warning

note
exercise caution
at times antidote
can take form
of a poison

Wish list

Please take note

that I wish to:

See you for a whole day
looking just the face

sleep peacefully in arms at night

slumber an afternoon atop 
silence of tree-house

sail on backwaters with 
you by my side 
gaze sky asail from houseboat

with moon smiling, stars shooting 
across my eye

sit pensively by the lake

do yoga on sand and meditate, 
while ocean laps on 
to soak dry 'n' thirsty shore

watch a happy movie together

and share songs that delight

each has a collection

that's gathered over life's stride,

touch flowers to soothe ache 
in pining pores of finger

i'll gently caress then 
longingly with looks of soul
using single weed try and trace 

time-lines and touch contours 
of grooves and scar that adorn 
firm side of the face

will read a book lazily
hiding in a meadow

ride rightfully with content

lying wholesome on your back,

chewing morsels from love's hand
lick smear'd ice cream with a smack,

sip water from a cupped palm

then drink scenery
leaning, resting on your arm

glued safely onto your lithe frame

i'll hum lyrics of romance...

Wait there's more

- i wish to pay pilgrim 

to places you visit during day

and smoothen bedspread
you rested on then ruffled with 
at night

and hug her near and warm 
to gather all fragrances
of being my love's soul-mate
then play with him who's apple 

of your ever tender sight

salute soul that held you safe 
in womb, and greet father 
he had sired 
to hold you in his pride

meet friends with whom you share

laughter, many tales of woe

the brother with whom you

squabbled and sister 
who lovingly ties the rakhi 
each year on your wrist -

through them i've to reach you
through them i'll know
why fate delivered unasked for -
me to you
i really need to know;

and then 

when dream's over

I'll bow 
part for ever
to fanatically follow my faith map

will bid adieu
with happy happy smile

just before i do that but
sweetheart do remind
i have to chant my prayer
on tasbeeh round the neck
i'll dissolve thru' the jugular 
pulse throb through wild in carotid.
to place myself 
at home and safe 
in seat of beloved's heart.

ले लेना

 पेज और पाज़ेब
संभाले रखें है
कि जाने कब फिर
वापसी की मांग हो -
वैसे भी मूझे
जल़ाना दफनाना
नहीं आता।

Desire

I want to steal sip
stubbornness off
your very lip
so i could assert
in fair firmness
and say - No.

i have emptied

Flashlights shone

into my closet 

showed -

You're the only One

left that
I can't let go.

i swear
when i've been to seaside
especially at dawn and night
i've heard
the ocean breathe
heavy sighs of release
and growl of content
when it returned
after making love
kissing, churning
every particle
of grains of sand
on its ever silent shore.

क्योँ ?

तुम्हे पता है न -
तुमको ही देख सुन कर
अपने अहसासों के घोल
में समेट कर
मैं अपना वजूद मुकम्मल
करती  हूँ

फिर क्यों चुप की चिलमन
तान ली?

मेरे अधूरेपन में
तुम्हारी विजय रखी है।

he asked
how many years
are you old?

ummm, let me see
i said:
mind i know
is wizened with wisdom
of a hundred seasons' fold;
limbs and body
have toiled in total
forty-seven
but for heart
i'm not so sure
its home
to eternal soul
and as far as i remember
i've always heard
it beat
with sweet
rhythm of a sixteen year
old!

अम्मा मुझे छुपा लो -
तेज़ हवाएं है और बला का सैलाब
उस में कुछ बूँदें मेरे आंसू की शामिल हैं -
और मुझे तैरना नहीं आता!

hand of God

i've read
when against all odds
when randomness strikes
its dart sharp
claws deep
on surface of a life
its Your hand
that is at play -
why then should
i spend sense
on ponder
find logic, reason
to explain
will i end in
hell or heaven'll
be my domain?

बदलते वक़्त ने इस जिस्मो दिल पे
कई निशाँ दाग़ छोड़े हैं
किन किन की वजह
किन किन का पता पूछोगे ?

गिरते हैं, सँभलते हैं -
हम तो अब 'या अली' कह के भी
फिसलते हैं !

irony

24/7 soulmate? -
don't we all need
and spend a lifetime
hoping to meet
at this cross road
or when
it turns into next
hoping we'll fall
in arms of one
who's best:
totally in sync
with heart
....................
and so it goes
we love, we long
missing to connect
with the One that
we belong.

बाहर बर्फ की चादर बिछी है 

यूं जैसे चांदनी सरक आई हो 

सडकों पे -

शायद पता है कि इन अँधेरी गलियों में 

कुछ विरान दिल बसते हैं।

Yogi
its easy 
to breathe, bow, bend
and chant -
its harder 
to keep restraint!

प्रस्ताव

जानती हूँ
जब ये मिट्टी ढलेगी
माथे पर सलवटें सजेंगी
कमर खमीदा कर दांत झडेंगे
तो मरघट के सन्नाटों के दरमियाँ  
सिर्फ मैं और तुम
क़रीब होंगे -

फिर क्यूँ तकूँ
मैं किसी ओर

मुझे अपना लो।

snow walk

I've walked about

in rain before

on else's tip toe -

so today I felt

like experimenting

with steadily falling snow.

Hastily dressed

I left the house

in a soul baring fleece

I chose to run -

too keen to test 
and dare the ice.

Does cold within

when layered on

with further flakes

serve to toughen,

the mould -

or will it melt

me to flow without

with watering of eye

and nose?

It's for this

I thumped with my feet

racing ground 

to perceive

feel and find -

no blight, no blaze

settled down

steam billowed

off my gasping mouth

i was rasping 
breath of fire.

It wasn't me

but flakes

that melted

and their tenderness 

touched my core -

with tears came out

knowing self

in all of a sudden 
downpour.

I knew 

now ferrous certain.

its my heart 

that is at fault -

it just never 

ever ceases to scorch

and snow'll not 

soothe or mend

it's been cast

its been set on fire

of its own!

salutations

Only You could bind

scattered grains of earth

dough with water

turn to clay

with ignite of fire

fan the passion

in empty vessel

then mightily blow

of own Spirit

to transform 

raise humble ground

to sweetly kiss

sky at its horizon:

with one utterance

of 'Be'

You released from

space that bounds -

Man was set

on journey

from dust to Divine.

मैंने
बुनना सीना सीख लिया
तुम्हारी कविता से कर्ण लगा के
फिर जो
अपना कम्बल देखा -
एक फटे कोने से बरबस
मेरा ठंडा मन झांक रहा था
तो फिर सीना शुरू किया
एक और कच्चे  धागे
से सुई पिरो
मन ठिठुरन को ठीक किया
सीवान का उधड़न
जब गया संभल
सोचा गुरू को सप्रीत बता दूँ
गुलज़ार -
मैं ने तो
सीना बुनना सीख लिया।

Refer Gulzar's poetry: yaar julahe...

Richard Parker

ज़िन्दगी का तूफान साथ ले आया
मेरे हमसफ़र
तुम कहीं
मेरे 'Richard Parker' तो नहीं?

Refer: Life of Pi

why?

for now
I've only
one question in mind -
Why?

there're no answers given
yet-
so i choose to keep shut
...for now.

stay as you are
floodgates just be
i'm not ready
hold me steady
amidst rush of waves
in water
the deluge reckons
i'll be footloose -
for I've sapped
romance in air.

सीने में सुलग जो हो तो
बर्फ पे भी समाधी लगती है यारो!

یارانہ

دل کا ایک خالی گوشہ 

چپ کی چادر، چاہت کا کلمہ

در پے 'لا الہٰ' کا قفل لگا

 -دھڑکن پوچھے
ہے قرب کہاں؟

why?

i had no intention
to suffer
feel pangs of palpitation
that love evokes
and yet this connection
of heart is
a random resurrection
for soul
to heal, feel passion
perhaps yearn
a wee bit more
to live again.

लो लब सिये लेते हैं
इस आरज़ू मे कि ख़ामोशी से
तुम्हारे आमद की सरगोशी
का अहसास तो हो।

coffee pitcher

i peer deeply

in lukewarm cup -

it held my latte
to study fate
i was born with.

now that froth

has subsided

like old witch
an expert sorcerer
i glare to will
change without stir
from remnants of coffee
i glean
from who 

i was meant to be
the one i wanna be.

अब तो तुम्हारी ही कहानी चलेगी
रब चाहे रखो
या फिर जला डालो प्रेमाग्नि में -
हाँ भस्म की  राख
जब वक़्त की ससरती हवाओं के स्पर्श से
सिसकियाँ भरेगी
बज़ुबाने अदब मेरी रूह कहेगी -
इस चिता पर आग तुमने ही धरी थी।

تقدیر کی ٹھوکریں
ھر نصیب کو
اپنی منزل کے کچھ اور قریب
.لا ہی دیتیں ہیں

 آزمائشیں وقت کی
انس  و شیطان کا فرق
.سمجھا ہی دیتی ہیں

طبیعت کفر سے جب  ہمکنار
سچائی کی مانگ  رکھتی ہے
قدرت حوصلہ افزائی کو
. پردہ  دھا ہی دیتی ہے 

सवाल

अब के बरस
क्या देना है और क्या दे
ले लेना है?

हर साल निरंतर ताक  चुकी
अनुभव से पहचान चुकी
देना और फिर ले लेना
तुम्हारी रचना है
तुम से पा हंस
बिन शिकवा लौटा देना
हर दीन पार्थव की
अल्प अर्चना है।

Colours of life

The child spread
hands to the skies
believing it'll choose
to gather
it's rainbow
in a playful fold
Onto his lap
for all colours
to joyfully blend
reflect the eternal
radiance.

The youth
then reared
raised an impatient head
choosing the absolute
- black or white
dared to meet
life at stark terms
with blaze of red
that sizzle soul
he sowed
to reap in earnest
the labours
of earnest passion
he desired a lustrous
harvest.

The old
Turned wise -
with a touch of grey
he opted, withdrew
to fringes where hue
of day with night
merged silently
in non-judgmental way
with passion all pent
sought to surrender
when seasons changed
there weren't no wrong
or right -
in sage's book of rules
he just wanted to be
until his hour of decree
plain being is what ultimately
matters.

अकेली का सफ़र

हर रात हर दिन हर पहर

सरक रहे हैं पग -
किस ओर ये खबर नहीं 
ना ही मकसद से मेल हुवा है
इस राह की तकदीर जो तुमने लिखी थी 
बिन पूछे बिन बतलाये 
जब बढ़ा चुके हो 
तो मंजिल का निशाँ 
भी मालूम करा दो 
दोराहों पर अंक लगा दो 
कि अँधेरा और आंसूं 
देखने नहीं देते।

Curtain Call for 2012

Hold on to life reins
for there's more to come -
more joy
more peace...
a stillness to life
that is ever
more meaningful
when glasses half full
are raised with strength
of hands and hearts
that've held together
through thick and thin
Life nectar is a brimful!

BEAR HUGS AND LOVE 
to friends that started life together in search of their horizons in 1982 in Patna
their ways separated but hearts remained connected across continents and life experiences

stop distractions

my song sings of you
and heart longs
to be truly taken in
by you - as say the promise
of scriptures
words of the wise
say to who lead
inviting to manna from you.

behold but,
i halt
to ask -
when did i seek
for other
or, any other but you?

no manna
no man
no magic mystic
can enthrall
or call to sate
this heart
it longs alone
to be, belong
only to you.

खाली कूज़ा

प्याला खाली है
मन का, और तुम
समस्त संसार लिए
मूक बने तकते हो
निस दिन,
इधर मैं निहारती
तुम्हे अधर सिले
खामोश सवाल लिए
देखूं तो मैं भी
कौन बढ़ाये हाथ अभी -
दीन पसारे कोरे कूजे को
या दाता बन भिश्ती
लिए मश्क बढे ?

meditation

Fire scorches
that all water within
fails to quench
every particle of earth
that oscillates
in its yearn
to breathe, catch
life from a gustful
of air that rushes
to fill my vaccuum
from without -
i squirm
dig deep to settle
in silent stillness
of my soul.

Let go

When spirits harp in fusion
they harness energy of be-ing
atoms bind - souls unite
to reflect beauty pristine
of purposeful creation.

When hearts split
in discordant notes
there reigns confusion
egos cave in
for heavens to witness
carnage of emotion.

Knowing thus I
dither delay then firmly
avow to be alone
for he wants possess
not partner but cast pain
so i bow
in humiliated acceptance
for greater good
there's price to pay-
For peace
I have to let go.

will you accept

my heart 

is my place of prayer

where I hug close to myself

and offer

self in silent surrender.

sahil

साहिल पर पलटती लहरों संग
रेत खिसक रही थी
और मैं तनहा
बस ठिठक ठान खड़ी थी -
स्थिर न सही
ये भूमि तो मेरी है।

रिश्ते फिर बदल चले हैं 

सफ़र में टूटते बिखरते 

स्वयं और समय के
अन्तराल  को झिन्झोरते 

बरस  पड़े फिर से, और -

यह सावन  गीला कर गया
आंसूओं के सैलाब से!

बेला की खुशबू
लीची का गूदा
आमों का रस था
और बहती हुई गर्मी
में अम्मी की गोदी
में बस कर
और सिंक कर
नींदें हुई पूरी
लड़कपन में पलटी
की सखियों संग खिल्ली
-- बीती है क्या खूब
अबकी गर्मी की छुट्टी।

man ki pukar

जीवन की लटाई
अब लपेटने पे आई
तो मन की पतंग इठलाई
हो बेकल वो चिल्लाई
.....अर्रर कोई काट मेरी डोर
कि मैं अब सविभोर
उडू बादलों के संग
बिना ढील बिना पेंच
फिरूं चहु ओर बिना हेंच
जाऊं क्षितिज से मैं मिल
पहने इन्द्रधनुषी रंग
रासूं स्वंत्रता की उमंग।

chal phir uden

चलो एक बार फिर उड़ें
गहरे बादलों के साए तले से निकल
गीले पंख पसार कर चलें
फिर उठें
क्षितिज ढूँढने चलें
तो अये दिल संभल
और परवाज़ कर
.......................
परवाज़ कर .

پکار

دل کا ہر گوشہ خالی ہے

اور لوح میں میرا پتا پڑا ہے

!ــــ  چلےآؤ 

Mates for life

What worth is friendship
that lasts for time
that's bright as the day
when sun shines
wholesomely to warm.

That one that
cares to last
in rain and sleet
through winterly breeze
when weather growls
and turns to grey
and clouds outpour
grief, or wrath of heaven,
its then that
dampened soul
learns whom to trust, hold on
cherish for life
true mate and friend
that heart did yearn to find.

Sightings

The shawl of gloom
wraps me warm,
and at times
lifts its veil
to let me glimpse
as time billows past -
on horizon is lit
faint and far
without falter -
steady in haze
it shines, it beckons
the shimmering lamp of hope
brightens my dim sight

Yes its through You
that I behold?
Your hands
surely guide. 

I prefer peace to passion

I want to rest

by gentle shores  

which're lapped 

by tender tides
of water -

those that have touched

graced and peeked
at world from crest
to then

humbly fall 

to embrace

caress the sand 

on land
as they know of pain

when they broke
against rocks

with the passion
of high waters!

Surrender

If indeed
I am reflection
of Your radiance
refracted through universe
to natural Diversity,
I am content
happy to raise head
join hands, merge, subsume
to disperse the brilliance
of Your Divinity.

कायरता और कमजोरी में

अंतर है - 

कायर निर्भीक सशक्त सच से

मूंह मोड़ता है

और कमज़ोर सच सह

अवहेलित हो मन कचोटता है

उसकी सहनशक्ति में ही 

वीरता का प्रमाण धरा है.