Dhala Sr - Written from the viewpoint of the dear departed, comforting us that death was just a passing. "Know life as wondrous, full of it's ups and downs - Be inspired to live in the memory of loved ones - Our Maker you will join one day, so try and find - Your rhythm in this life - just quieten the mind"
A poem that begs us to brood not in the past (when we were in love). "I know its not easy but on letting go, we're choosing life - And not dwelling unnecessarily on highs from our past - Letting go is healing, the past cut away as by a knife - Instead we focus on the now and build a future to last"
A poem for my co-founder Sundaram and the company we hope to build
For 3 friends who are all finding themselves in difficult / estranged relationsships
For a dear friend on the occasion of his book launch.
About how a poet can listen, evoke feelings and help cure the maladies of the world.
Underscores the need for warming to each other's troubles and dissolving boundaries. Dedicated to the Father of the Indian Nation.
About a kid who wants to be a teacher and joins the fray - the fray to yieldmore.
If evolving is a struggle, this poem sees me coming to terms with my part as an observer, not a doer. The vanguard or fountainhead of human progress.
On how a brighter future is possible if we let breathe the sensitive side inside us.
A mashup poem on the joy we can all face as I write snippets on different friend's walls.
Incomplete poem about my best friend and his wish to be reborn a puppy.
Jointly written as an engagement gift for my cousin Shoaib. They both very sweetly wrote their own poems with the words we chose to write with that night.
In gratitude for teachers and they joy they must feel watching their wards grow.
A poem that touches raw on the feelings spouses go through when theyre rejected and have little chance to reflect on their own feelings.
Written for a friend who had just given a presentation on the Bhagaavd Gita, that vehicle of Old Indian Wisdom.
2020 with its pandemic in perspective - "We're done with the old ways of utter callousness and unfeeling... Being cooped at home, we've gotten past crazy and begun healing... It's a little rough but we're now starting to appreciate family... There's been friction but we learn to enjoy the other's gaiety"
For a friend who was feeling low, in the hope that he will cause a change in the trend.
Written the day we performed special prayers, our spirit is to: "We stand apart in our promise to deliver a high standard... Of quality, we work hard to give what we said we would... We're quick to support a colleague, we're never wayward... Instead our concern for living beings touches as it should."
How I look forward to knowing you better - "Stand forth to center and be called out in loving honour... You stand tall, dwarving us with your immense stature... I've been jaded by the wall of pain that surrounds all... The people I love, perhaps it's my turn to stand tall!"
Ah, dear Soph - "No matter whether they seem they will engulf you in sadness and terror... There will come a brighter day when you will smile again and move on"
Written as I painfully miss my dad and want to have him back so we can both "serve humanity" as we individually strove to do so.
On a WhatsApp group, I began with "I joined a group of people - we all shared one thing in common... 'Twas a love of words, words that spoke to a body's heart... We drenched ourselves in poetry for that fueled our imagination... We'd speak of the human condition - this dialogue was our art"
Same Group - "I swear to thee, this above all... We need to learn to stand tall... For this world needs giants again... People who serve with no thought for gain"
Written in the horror of seeing a youngster playing shooting and killing games, I was reminded of the Robin Williams movie Toys
Ah, the thrill of meeting a kindred spirit - "Did you grab the opportunities that came your way to express love... Did your heart sometimes expand and soar up to the skies above"
For my parents - "So fragile our dreams when we know not the way... Today, I am cleansed and freed of a self neglecting past"
Yavanna - Garden reminded my of the Mrityunjaya mantra and God begging us to have a "victory over death by being in the present... Being ready to leave, grasping onto life which was heaven sent"
Written for my mother as I come to terms with a grumpy past - "What we all need is a little more patience, understanding and love... We need to plant these as seeds and saplings in Mother Earth's grove"
For a friend and her son who "We're a simple folk, firm as bedrock is our faith in the One... Who will show us a way, help us bid our past a firm adieu"
Thinking of the women I have loved. I try not to let it show, but theres pain all over. "A friend with a silver tongue wished me good company... But that ended in disaster, I have since willed my way on"
About a mother and son who "Together they help people find a way out of any malady... That wisdom or vidya is her gift to times such as these"
About the same mother - "My prayers that you grow into a source of delight soon... A girl I saw a spark of as her healing put us on the moon"
Wriiten when a matriarch was called to Eden above and how her Umbrella continues to protect her family.
Romance: "I can love you forever, show I'm made of tender stuff... As causes a symphony of joy to course within you... 10 points lover, and let each day bring me nearer to you"
Thinking of me the programmer building an app a whole country could use - "Think of transparency, mutual good will and sincerity as paramount... And imagine if technology could in this serve as our mount"
About knitting memories inthe tapestry of lives,this poem tells of granny who lived through ww II but whose spirit remained unconquered till the end and who left me a number of things each of which rekindles a treasured moment
Help our kids develop their talents,smoothly change their gears.
Look to your lordand let hisheaven manifest faster.
To explode into action, fill the void and be merry in any weather.
I'll help you instead of reeling from the light.
The call of birds weave their bright magic upon our soul, the city couldnt mend us but now out here we're whole.
The farm has an old worldand rustic charm, a certain serenity about the place.
There's gaps in the attention we get from parents when we grow up and there is intellectual chasms and bridges to cross.
Seemingly disjointed, but a record of ideas from my cousin, woven into thoughts
I keep planting seeds of brotherly caring,but it falls on deaf ears,dont they cry at another's grieif, one that's so painful.
When losing a parent, we hit a new low and our feelings get all jammed up. How will this raw grief bring about a catharsis for us?
it will stop us all from just going through the motions Instead grind us all until we've made our kid's life into bliss
I've searched for a woman to love till eternity,now tim to discover what is serenity.
I wish more of ou friendswould grassp the essence of life,learning to live it most merrily.
Pandu - I often think of this noble soul who orchestratd the highs of many a person and team.
last year i prayed that you be strong and resilient with no quit in you unbreakable like adamantine.
Run on Empty folks, the time is near, when all we need are the unfettered mind and a fierce valiant spirit.
He'd a special work that to the lord would redoundthe timeless work of the GITA,UNITING HIS ONLY MISSION.
Imploring us to fashion things with our own hands and be filled with passion - for that is when spirit arises in matter.
Then came Rappo who, with concern gave us a leg up Provided our basics so I could learn without hiccup.
Dont worry dear parents, all things are covered in the grand circle of life.
Have faiththe game is not overyetand beg that deep within-your heart courageously holds sway.
Remember our time is short,so spend it well,let our children dance in the light,weave a spell.
When losing a parent, we hit a new low and our feelings get all jammed up. How will this raw grief bring about a catharsis for us?
I worry about you sometimes ,hope i can be therein some small way,while you do your best to be well.
Like the masters say - we should FREE ourselves from all LIMITATIONS and SOAR ON HIGH in SERVICE to the DIVINE.
When losing a parent, we hit a new low and our feelings get all jammed up. How will this raw grief bring about a catharsis for us?
If life is a test, we need to up the ante and SOMEHOW learn to lead a FULL LIFE, letting the past go and fighting to get into gear.
A painful reminder as to how many lives we are losing in this pandemic and how we feel each death so poignantly. Ends with a word of comfort to those in the line of fire.
For a dear friend upong the loss of his uncle... Triggered a powerful emotion and thought for all the people we love and the longing to be reunited with them.
For an aunt who has few rivals when it comes to devotion and poise. And how I want her to inspire my students to live in God's Peace and Love.
About a friend whose stood by me "we barely know how to cry... And wash away the nightmares in our dark past... Has the time come to grow in the light at last"
For a newly met friend while contemplating on the divine and what life has in store for those who serve.
Using the Imperative - "Hey You", this poem addresses humanity from the viewpoint of 5 different spiritual figures.
With an aside to the sorrow and grief I've seen, I finally advise the dedicated to "Know that in the end you'll find the way back to God - Upbraid him for neglecting you"
Embodying a future spirit, this poem speaks of desirable qualities, offering hope that "just when your faith is flagging, an angel appearing... Out of nowhere will give you a boost and you the pinnacle will surmount"
Written for my French Teacher, 25 years after she began to teach us in school, this poem soon to be translated to English
Written with a friend as reminder for him / all of us to be kinder to ourselves as we celebrate our children's lives.
About a long awaited rain - a plea and prayer for it to fall - but with romantic overtones
A from the heart confession about my less than perfect self / appreciation for the family that loves and supports me.
Another realization with regret that I can be a better son / nephew instead of neglecting / being gruff and terse. Ends with an imperative to "drop what your doing and show family LOVE not fuss"
As a friend comes to a crossroads, my trying to give her courage and resolve. Happy to say shes already well on the mend.
To sum life up, I simply say "To know her pain is also to know her high - ya? So try to dig deep for her buried treasure"
A tribute to the nearly 30 girls and women in my life, weaving them into a single tapestry, seemingly addressing a single / a few people.
As I hit "ground zero" at ByTwo Studios, this medley sees me trying to set words to the tune of 5 different Pink Floyd Songs
For a helmsman who navigated his company through the COVID.
I want to break free but it seems I lack the nerve, lead the way, help me on green pastures to serve.
After all what fun is life unless we have each other as tether.. So make a stand to uplift each other.
Rise we then from ashes, but fall we shall to dust - have we come full circle?
I want to break fre but it seems i lack the nerve, lead the way, help me on green pastures to serve.
Random thoughts from the parents and brother of a friend on his wedding evening as I drew them into intimate conversation
About the old indic thought of gradations in colour of the modes of nature in people. Written for a friend who is researching it
Written for my friend's best friend and life partner, with much feeling and good wishes
Written about the story a friend and filmmaker had just made about compassion and forgiveness in the atrocities of war
Flow of thoughts at a Yagnashala or place where a ritual offering was being made to the divine, and a friend was addressing the students there
Written for a young girl who wants to turn healer and trying to offer her some perspective
Thoughts at a sacred place where children are being taught vedic hymns and in conversation with one of their teachers
As my friend marks her mothers first death anniversary, written in the first person with immense feeling
For another friend who misses his father and thinks of his own mortality, realizing the "the best part of life Is over"
About the steel we find in people and how they, as a brook, goes on calm and serene, gathering the rain, even the unclean
A random feel good poem I wrote about myself after a long chat with a dear old friend
A sudden yearning for a girl I once knew and how maybe in an alternate lifetime we could have had a future
Feeling lost, I soon pick up my spirits as I think of my gurus and their legacy
Another fiercely romantic poem, I this, I say "Do come back and abide in these lonely arms that ache for your Touch"
Sometimes the poet misses to catch the sentiment because of the stereotype... This about a parinful youngster who'se missing her father and whose family is drowning in sorrow over it. Glad to say, its not the case in this one valiant family
I'll let this cute line invite you to this poem - "I remember clarion clear your hands upon my cheek - clasping, as we set out to make Hermes and Aphrodite blush at our verse"
The poet and the friend keep chatting as she complains about her "mate" and he offers different perspectives, for hes seen this couple up close and knows what they mean to each other
I very short sentences, this poem is best summed up in this line "We are not here overlong, so sing out loud and strong"
Written for a friend and engineer, as she steers her dynamic alumnni team to the background as they make way for a new one
For a friend on his engagement, a request of the world to "stop" and take cognizance of these two youngsters falling in love.
Offering some sagacious advice to a friens, "know boundless and uttermost delight - Strive on until the kingdom is won by your toil and your might"
A note to a friend to enjoy life and life true to his inner calling as he lives a family life and raises 2 boys.
Crazy thoughts as I come to terms with what a dear friend meant to me who left this world altogether too soon.
Begun with lines by John Denver, this poem sees me going back to earlier notions of having a "Tracey" in my life - a name from the Wilbur Smith novel Diamond Hunters
About fighting for truth and Mother Earth, this one ends with a strong call to have a day "glorious as we dreamt. When we decided to fight for good"
A word of comfort to a dear friend to whom I say "Think of the secret of life, as new fields you sow, and water with your blood, sweat and tears"
For a friend's daughter Taara, 4 years after her elder brother turned the same 1 and I was there to capture the atmosphere
For a dear friend on the occasion of his book launch - with a plea to all to come, help build and then live in a "Common Planet"
For a friend to dream and dare and in thanking for making me feel loved again, as we set out to "remind the world what it always knew - that acts of caring never go amiss"
About the important role some of us men play as Heroes in our children's lives - "We all feel a warm glow as you enter the room and greet us" - now go, have a ghand ball.
For a friend's friend as we welcomed here into our warm and light hearted circle
With pain, now gone, since I spoke about it and wrote Clarinet. Am almost mended now, though it caused much pain and anguish for many years. "I sincerely pray for peace for those warriors who wrest With life as her very future lies in the balance, now rest"
For Reuben, Sandeep and Harry on the death of their friend Manish Aneja, written from the view of the poet, addressing the dear departed.
For a dear friend whose very peaceful future was and is being threatened. I do not agree with her decision not to go down with guns blazing, but respect the strength she has for choosing that. "My advice to you, all friends - is to just recover fast and keep moving - we know this life as bumpy, yet chose it, so make it one of giving"
Thinking of the giants and personae (characters) in my lifetime reading fiction, I dedicated this to a friend who helped me mend. "I wait for the never ending story to lead a way out of hell, As I promised the Empress I'd create something special".
Thinking of the Nature of people and the watchwords needed to build the promise of tomorrow, this blank verse poem was made from words given by a friend and mentor.
A sequel to the Bayonet, this hope for all that can be good in life again as I evolve the thought with a dear friend.
Another poem inspired by my Gurus, on the special day when I visited the city they sanctified and hallowed.
A heartfelt thanks for those who dare to build a brighter tomorrow. "we'll joyfully burst out in song. For mankind will have survived his adolescence, will finally belong - In the timeless halls of tomorrow".
For a friend as she graces a wedding wishing the very best to the couple, as we tried to articulate that "though life is sometimes gonna bring a low. Take the good with the bad, there's no other way - than to embrace the moments, as dreams hold sway."
For a friend who was nearly at term, in memory of the wonderful vibes she created online.
Again a romance, written in French for my "would be".
"Instead walk in your shadow, fight at your side, retrain my thought... As the warp and woof of my constructs undergo a metamorphosis... And comes out refreshed by the tender and sheer force of your love."
"So follow the impulse in your heart dear soldier, extend the olive branch... And let a new spirit of oneness take hold of this planet."
"All my life I wanted to find a girl like Stormy, who like me would want,.. To delight the world's children, and with our combined voices, enchant."
Written for a poonal ceremony of a friend's nephew Arjun
Written for my boss' birthday - "You balance hardcore tech savvy with empathetic, but that's not odd,.. Rather it's endearing, for you always wish us well, help us feel sated."
Birthday gift for a spirited friend "why not teach Our children simply to dream of a brighter tomorrow and then how constantly to reach? For the stars and baulk not at the challenge of building that vision"
"He's done with the old life, it's time to plan and be more effective, As friends tell him he's worthy of being counted with the rest."
"Wish for different times, and that we'd strengthen anew... Each other's voice, guffawed into the night as the dew... Evaporated and gave way to a resplendent dawn bright,"
"Just a change in our outlook as we ride the escalator to heaven... I may seem old and haggard, but I tell you I've much time well spent, In daring to plot the reform of tomorrow, plant a veritable Eden."
"You've meant a lot in my life as I'm sure you've helped redeem a few... Let another year pass and we will have spent a dozen well.... Now go drink from the cup of life, and let jangle your bell!"
"I'd recall to you my story of love and friendship, still hopeful... That you'd one day realize I was simply in your spell"
"I can't think of a gentler soul though firm... To reform heaven, help them cut through the tape... Find the supreme secret *1 as we'd cast away a drape"
Written for a friend, the day they stormed the Sri Lankan President's house, demanding his resignation
For my school teacher of 6 years who dreamed of a lot for me - things that are slowly coming true, and my feeling for my mother to continue the cycle of love.
At the crossroads of romantic dead ends, this poem sees me letting go of the past and making way for what would become "dreamy"
The first of 15 poems for a new muse, this one has me saying "I'd reckon the years by the stars you'd pull down, and my words, that whisper love in the light of dawn."
As you touch my hand and let our love light up - The skies as sparks fly from our skin, a deep cup
It's only in your heart that I would dwell for a while. Where I bask in the radiance of your beautiful smile.
For its your face I would remember all my life. Let me now ask that we live as man and wife.
I know you both have left much pain behind. But know that in love, much healing you'd find.
Dance you two, weave the story of the world between the tapestry of your own world. With senses keen.
My love, I'd be thrilled if only you would think to have me, for life is fleeting, gone in a blink!
The hills beckon me where I would walk in woods. Holding you beside me, each couple with their broods.
Melt me down to my elements, then cast me anew. For I would be pliant for you. My pledge I'd renew, To hold and cherish you until the end of my days. To swirl in your waters, live enthralled by your gaze.
Hope your senses reel at the thought of me. And all the ways I'd touch you deep and wild. How I'd bask in your love, shout in pure glee, As we found ways to unmask the inner child.
Tell me you'd be here this instant and I will stop all my meandering, rather live with you in glee.
It gladdens my heart to know that you exist. That the ether connects our minds and hearts. Tell me lover, should I walk through the mist? Would I find you ready to assemble all my parts?
Oh darling my light is glowing dim, but I wait. I strove hard to find you, first in my dreams, Now come quick to me before it's too late. Do you hear my whimpers amidst their screams?
On a patch of grass on the same side of a slope. So that we may grow in the melody of one another. Good water! That harbinger of plenty, and hope, Let me find you so we'd have each other for tether.
I grew up dreaming that lovers ought be entwined. And enmeshed, totally inside each other's heart. Have I found that sort of love? Believe it I'm inclined. For this time I've loved you mad, right from the start.
Thoughts that came flowing for a friend on the topic of death, as it overshadows a loved one.
We run amok thinking this Earth to us does belong. In your despite we play with fire, not having the sense That your dreams can take us to the very heavens!
Genuinely asking a friend to share her thoughts and feelings as I realize everyone's life is in 3d - technicolor.
Reflecting on life in the company of two very dear friends.
A personal note to babies and children everywhere, written for Renaissance
Another note to toddler's and youth, this one with a final note to parents to always be mindful about life. Also written for Renaissance
Care for one another as we can do, with love. Uplifted, as on a starry, starry night, we look above.
In all my madness and insecurity, I've always forgotten to pray for and be kind to the ones that love me so.
For a friend's daughter for her birthday, this one extra special for it reflects my love of books.
Oh, absolute mirth at the thought of the battles of life to be fought.
Beginning with an appreciation for distance, this poem quickly talks about how friendship can bridge any gap and quickly switches to even grander themes.
A landmark poem as I start releasing that pent up anger and write with a new force of feeling / authneticity instead of sugar coaring everything.
Another important poem of self reflection as 2 dear friends bring me closer to believing - believing in myself.
Enough talk of daemons and sprites and spirits that would possess a poets imagination, lead him to daydream and continually obsess - What these fellows need is some strong grounding in reality.
I think of the years stretching in front of your grandchildren and know, that they will carry your spirit fierce through all their laughs and tears.
Break the Chains that bind, prise open the cask's lid and strain once again, this time moving sure-footed and lightning fast.
We should only be grateful for the road brought us here, through good times and bad, now come dance and thrive.
Dear Friend of mine, how the tomorrows stretched to infinity a scarce decade ago! You were right, my philosophies were all sterile and puerile, filled with a false Ego
Oh the friends I leave in your care as I trot to my new home with my old fife. Especially the ones you took to your bosom for they'd borne too much of life.
let work morph into it's divine future and no longer maim or control. This very moment, we withdraw our sanction from poverty, homelessness and war. We eliminate the need for banks, debt and taxes forever!
There's a part inside us that's strong though grieving. It wants to sing your praise, but also is filled with sighs. All through your life, we never at your hand stopped receiving.
... don't let life drive you around the bend. Go with glide in your stride instead, always wisely your time do spend.
For its is only when we reach for perfection that we become the game. And to play the game you must always surrender the outcome
A random prayer for a friend
For a near and dear sweet friend whose on the verge of separation and divorce
Life finally calls for us to have poise and a shedding of the ego, as we revere all things beautiful, with creatures great and small.
A contemplative poem thanks to my uncle Chalam
This poem describes a friend whose feeling low and "unable to hear the music"
An apology to friends for being obtuse.
"Making love in the morning sun in some Of my earliest essays as I revelled in your beauty, In your warmth with a sense frolicsome."
In this poem about my father's fear of discussing death, I begin to make a case for Euthanasia - something I've believed in for more than a decade.
About my friendship with 4 women.
But Humankind seems ready for fresh ideas, that's a plus. I wrote last year that the time can be even now,
"At new beginnings, I'd dream on, hopeful with each passing day. And glad for those friendships that are cemented for a lifetime."
Each day we live we find positivity to buoy us from the crass and odd. For blessings today in this seemingly harsh world may seem almighty few
A prayer for a dear friend that she recover quickly from a fall and fracture.
About the ups and downs of communities and the gleanings we can have from our elders.
Like it says: "we just bonded well straight from the start", you gentle giant you!
Dead set against all forms of war, this one ends with: "Come my much loved species, time to turn the page!"