The pandemic locked us up with our gadgets, turning life into virtual reality. As the undulating waves of the virus ebbed, we decided to get out of home. “No gadgets!” shrieked my friend and added, “Bring no book, for this one day we’ll give to the idleness!” We drove on without a destination in mind.
A couple of hours later, we found ourselves in a cloister canopied under a dense vegetation. Alighting, we walked on the muddy trail. The lazy afternoon sun crowned the blades of the tall grass. Piquant organic scents aroused our olfactory senses. We lay there, on the earthy bosom looking at the yonder beyond without a sense of time. The horizon tinged to a mellow tangerine, before melding into inkiness. We were glad, that we breached the confines of the mundane, to be on a date with indolence, fullyrejuvenated!
Word count :144
This week Ingrid from dVerse Prosery, challenges us to write a piece of prose in 144 words ,using some given lines of poetry. The prompt lines have been taken from Wordsworth’s poem, Lines Written at a Small Distance from my House:
And bring no book, for this one day We’ll give to idleness.
Grappling with the virus for a couple of years now, we are still trying to understand its variants and mutations. Scientists around the world are working tirelessly to bring in a panacea of sorts. While the vaccine does mitigate the effect of the attack, convincing the masses to take the jab, has also been a daunting task. Every time we seem to tread towards a semblance of normalcy, a new strain comes out, causing dread among the people.
Plans went awry, virtual and online modes became a way of life, mental health challenges came to the fore, sealed borders kept family members away, livelihoods were lost, dreams crushed… life derailed for many. The world experienced devastating effect of the virus. While we heard many endearing instances of people fight a brave battle against the invisible enemy, death knocked on the doors for many. The medical fraternity rising above their call of duty with relentless service, the common man joining hands together to garner help in every way possible was truly heartwarming, filling us with the hope that not all is lost. Man has learnt to accept, adapt and bounce back with resilience.
A cauldron of emotions flowed out during the year. Pain, agony, grief, heartbreak, fear and anxiety dominated our lives. Yet, on the other hand, bravery, kindness, empathy and selfless helping hands also rose up, adding a silver lining to the otherwise bleak scenario.
As we get ready to bid adieu to 2021, I look back at the year that it was and move forward with my learnings from it.
The pandemic definitely taught us to be prepared for unpredictability. Going by man’s callous attitude towards the environment, the frenzied pace at which he seems to be devouring the resources of the planet, volatility could just become a part of life. We need to brace ourselves with it.
Health is a priority. Invest in it, indulge in self-care, exercise without excuses. Make” balance and moderation” a key motto in life.
Each new dawn we wake up breathing, is a precious gift. Appreciate the gift of today, be mindful of the blessings it showers on us and lace it with a prayer of gratitude.
We create excess baggage in life, burdening ourselves with never ending desires and frivolous wants. The pandemic taught us that one can lead a very comfortable life, being a minimalist.
Seek happiness in little joys, befriend a positive attitude, contribute to sustainability, lend a helping hand, stay away from all forms of toxicity and cherish the love and blessings of family and friends.
Finally reflect within. Along with material wealth, enrich your soul with spiritual growth as well.
As I type this, the Omicron strain is gripping the world at large. Hoping that the effect of this strain, will not be as bad as its predecessor.
Here is wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2022! Take care and stay safe !
Your insensitive attitude towards your home, your planet continues to baffle me.
You build vast technology driven systems, things work at the press of a button, yet you seem to have lost the connect with your life.
The buildings you construct kiss the sky, but from above, you’ve failed to keep tab on the ground realities that are so vital for survival.
You bulldoze the greens in the name of development, failing to realize that you are axing the supply of air needed for your children tomorrow.
Money, power and expansion seems to be your only mantra, forgetting the core values of humanity.
With medical advancement, sadly the lines at hospitals have also grown longer.
Gadgets seem to control your lives, people hardly matter.
Climate change, covid, growing inequality, water shortage, increasing pollution and plastic choking all seem to attract headlines as breaking news or conclude in conclaves of world dignitaries to meet and discuss. Most times the measures to curb the problems are just on paper.
Man, why do you not learn from the catastrophes that have befallen you? I am indeed appalled at your callousness.
We animals may not be as intelligent as you are, but we are definitely wiser.
You live as if there is no tomorrow. Hope your children don’t pay the price of your mistakes.
This week’s host Tina invites you in exploring places and things that have seen better days!
Vagaries of time
tale of withering beauty
skeletal whispers
Back then, I am sure this typewriter typed at lightning speed, bringing out emotions on paper!What a beauty she must have been in her hey days!The green elixir today dies a slow death at the hands of man!Ah, it must have dressed many a beautiful ladies back in time!The primeval soul of the ruins, today holds many a secret within them!
radhikasreflection 