Waiting at the threshold in anticipation,
as the final page of the calendar turns,
shadows of the year slowly fade,
to be blanketed under the duvet of the setting sun.
We reflect on the year gone by,
ready to usher in the new year.
As the midnight bells ring, we pray for,
A new beginning,
filled with hope and happiness
for a better tomorrow!
May the year 2023 bring in all things good for you and your family.
Happy New Year to all !
Life’s pedal moves on waiting for none,
O brother, the only sepia toned picture of us, is a treasure I cherish.
It conjures so many memories full of mirth.
The happy feet scampering across the neighbourhood, on hot summer noon
our buffoonery, inviting the ire of the old café owner.
With laughter echoing through the streets,
those growing up years defined unlimited felicity,
Until
miasmic bugle of war blew, bringing with it bloodshed
bombs bombarded destruction and mayhem.
My lachrymose deluge, drenched the rubble looking for you,
the throes of separation lacerating my soul.
After all these years, I still wait, in hope of your return…
Sadje’s WDYS #146
A to Z Challenge – Nature and I
When life gets too overwhelming, just look up at the night sky and lose yourself for a while. – Deborah A Ten Brink
The torrents of emotions created a tempest within me.
I escaped home, to the sea, my refuge
The darkness of the impenetrable sky
the roar of the undulating waves, mirrored my perturbed mind.
With not a soul around, just me
I let the floodgates of incessant tears flow, merging into the salty waters.
The scintillating pregnant moon, appeared from behind the broody clouds,
she looked down at me with a loving smile.
Captivated by her warmth, I felt my tears dry.
Her benign radiance comforted my emotional ripples.
The dazzle of the luminous stars illuminated my heart,
serenading it, to complement the gleaming waters.
I sat there mesmerized beneath the surface of the night
feeling my pain being washed away until,
the promise of a new dawn embraced me, filling me with light!
You can read my earlier posts in the challenge here.
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 !
When tenebrous coverlet overwhelms life,
a tiny flame kindles a warm glow.
Twirling and dancing in a mystic trance,
its smile negates all darkness.
A minute flicker, spurs a susurration of hope,
burning yet giving,
radiating light to all who seek,
a beacon to the lost soul.
Tweaked an old poem of mine for Sadje’s WDYS prompt #114
The once happy cumulus, lay defeated
eclipsed by the brooding cloak of grey,
casting a pale ebony reflection
on the sedated waters.
The tone of the dusky sky
forebode whispers of despondency.
The distant peaks, stood a mute witness
watching in anguish, in sheer helplessness.
The winds of change blow across,
obligate the smoky clouds to shrivel,
unravel a sliver of dazzle hidden behind
smiling with colors of hope.
Yesterday,
This was a view from my window
bustling life, honking cars, jostling crowds.
It narrated tales of people on the move,
and I loathed that cacophony.
Today,
A prisoner, within the walls of my home
I look at the eerie stillness of the deserted street.
The heart yearns to listen to sounds of hustle bustle
only to be greeted by the siren of the ambulance.
Tomorrow,
I pray that the new dawn is a harbinger of hope
bringing with it the gift of healing.
Life returns with its busyness
and this time,
I would welcome the cacophony!
V. J’s weekly challenge: ” What pulls on your soul?”
Away from the rut of the mundane
as the wandering thoughts settle,
clouds of chaos dissipate
when all the noise is silenced,
I sit alone by the sparkling blue ocean
watching the tidal waves ebb,
soaking me with candid conversations,
washing away my wistful woes.
The nascent rays of dawn
usher in a promise of hope.
I hear their unspoken words.
The sublime sounds of solitude
wrap my soul in a tranquil embrace.
This began like any other year. People ushered in 2020 with gusto. Traveling, partying, New Year resolutions, setting targets for the year and so on. Things were moving along until the pandemic hit us like bolt of lightning. The world came to a grinding halt.
A list of new vocabulary became the language of everyday. Corona, lockdown, isolation, positive, virus, pandemic, quarantine, spike, vaccine and so on. Life has never been the same since.
The anger, frustration and helplessness of people spiked along with the cases worldwide. It brought out emotions in mixed bag. Some counted on blessings and bonding while for others it was separation and desperation. Along with physical setback, emotional well being took a toll on people. With work from home and virtual classrooms, meet and greet, celebrations, everything was in an online avatar. Unlock brought in a breather for the economy. People are getting back to work, but fear still looms large. The vaccine coming out brings in a gentle ray of hope.
As we enter the last couple of days of 2020, what are some of the thoughts and prayers that you want to fill in 2021 with? I would like to paint the coming year with vibrant hues of positive vibes, eclipsing the melancholic monochrome of this year.
Lets start afresh wiping the blemished yesterday,
filling the clean white slate with tomorrow’s hope.
Praying for the grey clouds of the pandemic to pass over
banishing the black monstrous villain into exile.
Let’s usher in the mellow warmth of a new crimson dawn
as the rays of bright yellow blow a kiss of happiness.
Listening to nature, croon the lyrics of vibrant green,
as the tranquil blue waters, serenade our stressed out mind.
May the year motivate people to get into the pink of health
as embers of the brown hearths keep hunger at bay
Hope a purple cloak of spirituality and growth embraces mankind
to paint the future with a kaleidoscope of colors .
Prayers to all the departed souls who fought bravely against the virus. Heartfelt gratitude to all the Health care workers, Sanitation workers and the innumerable kind souls who lent a helping hand by contributing in their own way, in this fight against corona.
Wishing all my WP family a very Happy 2021 ❤ ! May the world see better days ahead!
Lens Artists Photo challenge #122 hosted by Ana
Dark clouds of disappointment looms large
tears get camouflaged in the rains
the sombre sky sings a melancholic tune.
But fret not O mind! For I know
tomorrow, a ray of hope peeps in at dawn
ushering in a promise of a new day
drying the tears and painting the clouds white
as the sun embraces the horizon
the world smiles under its dazzling glow.
radhikasreflection 