War on Terror - We will Fight!

( For what happened to us all Indians on 26/11)
Who are you, behind the innocent face?
What creed, what caste, which religion, which race?
Were you born with hatred ? Or, was it chosen by you?
You make a child cry , a mother weep, each day a terror new!
Like us, you too have a home, your kith and kin
Am so sure they would never be a party to your sin!
In the name of God, you shower bullets far and near
You drive in the minds of people disbelief and fear!
What will you say, when you face Him one day ?
What is the reason, to your bullets, the innocent fall prey?
We didn’t know you, neither stole marbles during a game
Then why do you kill in religions name?
Life is too short, make friends not war
Spread love and brotherhood both near and far.
Use your valour – O fearless one!
To serve your country – you don’t need the gun!
Learn to protect the old and hungry , to heal the sick
Today you bring animosity between countries – the mistrust so thick!
We have learnt to tolerate, but we are brave,
We love our country and will stand by each other – when times are grave!
Your spread fear and death to us – but in vain!
We have done it before – we will do it again!
You cannot win, whoever you may be,
Till the last man – each time ; we will protect our country !
India, fear not, dear one, you have many a valiant son
Our fight against terror, they have already begun!
VANDE MATARAM ! JAI HIND !
( I salute each hero; heard and unheard of - who gave their lives to keep us safe.)

Eternal Colors of Life

(Pictures taken at Kanya Kumari - Before and After sunrise)
Each morning as a new day dawns
I look out for the eternal painter
Who has spilt the color across the skies,
Simple strokes , making our lives worthwhile
His laughter of beauty breaks out in the seas,
Each moment triumphs in the green grass and trees.
He loves his work, I am so sure
For not a season goes by without colors so pure!
Have you ever heard the chant of the seas?
The voice of the rivers, felt the dance in the breeze?
Look out for you will find, vibrant colors, the beauty in the sand
An evening sky, a rainbow with the VIBGYOR band!
Who could he be? Many a times I have thought
Where do I find him? Many a lesson he has taught!
A prayer, a thanks , these words are small
Give me the knowledge to understand this all
Day breaks to give us light, live another day
Colors all around, yes , there is the black and the grey!
In the eternal music, I hear his voice,
I hear him say, “Its your canvas and hence it is your choice!”

A Fisherman's heart!

(Picture : KanyaKumari -Oct 08)
The call of the sea! O! Bountiful mother
Without you where would I be ?
Even before the sun does rise
Even before the first bird flies,
I reach out to you for my livelihood.
You are sometimes nice and sometimes rude!
Crashing into my little boat, you come,
This is all I have, help me to feed my little one!
She awaits my return with fear in her eyes!
“Come back safely” – softly , in her heart, she cries.
I have seen so many colours on you
Sparkling sunlight of the dawn and the evening blue!
In my little boat each dawn I go
Wave after wave , you have always helped me to flow.
My father, my uncles, all knew you so well
I was but a child, waiting on your shores, picking up shells!
Slowly as I grew, I joined them too
Eyes closed, praying hard but trying to be the brave new!
I could feel my father’s hand around me – holding me tight
“My dear one”, he said, “this is the fear you need to fight!”
So many years, so many tides
So many storms, sometimes no place to hide!
You are the one who has taught me how to live
From you I have learnt to earn happiness; when you give
O bountiful mother, let me be born again
To be ever giving and never to be vain!

Prayer for Peace

( Photo: From a Church in Kodencherry, Kerala. Thanks to Terrince)

“God, Forgive them for they know not what they do…”
Who could have said this – but only you!
You taught us to forgive, You taught us to love
You healed our hearts, You healed our souls,
Why did we hurt you?
Why to the devils did our hearts get sold?
Not a drop of water we could offer you, O Lord!
As You carried your cross – across a path so hard!
Will we be forgiven- I think even to this day
Is there redemption – In what way ?
Those were the yester years – but have we changed ?
The old still cry, the innocent bleed
We still stand and watch the weak being caned!
We are civilised, we fly jets in the air,
But stop to think – have we wiped a tear?
So many mothers still weep today
So many innocent still fall a prey!
Give us the light, O Lord! , show us the way,
With wealth and greed let us not go astray!
Let us not choose a path so wrong
Let no one be the king with a crown of thorn!

( I wrote this post the Delhi Blast! when will we live in peace!)

To my first Teacher - Ma

I don’t remember when the lessons started,
Probably even when I did not know how to talk!
You taught me; dear Ma; to smile at the faces that looked at me with curiosity
Holding my little fingers as I reached out to feel the world around…

Then I took my first step forward
You were always there to help me take one step at a time!
To smile and hold me in your arms when I fell,
Taught me to stand up again and walk to the end of the path!

The first word, the first song, the first tear, the first love…
You were always there dear Ma…

As I grew and learnt the ways of the world
You walked beside me, showing me the difference between the right and wrong!
Taught me not to forget the plant, the flowers, the green grass and the trees,
As I walked life’s path, overjoyed by victories!

Held me close as I cried, hurt by the ways of the world
Taught me how to look ahead, to see the silver lining in the dark cloud!
Who else could have done this…but you dear Ma!
The unconditional love, the selfless sharing of the smallest piece!

You taught me the power of prayers, to thank the Divine
To be kind to all creatures, to listen and learn from all.
Taught me to live a life with gratitude;
Only you could have done this; Ma!

Today, when the years have gone by,
I walk through life and in the blue skies I fly,
And can do things on my own!
Sometimes I feel your opinions “old fashioned”
And I reason with you – “You don’t know the world outside”; I say
“It is not what it used to be during your times, you know”
You smile and nod silently as if to say
“I’m there for you ...just in case you need me, my dear!”

Our Friendship...

If I could speak your language,

If only I could share my thoughts

I could tell you how much I love you

For this is love that cannot be bought!

I remember each day; since we met

I remember; at the thought of separation, as a little boy, you wept!

I can hear you inspite of the din,

I love to rejoice with you when you win!

I remember how we ran across the green fields - wild!

On the beach that summer, we swam against the tide!

I love to see the smile in your eyes

I will stand by at your feet, as you reach for the skies!

Your family is mine and I shall protect them too,

For I can tell from the good, the bad and the ugly few!

Will you always love me ?

As I will be old one day,

Will not be able to bark as I do today

Will you then be by my side, dear one?

Will you walk with me, when I cannot run?

We are friends and so shall we be till I die;

Plant a tree on my grave but please do not cry!

The green leaves and the flowers will remind you of me

And our friendship... forever shall be!

India - Our Motherland!

A few lines for all Indians staying across the world-

“Even though we are all far away
Let me remind you of our beautiful land, in a very special way.
Up in the North, Mountains clad with melting snow,
At the foothills, Mother Ganga peacefully does flow.
Cutting across the mighty rocks,
Taking in her stride all the shocks!
With her youthful laughter and gurgling sound,
Along her banks, the Nation she has bound!
Down into the plains she flows
Our fertile land, the food grain grows!
Smile on her face she merges into the sea
Some still believe, a holy dip –all sins washed, purifies thee!
To the West are the sandy dunes,
Sweet desert songs in the earthy tunes!
The harsh summer beat down, the red chillies dry
Night falls early, in the cold desert, you hear strange birds cry!
Bright colorful attire, smiling children on the streets
The ‘Dal Baati Churma’, O! Sure is a treat!
The Western Ghats have their own story to say
Winding roads, thick mist, green trees lead the Malabar way!
The mountains blend into the sea to the west
People singing & dancing, India at her best!
The Southern tip sees the ocean waters blend
You can tell one from the other; but nothing to mend!
The Eastern shores have so much of history
Each carving, each temple, each broken statue, tell of the invaders bigotry!
Up in the Northeast, the drums do sound
Two leaves and a bud – Earning us the Dollar and the Pound!
O India, Our Motherland, We take a pledge today,
We will bring you honor, even if we are far-far away!”

Light !

Oh! there is darkness all around!
Is there someone who can show us the way?
Darkness of superstition, illiteracy and dipping values!
'Rise and shine'– they say
Who will light the fire and show us the way?
Those were days in history, where people gave up all they had,
Loving our motherland was an honest feeling, and not a fad!
Leaders we have heard of, times so tough they must have seen
They gave their blood, to give us our freedom; what a fight it must have been!
Have we forgotten and put all this behind?
Is this the freedom they had in their mind?
Today, promises are made, only to get the votes
Buying and selling under the table with the colourful notes!
Who will show us the way today? What is right and what is wrong?
Each year our leaders sing a different song!
Rise O Young Indian and let determination bind,
Spread the light of knowledge, so none is left behind
“ …Tamasoma, Jyotir gamaya”
From the darkness to the light

On The Tracks of Life

(Picture: Krishna Kumar)
On the tracks of life, I wait for you
They say you know when love is true!
In the sound silence I hear you say
“Yes I promise you, I will come… And come this way!”
This is my home, lush green around
You will be happy am sure; you will hear no sound!
Only of the wind, that sings of love!
And of bees and birds in their nests above!
I am reminded of a song- “…hold my hands and I will take you there…”
On the tracks; I wait for you, my lady fair!
My brain does think and my heart does feel
Precious moments of life, time does steal!
How long will I wait here for you, dear one?
How many more wars to fight and battles to be won?
As the sunsets over the mountain slopes
Another day gone, a long wait, but my heart still hopes!
Do come home my Love – let my wait not go in vain!
For if there is a tomorrow, I will be here again!

(Picture : Krishna Kumar)

For all those years….
We watched the sunset together….
Walked the rough roads; holding hands,
With a smile on our face, may be a tear in the eye!
Did you feel the longing grow?
Did you feel the sweat on the brow?
We were so close then …
And now…so far!
Why do feelings change with time?
A void created as you crossed the line
Submerged in the ocean of people….
An emptiness I did feel!
As I stand at the far end…waiting…
Watching the sunset …these days alone…
Memories like waves , break on the rocks…
Then merge into the vastness of the sea !
Years have gone by, but I still wait…
May be, to hear from you…
Can we not walk the path once again?
Holding hands, before its too late?

Memories of a leaf!

(Picture by Krishna Kumar of Digital Strokes)

(www.kichukrish.blogspot.com)
As I fell to the ground for the first time
And waited for the wind to drift me away
To a different world, so strange, so new
Does this happen to all or to a special few?
I think to myself – was my life worth the while?
When I was green, and close to my mother,
There was family, roots and sister and brother!
Life was fun- I swayed in the wind, bathed in the rain,
Laughed with my friends, cried together in pain!
Am afraid of the future, afraid of the land I will go
Will I get love, will I be cared for, like before?
Will I get back my colour? Or will it be a new start,
Why is it that from home I have to part?
As I wait, I listen to the silence around,
Is someone crying; since I am not to be found?
Did I do enough, did I leave a mark behind?
Did I wipe a tear and was I always kind?
My vision blurs as I wait for my final call,
I see myself, against the blue sky, standing tall
A new journey, home away from home
Feelings of fear and happiness, together they come!
With arms open wide and a twinkle in the eye
With hopes for tomorrow I bid goodbye!

Abhi Mat Jao...( Don't leave me yet!)

Why do you deceive me o love!
One minute you seem so close
And the next minute – you’re gone!
Up in these misty mountains
The sun too plays hide and seek
Just a glimpse of you o beautiful one
What I want ? – stay on my love!
This is the moment we will cherish
Years may come and go
The mountains stand witness to this moment!
For tomorrow is a new day
And we walk the path of life in our own way!
( Picture : At Tusharagiri, Kerala)

Long to be with you

High up in the misty mountains
In the smell of the forest and the spray of water
Love flows like elixir from the fountains
A confession – I have never felt better!
Tall trees that touch and speak to the sky,
The gurgling sound of water, the smell of jungle
A romance in the air, giving me a different high!

Will I ever be back to be with you again ?
Or will I die yearning for you, but in vain!
As if like an answer, I hear a voice –say
‘Let me be in your heart and keep me this way.
Let no one into what our hearts know as true
Like the trees here that even without care
Just grow and age as time moves through!'

(Picture : At Tusharagiri,Kerala)

Jab We Met!

I wait for endless hours for you to turn!

We may be different,

But wont you look at me even once , O beautiful one?

In this quiet summer noon,

While the whole world rests

Is it not the time to know each other and to bring out the best!

Don't look away O lovely one!

We could be different but together it could be a lot of fun!

The little flowers, the blue sky and the green trees around

Will stand witness to our friendship which can be so profound!

For once O beautiful one ! look at me

Let our friendship grow and the ' I ' becomes ' WE '

(Picture : At Crocodile Park, Chennai)

Can you Speak?

O Graceful One! Carved on a piece of Rock!

Break your silence now and talk!

Tell us of all that you would have heard or seen?

How many years on this rock have you been?

Who were they who created you?

Were they like us or a special few?

They must have been people like you and me ...

But with a vision - for beauty is all they could see!

(Picture: At Mahaballipuram)

Dawn!

As i stood on the sand waiting for the glorious Sun to rise,
Looking at the sea that seemed to swell with pride!
Wave after wave, water at my feet
The cool breeze caressing me - there couldn't be a better treat!
Slowly and silently the golden torch shone,
The blue water now seemed like a polished golden stone!
Here was a dawn of a bright new day, My head bows in gratitude and to my lips rise a prayer-
From the darkness lead us to the light-
"Assatoma Saat Gamayah, Tamasoma, Jyotir Gamayah, Mriturma Amritam Gamayah"
(Picture : At Marina Beach, Chennai)

The Woman , The Mother

You symbolize the power to destroy the evil
You are an embodiment of love & care
You bring happiness; all sorrows you kill
You treat all as one, how are you so fair?

A part of you in every woman, so near us they stay
The friend, the mother, the sister or the wife
Changing roles as she walks through life
With a smile on her lips, and a tear in her eye
“Did the God make you in a very special way?”

You give us courage to fight bad weather
Your efforts to keep the family together
Your own worries you hide with such grace
O Woman, O Mother, you are the saviour of the human race!

Call of the Green!

Is it a dream ? Or is it true!

Shall I pinch myself or Ask you?

Out of the concrete jungle

Far from the maddening crowd,

This too is my country!

The lush green makes me so proud!

Walking in the shadows of the trees,

Feeling the silence there,

My heart seems to miss a beat

So green is my valley , so pure the air!

The soft wind blew across my face

The shadows created figures on the ground

Like little children having fun, playing around!

The lovely green seems to say -

"You are welcome to my home

Will you give me as assurance - please, I pray!

Don't destroy me, don't kill me

I will give you what you need

All I seek is just let me be!"

And I thought to myself- ' Is this a message from above?

As beings with intellect do we need to value love ?

Love for those who cannot speak

Love for those who give us all,when we seek!'

Thought after thought like waves in the sea!

What can I do to let my green countryside be !

My Prayer!

Leafless I stand, through summer and the rains
Watching the world go by, life still running in my veins
There was a time my friends were around
Green was my Valley, so sweet was the sound!
I watched each tree being cut, I am sure it hurts
But who cares for the bruises and cuts!
They are clearing the land for reasons unknown
They will reap the fruits of what they have sown!
A day will come, when we are not there,
The dust rules and mountain tops bare!
Barren will be the land, the river will run dry
No rain clouds form in the bright blue sky!
Children will cry, mothers will fret
Look around O Man! while you move at the speed of jet!
You are so powerful, you can save us all
The flower, the stream, the trees and your child, above all!
Protest against each tree that is cut!
You can plant a tree, make green the rut!
Stop this before it’s too late,
Then don’t say, “It was our fate!”

A conversation!

Who is this ? Am not so sure...

Is it me - I so love and adore?

Walking up the path of life

Sometimes so difficult and undefined!

Did I do all things right ?

Or did I leave something behind?

A shadow, a reflection, is that me?

Flood of thoughts!...What do they say?

"Have you forgotten the path or have you been led astray?"

Do I hear a familiar voice? One I hear everyday...

Asking a question - " What good did you do today?"

"How do I know what good I do ?"

"Look around", I hear the voice say...

"Have you made someone smile or wiped a tear away?"

While I see the world go by!

I sat basking in the sun...

And watched the world go by!

There he comes with a bag full of gifts.
The little one dreams; as he smiles and shifts
A bed made of rags, pieces stitched together in time
Some one had said “a stitch in time saves nine”
A hard day’s work, in the factory nearby
No sunlight in the room and you don’t see the blue sky!

In the convent school next door, the children sang
Christmas carols and other songs with a twang!
“Will I ever go to school?” he will ask Santa, he thought,
He had only broken toys that his Ma had bought.

So many such dreams come to us each day
Santa has a big task, wishes from us all that come his way;
For each child in our country, can we be a Santa Clause
And stop blaming the Government for all its flaws!

Bridge - so many years!

So many years, so many generations gone by...

Footprints of the famous and the common,

Sounds of Laughter, tears in the eye...

A 'welcome home' and a wish goodbye!

You are a witness to so many a thing...

What will you tell us if you could one day talk; or perhaps sing?

On a misty morning, or on a rainy day,

You stand, so tall and proud as if to say-

"Move on, and build the bridges that connect man to man

With love and kindness and do the best you can!"