Hopes in Ashes
(Pictorial Poetry)
Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
Book Type : Coffee Table Book (Pictorial Poetry)
Title : Hopes in Ashes
Copyright © 2018 Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
E-mail : [email protected]
Cell Phone with what's aap : +91 9416078715
Pictorial Poetry (ENGLISH)
ISBN: 978-93-83888-00-0 My this compilation is dedicated
Hardcover to my loving sister
Price: ` 750.00 ; US Dollar: $ 50 (Included Shipping Charges)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED :
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical, including photo copying, recording or by any "Some memories are engraved
information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Author(s). on the walls of my heart;
waP
Photographs' courtesy : K.C. Sethi I feel their sensations
Pictures' courtesy : Pixabay.com in my blood when it runs
through my heart"
Published by:
THE POETRY SOCIETY OF INDIA ...Poonam Wadhwa
H-23/16, DLF Phase-I,
Gurugram - 122 002 (Haryana), India
Phone : 0124-4054392, 098118-42292
Typeset by : www.atozwebguru.com
Late Smt Kamal Chhabra Kocher
Email : [email protected], Distributor :
[email protected] (1955–2013)
SHASHI KANT SHARMA
Website : www.thepoetrysocietyofindia.com
N-91, New Model Town Extension,
Hisar - 125001 (Haryana)
Book Available at : www.globalfraternityofpoets.com, www.amazon.in M : +91-90340-06808
Book Type : Coffee Table Book (Pictorial Poetry)
Title : Hopes in Ashes
Copyright © 2018 Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
E-mail : [email protected]
Cell Phone with what's aap : +91 9416078715
Pictorial Poetry (ENGLISH)
ISBN: 978-93-83888-00-0 My this compilation is dedicated
Hardcover to my loving sister
Price: ` 750.00 ; US Dollar: $ 50 (Included Shipping Charges)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED :
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic or mechanical, including photo copying, recording or by any "Some memories are engraved
information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Author(s). on the walls of my heart;
waP
Photographs' courtesy : K.C. Sethi I feel their sensations
Pictures' courtesy : Pixabay.com in my blood when it runs
through my heart"
Published by:
THE POETRY SOCIETY OF INDIA ...Poonam Wadhwa
H-23/16, DLF Phase-I,
Gurugram - 122 002 (Haryana), India
Phone : 0124-4054392, 098118-42292
Typeset by : www.atozwebguru.com
Late Smt Kamal Chhabra Kocher
Email : [email protected], Distributor :
[email protected] (1955–2013)
SHASHI KANT SHARMA
Website : www.thepoetrysocietyofindia.com
N-91, New Model Town Extension,
Hisar - 125001 (Haryana)
Book Available at : www.globalfraternityofpoets.com, www.amazon.in M : +91-90340-06808
ENCOMIUM
y joy relished the climax of its beauty when I was asked to write an encomium on the glaxy of
talents, Dr Poonam Wadhwa ; A Doctorate in English Literature and Officiating Principal of
MM.P.College for Women in Dabwali, (Haryana)
This sober lady with high moral values, born in the family of a great human being and educationist, Mr
CONTENTS Bhagwan Das Chhabra who served education department of Haryana for 35 years and retired as an
outstanding District Education Officer.
I know her since her college times. A studious, well mannered and soft spoken student of MP College had been
blessed with bundle of awards and achievements like best orator, best actor, best athlete of college; Played inter
1. WHAT A WOMAN IS ? 1 20. AN OLD WOMEN AND AN OLD TREE ! 39 university volleyball, president of student union and college colour holder since in 1982. Did her M.A in
2. HOW I WAS BORN 3 21. WATER AND ME 41 English Literature in 1984 , M.Phil in 1993 from Kurkshetra University.The feather of highest rank of
3. I KEEP QUIET 5 22. STITCHED 43 Doctorate (Ph.D) in English decorated her hat of success in 2014. Now working as a principal of the same
4. MARRIAGE- AN IDEA 7 23. THE BODY IN STONE 45 college ;To be head of an institution where you have studied, is never less than an achievement of great respect
5. VEIL 9 24. A CRY ! 47 and pride in your life. As mentioned earlier, she had been very progressive in curricular activities tm and
6. MY WEDDING DAY 11 25. WHEN I LOOK WITHIN 49 enjoyed great reputation of the most loving student and pride of the college. Once I had a chance to make them
7. IF ONLY --------------------------------- 13 26. I COULD HAVE ! 51 up for inter college fancy dress competetion wherein they enjoyed first position. She has been very proud pupil
8. MOTHER 15 27. AN ERUPTION! 53 of mine.
9. WHAT IS LIFE 17 28. COLONIZER AND COLONIZED 55 Her poetry on woman, the so called weaker sex of society in India , is a variety of ideologies and social
10. I WILL WIN MY OWN GRACE 19 29. HOPES IN ASHES 57 movements that shares a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve economic, personal, and social equality
11. MAID 21 30. A BIRD OF GRANITE 59 of sexes. This includes seeking to establish educational and professional opportunities for women that are equal
12. AN IDEAL WOMAN 23 31. FONDLING AND CARESSING 61 to those for men. Her upcoming Coffee Table Book with Pictorial Poetry is a replica of Woman's position and
13. THE SNAKE AT HOME 25 32. GROWTH 63 role in present society . I wish her more and more success in her life and best of luck for her coming 1st Coffee
14. AN INDIAN WOMAN 27 33. VOICE EMBEDDED IN SILENCE 65 table book with Pictorial Poetry on feminism.
15. I NEED WORDS 29 34. MY PREVALENCE 67
16. RIVER AND WOMAN 31 35. A WOMAN OR A GENIUS 69 The Poetry Society of India, Gurugram has published this Pictorial Poetry Coffee Table Book.
17. DIAPASON (A BURST OF SOUND) 33 36. VOCATION 71 K. C. Sethi
18. SHATTERED SPIRIT 35 37. EQUAL SPACE 73 Poet, Writer, Author and
19. CONCEIVING ? 37 38. MOUTH SHUT ! 75 World Record Holder of Pictorial Poetry Concept
in Coffee Table Books.
ENCOMIUM
y joy relished the climax of its beauty when I was asked to write an encomium on the glaxy of
talents, Dr Poonam Wadhwa ; A Doctorate in English Literature and Officiating Principal of
MM.P.College for Women in Dabwali, (Haryana)
This sober lady with high moral values, born in the family of a great human being and educationist, Mr
CONTENTS Bhagwan Das Chhabra who served education department of Haryana for 35 years and retired as an
outstanding District Education Officer.
I know her since her college times. A studious, well mannered and soft spoken student of MP College had been
blessed with bundle of awards and achievements like best orator, best actor, best athlete of college; Played inter
1. WHAT A WOMAN IS ? 1 20. AN OLD WOMEN AND AN OLD TREE ! 39 university volleyball, president of student union and college colour holder since in 1982. Did her M.A in
2. HOW I WAS BORN 3 21. WATER AND ME 41 English Literature in 1984 , M.Phil in 1993 from Kurkshetra University.The feather of highest rank of
3. I KEEP QUIET 5 22. STITCHED 43 Doctorate (Ph.D) in English decorated her hat of success in 2014. Now working as a principal of the same
4. MARRIAGE- AN IDEA 7 23. THE BODY IN STONE 45 college ;To be head of an institution where you have studied, is never less than an achievement of great respect
5. VEIL 9 24. A CRY ! 47 and pride in your life. As mentioned earlier, she had been very progressive in curricular activities tm and
6. MY WEDDING DAY 11 25. WHEN I LOOK WITHIN 49 enjoyed great reputation of the most loving student and pride of the college. Once I had a chance to make them
7. IF ONLY --------------------------------- 13 26. I COULD HAVE ! 51 up for inter college fancy dress competetion wherein they enjoyed first position. She has been very proud pupil
8. MOTHER 15 27. AN ERUPTION! 53 of mine.
9. WHAT IS LIFE 17 28. COLONIZER AND COLONIZED 55 Her poetry on woman, the so called weaker sex of society in India , is a variety of ideologies and social
10. I WILL WIN MY OWN GRACE 19 29. HOPES IN ASHES 57 movements that shares a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve economic, personal, and social equality
11. MAID 21 30. A BIRD OF GRANITE 59 of sexes. This includes seeking to establish educational and professional opportunities for women that are equal
12. AN IDEAL WOMAN 23 31. FONDLING AND CARESSING 61 to those for men. Her upcoming Coffee Table Book with Pictorial Poetry is a replica of Woman's position and
13. THE SNAKE AT HOME 25 32. GROWTH 63 role in present society . I wish her more and more success in her life and best of luck for her coming 1st Coffee
14. AN INDIAN WOMAN 27 33. VOICE EMBEDDED IN SILENCE 65 table book with Pictorial Poetry on feminism.
15. I NEED WORDS 29 34. MY PREVALENCE 67
16. RIVER AND WOMAN 31 35. A WOMAN OR A GENIUS 69 The Poetry Society of India, Gurugram has published this Pictorial Poetry Coffee Table Book.
17. DIAPASON (A BURST OF SOUND) 33 36. VOCATION 71 K. C. Sethi
18. SHATTERED SPIRIT 35 37. EQUAL SPACE 73 Poet, Writer, Author and
19. CONCEIVING ? 37 38. MOUTH SHUT ! 75 World Record Holder of Pictorial Poetry Concept
in Coffee Table Books.
PREFACE
peep into the inner sanctum of female psyche, her conscious and unconscious self and
reflections on her image is an ideology of great promise. Female voice in verse evolves
Ainto a philosophy encompassing diverse fields of women's roles in society. The varied
articulations and ramifications of female voice in a literary context constitute a significant
segment for reaching at gender parity in society.
The present book provides a broad spectrum of women's position within articulations of poems
like “what a woman Is”, “How I was born”, “River and Woman”, “I will win My own grace”
et. all. It also contains some expressions on life in general. I have poured out my feelings
throwing out light upon the socio-literary background of Indian women. It is an endeavour to
embody the social and cultural facts that have shaped the feminine psyche of Indian women. I
hope this heart-pouring travail interests the readers. Suggestions and comments are welcome. I
extend my obligations to Mr. K.C. Sethi for his great assistance in this project and gratitude to
........................ publications for putting my expressions in print form.
"Their
Poonam Wadhwa
life...
"my motive"
PREFACE
peep into the inner sanctum of female psyche, her conscious and unconscious self and
reflections on her image is an ideology of great promise. Female voice in verse evolves
Ainto a philosophy encompassing diverse fields of women's roles in society. The varied
articulations and ramifications of female voice in a literary context constitute a significant
segment for reaching at gender parity in society.
The present book provides a broad spectrum of women's position within articulations of poems
like “what a woman Is”, “How I was born”, “River and Woman”, “I will win My own grace”
et. all. It also contains some expressions on life in general. I have poured out my feelings
throwing out light upon the socio-literary background of Indian women. It is an endeavour to
embody the social and cultural facts that have shaped the feminine psyche of Indian women. I
hope this heart-pouring travail interests the readers. Suggestions and comments are welcome. I
extend my obligations to Mr. K.C. Sethi for his great assistance in this project and gratitude to
........................ publications for putting my expressions in print form.
"Their
Poonam Wadhwa
life...
"my motive"
Introduction
strong woman can set the tone for the generations to come. Indian history is replete with examples of woman's social role, prescribe dress code and control their body. To dethrone this control while keeping their
many brave women who came up indomitable in the face of adverse circumstances. Rani Laxami Bai, Jija femininity intact is a huge challenge before the women of today.
AMata, Durgawati, Ahilaya Bai Holkar, Savitri Bai Phule, Panna Dhaya, Karmawati, Chennmma et. all.
The expressive self of women is for a visibility and a voice. Feminism therefore is a position which requires a
The lives of these audacious female characters are the testimony to prove potential courage and perseverance of
reconstruction of what we consider values. Most of the poems in this coffee table book express no fixed notion of
women-folk. When the male-centred view of human life goes on to privilege one gender over another, the holistic
morality, neither of right and wrong, good and evil, but values which value emotions, relationships, which are
development of a nation seems difficult to achieve.
based on non-greed and non-appropriation and are rooted in a sense of respect for self as well as for the other.
Patriarchy as an institution, a mindset, a practice, a hegemony has reversed the role of men from protector Women feminist writers have been at work in various ways in small measures, and in large measures. Their efforts
to oppressor. As men and women have moved from one stage to another, from the nomadic to the agrarian to aim at a hope to create harmony, not confrontation.
industrialism and capitalism, and as means of substance and methods of governance have changed, the concepts of
It is not time to become more like the other. It is time for both the genders to harmonize their ways of living
lineage and property have also emerged tightening the hold of the patriarch. This change is marked by a striking
and thinking, so that they will never be strangers to one another again so that from a relationship there partakes of
irony that with the growth in human freedom and wisdom, there has been a corresponding shrinking of women's
all their identities a truly cosmopolitan world and a genuinely universal literature can arise. In my verses I also write
space.
out of the conviction that it is high time to be able and willing to theorize and engage the feminist politics of
Gender equality, in meaningful terms, in terms of greater freedom and more space for women is a global women, for these are the very understandings we need to respond seriously to the challenges of race and class
need. In different societies and nations the dreams of women may differ, their struggles even more so, but their around our post colonial conditions.
needs for air to breath is the same. Women feel an incessant need to contest the hostile environment both within
and outside. They are viewed primarily as service givers.
Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
Many a times their creativity becomes a burden they carry. They have to find ways and means of expressing
MA : English Literature
themselves. They have to face the total extinction of their creativity as if it was solely a male prerogative. Many of
Doctorate: English Literature
the women have to still their creative urge and devote themselves to housewifely duties. They are not regarded as
Associate Professor
“autonomous beings”. They are defined not in themselves but as relative to men. Role of women in procreation is
&
underplayed and their strength is described as domestic. This fixedness of roles is in itself a manifestation of
Principal (off), M.P. College
patriarchal values. When women question power they also question very idea of an absolute superiority. Culture
Dabwali, Haryana
and fundamentalism rooted in the external world seek to construct femininity; virtue and morality circumscribe
Introduction
strong woman can set the tone for the generations to come. Indian history is replete with examples of woman's social role, prescribe dress code and control their body. To dethrone this control while keeping their
many brave women who came up indomitable in the face of adverse circumstances. Rani Laxami Bai, Jija femininity intact is a huge challenge before the women of today.
AMata, Durgawati, Ahilaya Bai Holkar, Savitri Bai Phule, Panna Dhaya, Karmawati, Chennmma et. all.
The expressive self of women is for a visibility and a voice. Feminism therefore is a position which requires a
The lives of these audacious female characters are the testimony to prove potential courage and perseverance of
reconstruction of what we consider values. Most of the poems in this coffee table book express no fixed notion of
women-folk. When the male-centred view of human life goes on to privilege one gender over another, the holistic
morality, neither of right and wrong, good and evil, but values which value emotions, relationships, which are
development of a nation seems difficult to achieve.
based on non-greed and non-appropriation and are rooted in a sense of respect for self as well as for the other.
Patriarchy as an institution, a mindset, a practice, a hegemony has reversed the role of men from protector Women feminist writers have been at work in various ways in small measures, and in large measures. Their efforts
to oppressor. As men and women have moved from one stage to another, from the nomadic to the agrarian to aim at a hope to create harmony, not confrontation.
industrialism and capitalism, and as means of substance and methods of governance have changed, the concepts of
It is not time to become more like the other. It is time for both the genders to harmonize their ways of living
lineage and property have also emerged tightening the hold of the patriarch. This change is marked by a striking
and thinking, so that they will never be strangers to one another again so that from a relationship there partakes of
irony that with the growth in human freedom and wisdom, there has been a corresponding shrinking of women's
all their identities a truly cosmopolitan world and a genuinely universal literature can arise. In my verses I also write
space.
out of the conviction that it is high time to be able and willing to theorize and engage the feminist politics of
Gender equality, in meaningful terms, in terms of greater freedom and more space for women is a global women, for these are the very understandings we need to respond seriously to the challenges of race and class
need. In different societies and nations the dreams of women may differ, their struggles even more so, but their around our post colonial conditions.
needs for air to breath is the same. Women feel an incessant need to contest the hostile environment both within
and outside. They are viewed primarily as service givers.
Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
Many a times their creativity becomes a burden they carry. They have to find ways and means of expressing
MA : English Literature
themselves. They have to face the total extinction of their creativity as if it was solely a male prerogative. Many of
Doctorate: English Literature
the women have to still their creative urge and devote themselves to housewifely duties. They are not regarded as
Associate Professor
“autonomous beings”. They are defined not in themselves but as relative to men. Role of women in procreation is
&
underplayed and their strength is described as domestic. This fixedness of roles is in itself a manifestation of
Principal (off), M.P. College
patriarchal values. When women question power they also question very idea of an absolute superiority. Culture
Dabwali, Haryana
and fundamentalism rooted in the external world seek to construct femininity; virtue and morality circumscribe
WHAT A WOMAN IS ?
I am a riddle. I create…….. but myself being annihilated.
Who can fathom my depth? I crucify…… but myself being crucified.
Who can overcome my spirit? I betray…..... but myself being betrayed.
It took the whole creation In my hour of discontent
To make my being. I neither shout nor rent.
I have magical power to heal or to wound.
If I am an ocean
With multitudinous emotions, I have no joys without pain.
I am also a drop I have no aches without gain.
Which mingles in every hope.
If I am a river flowing incessantly, I am a fullstop, a comma,
I am also a pond with ripples a lot. A semicolon and also a letter lost.
I am erroneously wise… The more you try to understand me,
I am blissfully agonized… The more entangled will you be,
I can fancifully reason out -
I am all embracing having my own seclusions. I am an enigma
Do not try to understand me;
I am a stimulator and a quencher… Just adore me.
I am a sinner as well as a saint…
I am the poesy of thirsty hearts or a story untold.
2 Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
Hopes in Ashes 1
WHAT A WOMAN IS ?
I am a riddle. I create…….. but myself being annihilated.
Who can fathom my depth? I crucify…… but myself being crucified.
Who can overcome my spirit? I betray…..... but myself being betrayed.
It took the whole creation In my hour of discontent
To make my being. I neither shout nor rent.
I have magical power to heal or to wound.
If I am an ocean
With multitudinous emotions, I have no joys without pain.
I am also a drop I have no aches without gain.
Which mingles in every hope.
If I am a river flowing incessantly, I am a fullstop, a comma,
I am also a pond with ripples a lot. A semicolon and also a letter lost.
I am erroneously wise… The more you try to understand me,
I am blissfully agonized… The more entangled will you be,
I can fancifully reason out -
I am all embracing having my own seclusions. I am an enigma
Do not try to understand me;
I am a stimulator and a quencher… Just adore me.
I am a sinner as well as a saint…
I am the poesy of thirsty hearts or a story untold.
2 Dr. Poonam Wadhwa
Hopes in Ashes 1
HOW I WAS BORN
I was propelled away from the Home All the ladies at home cuddling my mother all the time.
Of my Maker into a new world. Father was being extra cautious for mother
An enclosed one, Mother was quiet……..
Where I realized my new being.
I was in the body of my mother, Then the sun of the destined day rose.
Whether I was in her heart too- I doubt? The day for me to embrace life….
As some harsh words of a lady fell into my ears, The day to begin all anew….
“This time it must be a boy.” The day to be among my own ones….
Then a male voice, But lo!
“You need not worry Ma, I will see this time.” I came into the world weeping
My mother's voice was not there in those voices. And saw all my dear ones weeping with me all around.
She kept quiet ---------------- I relished it…………
I was flourishing in the dark. The mother was quiet ……………
One day my mother was asked,
“Get ready we are to go today” I could not understand the way of the world.
After a few hours No body welcomed me.
I felt a kind of tickling sensation No body loved me.
On my half developed organs No body put me close to bosom.
And then a light flashed on my body. All were stunned and cursing the machine lady.
Out came an elated unknown voice, I did not relish……….
“ Congrats! it is a he baby” The mother was quiet ……
And that comment transformed my days.
Now my organs were growing like anything. Still I know not
Now mother was fed with a high nutritious diet. Who brought me into this world
Everybody was taking full care of mother Was it the Mother?
I relished all this………. The machine lady ?
Mother was quiet…….. Or Nature had played a practical joke with my dear ones?
I felt bliss of life……..
I felt the excitement prevailing at home, As I am God's special chosen child
Joyful preparations for some celebrations For assisting God in the Creation of the Universe.
The bursting laughter all around
Hopes in Ashes 3
HOW I WAS BORN
I was propelled away from the Home All the ladies at home cuddling my mother all the time.
Of my Maker into a new world. Father was being extra cautious for mother
An enclosed one, Mother was quiet……..
Where I realized my new being.
I was in the body of my mother, Then the sun of the destined day rose.
Whether I was in her heart too- I doubt? The day for me to embrace life….
As some harsh words of a lady fell into my ears, The day to begin all anew….
“This time it must be a boy.” The day to be among my own ones….
Then a male voice, But lo!
“You need not worry Ma, I will see this time.” I came into the world weeping
My mother's voice was not there in those voices. And saw all my dear ones weeping with me all around.
She kept quiet ---------------- I relished it…………
I was flourishing in the dark. The mother was quiet ……………
One day my mother was asked,
“Get ready we are to go today” I could not understand the way of the world.
After a few hours No body welcomed me.
I felt a kind of tickling sensation No body loved me.
On my half developed organs No body put me close to bosom.
And then a light flashed on my body. All were stunned and cursing the machine lady.
Out came an elated unknown voice, I did not relish……….
“ Congrats! it is a he baby” The mother was quiet ……
And that comment transformed my days.
Now my organs were growing like anything. Still I know not
Now mother was fed with a high nutritious diet. Who brought me into this world
Everybody was taking full care of mother Was it the Mother?
I relished all this………. The machine lady ?
Mother was quiet…….. Or Nature had played a practical joke with my dear ones?
I felt bliss of life……..
I felt the excitement prevailing at home, As I am God's special chosen child
Joyful preparations for some celebrations For assisting God in the Creation of the Universe.
The bursting laughter all around
Hopes in Ashes 3
I KEEP QUIET
You incessantly try to kill me in womb You black mail me emotionally, physically and spiritually
I keep quiet---------- I keep quiet---------
My agonized soul start crying
You as categorizer hurl me behind bars I keep quiet---------
I keep quiet-----------
I feel as I am a dumb driven cattle
You fix my role on the stage of life I keep quiet---------
I keep quiet-----------
Sometimes I try to rattle the system,
You impose do's and do not's I seek to establish my identity,
I keep quiet------------ I attempt to adopt a defiant attitude,
I endeavour to probe my bruised self.
You erase and marginalize my identity I step out to escape your snare…….
I keep quiet----------- In doing all this I feel carnivorous plants reaching out for
me,
You as father, brother or husband act as In doing all this I have to transform my real self
My saviour? Oh! no exploiter And shake the sleeping wolf
I keep quiet---------- And break the reverie
Shouting, rocking, thundering
You seduce me in the role of seducer I will have to be a new being.
I keep quiet--------
Hopes in Ashes 5
I KEEP QUIET
You incessantly try to kill me in womb You black mail me emotionally, physically and spiritually
I keep quiet---------- I keep quiet---------
My agonized soul start crying
You as categorizer hurl me behind bars I keep quiet---------
I keep quiet-----------
I feel as I am a dumb driven cattle
You fix my role on the stage of life I keep quiet---------
I keep quiet-----------
Sometimes I try to rattle the system,
You impose do's and do not's I seek to establish my identity,
I keep quiet------------ I attempt to adopt a defiant attitude,
I endeavour to probe my bruised self.
You erase and marginalize my identity I step out to escape your snare…….
I keep quiet----------- In doing all this I feel carnivorous plants reaching out for
me,
You as father, brother or husband act as In doing all this I have to transform my real self
My saviour? Oh! no exploiter And shake the sleeping wolf
I keep quiet---------- And break the reverie
Shouting, rocking, thundering
You seduce me in the role of seducer I will have to be a new being.
I keep quiet--------
Hopes in Ashes 5
MARRIAGE- AN IDEA
I am going to enter the marriage ring. “Leave it to the heart girl,” my Bua (paternal aunt) laughs,
My heart feels as if in the swing. “Not one family, now you have two, that's simple”
Is it really that simple?
Of excitement? Of nervousness? I am lost in thoughts, in reverie.
An advocate uncle from one corner of the room declares in
Shadows of joys and sorrow A divine tone, “Beta, Marriage is a license. It has a validity
Intermittently rising and falling. And an expiry. Validity begins on the day of wedlock
Whether the ring will emit And it expires when the compatibility is over.”
bright colours or the grey ones. I am startled……………
I know not well ? That sounds too complex.
I ponder over it …………
Whether myself will fit in the new garbs ? I know I want to create a new loving world.
excitedly looking forward to assume new roles I will learn to tame my ego;
Sullenly going to ma-papa's lap, I will learn to live in communion;
Going to miss mumma's hug and the joy I will make my partner read this frame of my mind;
Of lording over younger brother. And both of us will read it together.
Every time our bond faces occasional friction,
I want to know what a marriage is? We will overcome all these trifles.
“ A bond, beta” Dadi Ma makes it We will make our minds understand these rifts are
Sound so heavenly. Intrinsic to strengthen our relationship.
Is it that simple? We will never let our ring get fractured.
I am bewildered. I confess I am wedded to the idea of marriage.
Ma (mother) preaches me, “ A relationship
Needs efforts to be nourished,
Understanding to be sustained,
and trust to be maintained.
“Yah! Yah” nods my Mausie(material aunt) after all
A relationship takes time to develop.”
Getting puzzled I ask “Is it a life long project?”
Hopes in Ashes 7
MARRIAGE- AN IDEA
I am going to enter the marriage ring. “Leave it to the heart girl,” my Bua (paternal aunt) laughs,
My heart feels as if in the swing. “Not one family, now you have two, that's simple”
Is it really that simple?
Of excitement? Of nervousness? I am lost in thoughts, in reverie.
An advocate uncle from one corner of the room declares in
Shadows of joys and sorrow A divine tone, “Beta, Marriage is a license. It has a validity
Intermittently rising and falling. And an expiry. Validity begins on the day of wedlock
Whether the ring will emit And it expires when the compatibility is over.”
bright colours or the grey ones. I am startled……………
I know not well ? That sounds too complex.
I ponder over it …………
Whether myself will fit in the new garbs ? I know I want to create a new loving world.
excitedly looking forward to assume new roles I will learn to tame my ego;
Sullenly going to ma-papa's lap, I will learn to live in communion;
Going to miss mumma's hug and the joy I will make my partner read this frame of my mind;
Of lording over younger brother. And both of us will read it together.
Every time our bond faces occasional friction,
I want to know what a marriage is? We will overcome all these trifles.
“ A bond, beta” Dadi Ma makes it We will make our minds understand these rifts are
Sound so heavenly. Intrinsic to strengthen our relationship.
Is it that simple? We will never let our ring get fractured.
I am bewildered. I confess I am wedded to the idea of marriage.
Ma (mother) preaches me, “ A relationship
Needs efforts to be nourished,
Understanding to be sustained,
and trust to be maintained.
“Yah! Yah” nods my Mausie(material aunt) after all
A relationship takes time to develop.”
Getting puzzled I ask “Is it a life long project?”
Hopes in Ashes 7
VEIL
What needs to be veiled ?
My flesh or your lust…..?
My face or your gaze…..?
Your lust peeps through thick or thin.
Your gaze penetrates my skin.
Your insatiable hunger to control,
Why I need to be a scroll…..?
Every time you forge some way
To keep my being at bay.
Whether it is at home or field
You use me as a shield.
You think I am born to take care of you;
You categorize my role and censor what I do.
You never let me be as I want;
My dream you endeavour to thwart.
Forever in your rob will I myself veil,
If you with true heart will ever hail.
Forever by your side will I tread,
If you love me beyond your need.
Hopes in Ashes 9
VEIL
What needs to be veiled ?
My flesh or your lust…..?
My face or your gaze…..?
Your lust peeps through thick or thin.
Your gaze penetrates my skin.
Your insatiable hunger to control,
Why I need to be a scroll…..?
Every time you forge some way
To keep my being at bay.
Whether it is at home or field
You use me as a shield.
You think I am born to take care of you;
You categorize my role and censor what I do.
You never let me be as I want;
My dream you endeavour to thwart.
Forever in your rob will I myself veil,
If you with true heart will ever hail.
Forever by your side will I tread,
If you love me beyond your need.
Hopes in Ashes 9
MY WEDDING DAY
The most cherished day of life? I can raise my voice;
Has brought all this transformation. But keep mum for family's Honour.
I was the main decision maker I have turned docile willingly;
After my grandmother in family. My colleagues notice the change in me.
Now here I am the least bothered one Nothing new, the change occurs in every girl's life.
For making any decision.
I used to work willingly at home I donot get time to go to the doctor for health checkup;
After coming back from college. I have postponed the baby to be born.
Now I have to do all the household work compulsorily I wish for a he-baby;
After the day ends at college. So that I get a chance to break the vicious cycle.
I used to wear whatever I feel like wearing. I will make my Bahu my Beti
Now I had to wear whatever my mother in law And thus will reverse the power-game
Wants me to wear.
I bought a beautiful gown for the wedding party of the cousin.
Mom thought it was not a proper dress to be worn
By the Bahu of our family.
The thrill of having the gown dwindled down.
I earn more than any other member of the family;
Still get respect less than any other member in the family.
I work more than any other member in the family;
Yet less taken care of than any other member in the family.
Whatever atrocities my mother in law inflict on me;
Perhaps hers inflicted on her and the things are going in a cycle.
Hopes in Ashes 11
MY WEDDING DAY
The most cherished day of life? I can raise my voice;
Has brought all this transformation. But keep mum for family's Honour.
I was the main decision maker I have turned docile willingly;
After my grandmother in family. My colleagues notice the change in me.
Now here I am the least bothered one Nothing new, the change occurs in every girl's life.
For making any decision.
I used to work willingly at home I donot get time to go to the doctor for health checkup;
After coming back from college. I have postponed the baby to be born.
Now I have to do all the household work compulsorily I wish for a he-baby;
After the day ends at college. So that I get a chance to break the vicious cycle.
I used to wear whatever I feel like wearing. I will make my Bahu my Beti
Now I had to wear whatever my mother in law And thus will reverse the power-game
Wants me to wear.
I bought a beautiful gown for the wedding party of the cousin.
Mom thought it was not a proper dress to be worn
By the Bahu of our family.
The thrill of having the gown dwindled down.
I earn more than any other member of the family;
Still get respect less than any other member in the family.
I work more than any other member in the family;
Yet less taken care of than any other member in the family.
Whatever atrocities my mother in law inflict on me;
Perhaps hers inflicted on her and the things are going in a cycle.
Hopes in Ashes 11
IF ONLY ---------------------------------
If only I had not been an unwelcomed guest,
I would have made my being recognized.
If only I had got equal status,
I would have made my identity recognized.
If only I had got my own right to decide,
I would have made my career recognized.
If only I had not been tortured at home,
I would have made my home recognized.
If only I had not been assaulted in the dark,
I would have made my love recognized.
If only I had been provided with the opportunity to grow,
I would have made my growth recognized.
If only I had my own earth to step on,
I would have made my own sky recognized.
Hopes in Ashes 13
IF ONLY ---------------------------------
If only I had not been an unwelcomed guest,
I would have made my being recognized.
If only I had got equal status,
I would have made my identity recognized.
If only I had got my own right to decide,
I would have made my career recognized.
If only I had not been tortured at home,
I would have made my home recognized.
If only I had not been assaulted in the dark,
I would have made my love recognized.
If only I had been provided with the opportunity to grow,
I would have made my growth recognized.
If only I had my own earth to step on,
I would have made my own sky recognized.
Hopes in Ashes 13
MOTHER
Oh Mother! You are my nourishing spring;
You fed me to blossom into flower.
I am the product of your love and labour;
You are the subterranean agent to whom my spirit cling.
Oh Mother !
You are the primordial water which made me exist on space;
Your flow offer a healing substance,
When the world becomes arid and unhappy place.
Oh Mother !
You equip me to venture out into the world;
I come back to you after the wounding strife;
You selflessly spread your arms to embrace;
And I want to lie in your lap curled.
Hopes in Ashes 15
MOTHER
Oh Mother! You are my nourishing spring;
You fed me to blossom into flower.
I am the product of your love and labour;
You are the subterranean agent to whom my spirit cling.
Oh Mother !
You are the primordial water which made me exist on space;
Your flow offer a healing substance,
When the world becomes arid and unhappy place.
Oh Mother !
You equip me to venture out into the world;
I come back to you after the wounding strife;
You selflessly spread your arms to embrace;
And I want to lie in your lap curled.
Hopes in Ashes 15
WHAT IS LIFE
Life is a Pilgrimage
When I Philosophize and think deep.
Life is a Comedy
When I emotionalize and feel deep.
Life is a Tragedy
When I materialize and engross deep.
God has bestowed us strength enough
To bear things with courage.
God has endowed us with art of imagination
To create things out of void.
Man steps on this isthmus with bills and debts
And carry them to the Doom's Day.
When I explore truth of Life
It teaches what I can do for others;
And Justice introduces me
To that “What”.
When man repents for past deeds or thoughts,
He dreads to venture into future.
When man lives in the web of doubts or ego,
He dreads to venture into faith.
Hopes in Ashes 17
WHAT IS LIFE
Life is a Pilgrimage
When I Philosophize and think deep.
Life is a Comedy
When I emotionalize and feel deep.
Life is a Tragedy
When I materialize and engross deep.
God has bestowed us strength enough
To bear things with courage.
God has endowed us with art of imagination
To create things out of void.
Man steps on this isthmus with bills and debts
And carry them to the Doom's Day.
When I explore truth of Life
It teaches what I can do for others;
And Justice introduces me
To that “What”.
When man repents for past deeds or thoughts,
He dreads to venture into future.
When man lives in the web of doubts or ego,
He dreads to venture into faith.
Hopes in Ashes 17
I WILL WIN MY OWN GRACE
Don't take me just like a shadow; You never spare me in
I am the ray in the dark to guide you. Enclosures and streets.
Don't take me as a form of solitude; You tear my soul apart in
In moments of despair I am your fortitude. Buses and retreats.
For ages long I have been empowering So --------------------------------
You with powers umpteen.
For your existence many a times Henceforth I will believe
I make myself not seen. My own power to embrace.
Hence forth I myself
For your Pride (or may I call it 'ego') Will be pride of my race.
I subdue myself like a calf.
As a mother, sister, daughter Will no more beg, but earn my own grace.
And loving better half. Will no more beg, but earn my own grace.
In return have you ever make a try
To know my desire, to listen my cry.
I want not just to exist, but live;
It is my own right which you must give.
But ----------------------------
You always compel me to bow
My body and soul down.
You work on 'Might is Right'
At home and godown.
Hopes in Ashes 19
I WILL WIN MY OWN GRACE
Don't take me just like a shadow; You never spare me in
I am the ray in the dark to guide you. Enclosures and streets.
Don't take me as a form of solitude; You tear my soul apart in
In moments of despair I am your fortitude. Buses and retreats.
For ages long I have been empowering So --------------------------------
You with powers umpteen.
For your existence many a times Henceforth I will believe
I make myself not seen. My own power to embrace.
Hence forth I myself
For your Pride (or may I call it 'ego') Will be pride of my race.
I subdue myself like a calf.
As a mother, sister, daughter Will no more beg, but earn my own grace.
And loving better half. Will no more beg, but earn my own grace.
In return have you ever make a try
To know my desire, to listen my cry.
I want not just to exist, but live;
It is my own right which you must give.
But ----------------------------
You always compel me to bow
My body and soul down.
You work on 'Might is Right'
At home and godown.
Hopes in Ashes 19
MAID
Her journey began at sixteen The man with monsterous male ego looming large
When married to a man with no work. Never acknowledges her role
She moved out; worked for memsahibs; Always makes her feel low.
Running from house to house
Washing dishes, clothes, floors; Think as you do
Cringing, imploring, praying Do what you will.
Helped her raise her offsprings. The man – A drone
Cunningness, wisdom and frugality I will not cry ………
Helped her bring refrigerator, washing machine, T.V. Neither will I die ……
Things on Installments and money on interest One thing shall I do ….
Helped her two daughters get married. Keep pulling through ……..
From 8 to 8 running here and there Keep pulling through ……..
Taking long strides with pride.
And the man ……………
The man staying back
Loitering with friends during day.
The man lying at bed
Setting romantic mood during night.
She knew if she should embrace
The aching body would crumble beneath.
Every night she forebears
Either burden or abuse.
Every night she sleeps
With no dreams but a thought
To wake up early again.
Always boasting one thing aloud
Her character is her proud.
Hopes in Ashes 21
MAID
Her journey began at sixteen The man with monsterous male ego looming large
When married to a man with no work. Never acknowledges her role
She moved out; worked for memsahibs; Always makes her feel low.
Running from house to house
Washing dishes, clothes, floors; Think as you do
Cringing, imploring, praying Do what you will.
Helped her raise her offsprings. The man – A drone
Cunningness, wisdom and frugality I will not cry ………
Helped her bring refrigerator, washing machine, T.V. Neither will I die ……
Things on Installments and money on interest One thing shall I do ….
Helped her two daughters get married. Keep pulling through ……..
From 8 to 8 running here and there Keep pulling through ……..
Taking long strides with pride.
And the man ……………
The man staying back
Loitering with friends during day.
The man lying at bed
Setting romantic mood during night.
She knew if she should embrace
The aching body would crumble beneath.
Every night she forebears
Either burden or abuse.
Every night she sleeps
With no dreams but a thought
To wake up early again.
Always boasting one thing aloud
Her character is her proud.
Hopes in Ashes 21
AN IDEAL WOMAN
I am an ideal woman
Responding and relating to other's needs.
I detract myself from my own sense of identity;
I have become so fluid as have no tangible shape.
I look into mirror…………
Adorn myself with a wish of being appreciated;
I ruin myself up to please my surveyor;
I have turned myself into an object – an object of vision.
I never prove myself superior to you,
As not to challenge manhood.
I feel alienated from the product upon which I work: My Body.
I never assume uncompromising stance; an antidote to oppression.
I ventilate my real self through my dialogic imagination.
I never assert my individuality so as to bring confrontation.
I betray my hopes for harmony and integration…….
For peace and happiness
I evade 'I'
Because I am an ideal woman.
Hopes in Ashes 23
AN IDEAL WOMAN
I am an ideal woman
Responding and relating to other's needs.
I detract myself from my own sense of identity;
I have become so fluid as have no tangible shape.
I look into mirror…………
Adorn myself with a wish of being appreciated;
I ruin myself up to please my surveyor;
I have turned myself into an object – an object of vision.
I never prove myself superior to you,
As not to challenge manhood.
I feel alienated from the product upon which I work: My Body.
I never assume uncompromising stance; an antidote to oppression.
I ventilate my real self through my dialogic imagination.
I never assert my individuality so as to bring confrontation.
I betray my hopes for harmony and integration…….
For peace and happiness
I evade 'I'
Because I am an ideal woman.
Hopes in Ashes 23
THE SNAKE AT HOME
He was thin , long and young. Again it impressed my sight;
His incessantly convulsive movement Again the same dilemma caught my mind;
Caught my eye. Again the physical terror took an upper hand;
Impressed by its movements? And I dragged it out away from home in the sand of the street.
Afraid of its being at home?
Associating its presence with the blessings of Lord Shiva? Was I a believer? A Non-believer?
Mesmerized was I I could not surmise.
At my mental state I was not certain about myself;
My stupidity, infixity of attitude But he was quite certain about his ways.
Was in sharp contrast to his active zigzag motions.
He was an animal;
Terrified….. And I a human.
I could not let him be at home.
Afraid of Lord Shiva's Anger…..
I could not show disregard to it.
In a fix ….. A Dilemma…… was I.
Then he started entering into a small hole;
At once physical terror overlapped my religious terror;
And I dragged it out with a broom;
Dared not kill it, tried to make it out.
Near the threshold he set himself free from captivity;
Held its head high as if to attack;
Small but defiant.
Hopes in Ashes 25
THE SNAKE AT HOME
He was thin , long and young. Again it impressed my sight;
His incessantly convulsive movement Again the same dilemma caught my mind;
Caught my eye. Again the physical terror took an upper hand;
Impressed by its movements? And I dragged it out away from home in the sand of the street.
Afraid of its being at home?
Associating its presence with the blessings of Lord Shiva? Was I a believer? A Non-believer?
Mesmerized was I I could not surmise.
At my mental state I was not certain about myself;
My stupidity, infixity of attitude But he was quite certain about his ways.
Was in sharp contrast to his active zigzag motions.
He was an animal;
Terrified….. And I a human.
I could not let him be at home.
Afraid of Lord Shiva's Anger…..
I could not show disregard to it.
In a fix ….. A Dilemma…… was I.
Then he started entering into a small hole;
At once physical terror overlapped my religious terror;
And I dragged it out with a broom;
Dared not kill it, tried to make it out.
Near the threshold he set himself free from captivity;
Held its head high as if to attack;
Small but defiant.
Hopes in Ashes 25
AN INDIAN WOMAN
I do not want to be a feminist
As I am a familist.
I am aware of my potentiality;
I do not beg from you my identity;
I am aware of self respect which upholds yours.
I do not claim any nuclear niche;
I am a champion of living in harmony and might;
I do not reinforce anything as my right.
I am fully well adapted to my duty;
I do not like being objectified,
I am a repository of soft and subtle beauty.
I do not boast of my intellectuality;
I am a harbinger of purity.
I do not dominate with aggression;
I am shakti with channelized
Mettle.
Hopes in Ashes 27
AN INDIAN WOMAN
I do not want to be a feminist
As I am a familist.
I am aware of my potentiality;
I do not beg from you my identity;
I am aware of self respect which upholds yours.
I do not claim any nuclear niche;
I am a champion of living in harmony and might;
I do not reinforce anything as my right.
I am fully well adapted to my duty;
I do not like being objectified,
I am a repository of soft and subtle beauty.
I do not boast of my intellectuality;
I am a harbinger of purity.
I do not dominate with aggression;
I am shakti with channelized
Mettle.
Hopes in Ashes 27
I NEED WORDS
Words that find me a way out
From the state of alienation
Words that weave my life
Like needle and thimble into a pattern
Words that provide me space
Of my own to live before I die
Words that reverberate through
My exiled sense of nostalgia
Words that figure out
My imaginative intellectuality
Words that solace softly
My tortured soul
Hopes in Ashes 29
I NEED WORDS
Words that find me a way out
From the state of alienation
Words that weave my life
Like needle and thimble into a pattern
Words that provide me space
Of my own to live before I die
Words that reverberate through
My exiled sense of nostalgia
Words that figure out
My imaginative intellectuality
Words that solace softly
My tortured soul
Hopes in Ashes 29
RIVER AND WOMAN
I am a river
Flow without pause,
Am never still
Keep changing over time and terrain.
Sometimes bursting my banks,
When full of life.
Sometimes flooding and rippling,
When passionate.
Sometimes meandering,
When pressurized.
Sometimes blossoming into life,
When I see the signs of loving clouds.
Sometimes defiantly surging over crisis,
Sometimes sparkling and sometimes chuckling quietly,
Sometimes I beat the strong rocks to a smooth texture.
Sometimes I dry up into an arid state for lack of love,
And lie dormant in some dark corner of my being
Like a forgotten dry river bed in a drought.
Untimely rain is a harbinger
Of joy, bliss and growth for me.
I again gurgle into life when pours water of rain,
And keep flowing inspite of shattered drain.
Hopes in Ashes 31
RIVER AND WOMAN
I am a river
Flow without pause,
Am never still
Keep changing over time and terrain.
Sometimes bursting my banks,
When full of life.
Sometimes flooding and rippling,
When passionate.
Sometimes meandering,
When pressurized.
Sometimes blossoming into life,
When I see the signs of loving clouds.
Sometimes defiantly surging over crisis,
Sometimes sparkling and sometimes chuckling quietly,
Sometimes I beat the strong rocks to a smooth texture.
Sometimes I dry up into an arid state for lack of love,
And lie dormant in some dark corner of my being
Like a forgotten dry river bed in a drought.
Untimely rain is a harbinger
Of joy, bliss and growth for me.
I again gurgle into life when pours water of rain,
And keep flowing inspite of shattered drain.
Hopes in Ashes 31
DIAPASON (A BURST OF SOUND)
The very act of writing
Is an act of emancipation for me
I have evolved a new discourse
As a matter of self-definition
Here only I can express
My effervescent urges in bold
Here only I can find my place
To register my woeful tale
Here only I can flutter my wings
To feel me out of cage
It is my Idiom, my Diapason
The Metaphor of my Existence
Hopes in Ashes 33
DIAPASON (A BURST OF SOUND)
The very act of writing
Is an act of emancipation for me
I have evolved a new discourse
As a matter of self-definition
Here only I can express
My effervescent urges in bold
Here only I can find my place
To register my woeful tale
Here only I can flutter my wings
To feel me out of cage
It is my Idiom, my Diapason
The Metaphor of my Existence
Hopes in Ashes 33
SHATTERED SPIRIT
I took it as a Pilgrimage I noticed nothing as I went
The strangling crowd of negative force.
With exalting mind and pure heart Ignorant of what the thunder meant
Power in hand and having the whole stage. I moved undaunted on my course.
Worked on every stone and every bark
I needed the mates to match my rage. A section claimed liberty from hypothetical clutch
Misled the future of the nation.
The progress bursting out spread Their union worked to put me in ditch
I drank deep lost in fame. Created unrest among the young generation.
Step by step was moving ahead
Unaware of the surrounding mean game. My spirit, my enthusiasm was doomed
My name, my work was largely hit.
Many a times differences prevailed Dangers to quit the field before me loomed
On why to take tasks so enlarged. Thrashed, alienated, annihilated was my spirit.
They all thought my efforts nothing availed
As monsters of ego and self snarled. Anarchy, indiscipline, darkened every face.
Their deeds were neither rare nor great
I could not make them understand It is in positivity where we can gather grace.
What my mission is through this enterprise.
As the larger humanity is not the bread of their hand Slowly …………………………….
Notion of community or unity could they not surmise. I am collecting the shattered, scattered pieces of my rage;
To enable myself for another Pilgrimage,
They were afraid of my 'self' looming large To enable myself for another Pilgrimage.
But could not see the struggle I underwent.
Shadowed by the false ghosts of fear
Conspired together to make me bent.
Hopes in Ashes 35
SHATTERED SPIRIT
I took it as a Pilgrimage I noticed nothing as I went
The strangling crowd of negative force.
With exalting mind and pure heart Ignorant of what the thunder meant
Power in hand and having the whole stage. I moved undaunted on my course.
Worked on every stone and every bark
I needed the mates to match my rage. A section claimed liberty from hypothetical clutch
Misled the future of the nation.
The progress bursting out spread Their union worked to put me in ditch
I drank deep lost in fame. Created unrest among the young generation.
Step by step was moving ahead
Unaware of the surrounding mean game. My spirit, my enthusiasm was doomed
My name, my work was largely hit.
Many a times differences prevailed Dangers to quit the field before me loomed
On why to take tasks so enlarged. Thrashed, alienated, annihilated was my spirit.
They all thought my efforts nothing availed
As monsters of ego and self snarled. Anarchy, indiscipline, darkened every face.
Their deeds were neither rare nor great
I could not make them understand It is in positivity where we can gather grace.
What my mission is through this enterprise.
As the larger humanity is not the bread of their hand Slowly …………………………….
Notion of community or unity could they not surmise. I am collecting the shattered, scattered pieces of my rage;
To enable myself for another Pilgrimage,
They were afraid of my 'self' looming large To enable myself for another Pilgrimage.
But could not see the struggle I underwent.
Shadowed by the false ghosts of fear
Conspired together to make me bent.
Hopes in Ashes 35
CONCEIVING ?
A tick tick
of my life I am;
neither been slow,
nor been fast ;
Feel as if I am born with
an alarm inside me
that operates without sound in my brain;
A hanging pendulum I am
that swings betweem
my fate and fortune
to test my womanhood;
But why I am hanged
just to prove my ability ,
to test my sincerity.
to record my responsibility;
Has it not been sufficent
that I was born an eve
from the womb of an eve
to prove my femininity?
Perhaps I had lost my existence in my mother's
belly If were tested for
a sex determination.
Woman not a machine that delivers male gadgets only,
She herself is a universe that conceives a universe.
Hopes in Ashes 37
CONCEIVING ?
A tick tick
of my life I am;
neither been slow,
nor been fast ;
Feel as if I am born with
an alarm inside me
that operates without sound in my brain;
A hanging pendulum I am
that swings betweem
my fate and fortune
to test my womanhood;
But why I am hanged
just to prove my ability ,
to test my sincerity.
to record my responsibility;
Has it not been sufficent
that I was born an eve
from the womb of an eve
to prove my femininity?
Perhaps I had lost my existence in my mother's
belly If were tested for
a sex determination.
Woman not a machine that delivers male gadgets only,
She herself is a universe that conceives a universe.
Hopes in Ashes 37
AN OLD WOMEN AND AN OLD TREE !
I was the gardener,
I nourished my garden with the rain of my sweat.
I was the nurturer.
I spread out my beneficent shade,
And kept a protective covering over all the plants;
Made them flourish into complete beings.
Now, when I need and deserve the support
From those whom I ensured life and growth;
Now I am desiccated, deprived of water;
Now I am a withered old tree;
A mere shadow of my original self.
Hopes in Ashes 39
AN OLD WOMEN AND AN OLD TREE !
I was the gardener,
I nourished my garden with the rain of my sweat.
I was the nurturer.
I spread out my beneficent shade,
And kept a protective covering over all the plants;
Made them flourish into complete beings.
Now, when I need and deserve the support
From those whom I ensured life and growth;
Now I am desiccated, deprived of water;
Now I am a withered old tree;
A mere shadow of my original self.
Hopes in Ashes 39
WATER AND ME
Water takes shape and draws
the colour of its receptacle
So am I ................
content to fit in any mould
Water glitters jewel-like
Once set free
So am I ..................
Scatter radiance of my true personality
Once break free of my fetters
Water turns into pools
When interrupted in its natural flow
So am I .....................
Closing all my rosy petals
When confined to narrow compartments
Only water has the power of
Bringing out the sandalness of the sandal
So am I ..................
Having the potent to bring out
the youness of you
Hopes in Ashes 41
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