Civilized Conversation, Harmonious Coexistence

 

It’s not as if we are asking for the moon

Something impossible, unheard of

 It used to happen, not very long ago…

 Why can’t the so called “Modern humans”

“Advanced”, “Digital savvy” humans

Listen, pay attention to views, different from their own

Without getting annoyed, angry, uncomfortable, irritated?

 

An earlier generation solved many issues

By willing to talk, listen, being open to divergent views

By being respectful, constructive and inclusive

 

Today, people shout down views of opponents

Plan rebuttals, even before hearing them fully

use sarcasm, derogatory language

 

Requests during debates to be nice

not interrupt, not be sceptical, avoid side conversations

and acknowledge insights from others

Fall on deaf ears of anchor, participants!

 

Going forward, restoring civilized behaviour, a must

For handling, sorting out disputes

Living harmoniously with fellow beings

 

Wake up oh self- centered humans!

Get back to the basics, your original nature

Re learn to live, let live and share

eco system with all beings

 the biotic- Plants, animals, organisms

as also the abiotic- Rocks, other such forms of existence!   

NB:  This poem has been included in the anthology of Chennai Poetry Circle 2023 "Efflorescence". 

A Miracle Poem

Preamble: The India Poetry Circle (IPC) publishes every year an anthology of collaborative poems by its members in the name and style of "Confluence". In 2023 it was suggested that apart from the usual collaborative poems, each poet also write a "Miracle Poem" on some miracle that has happened in his/her life ( an out of the blue, unexpected occurance that left you 'Glowing'. 

Searched for miracles from my life, thus far 

couldn't find any immediately, but a miracle 

involving my nation sprang to mind, "it was"- asserted 

inner voice, loud and clear - "Nothing short of miracle!" 

The cricket team of India 

lightweights in one day format

underdogs, became world champions

beating the mighty West Indies twice!

Yes, miracles do happen...

when you believe, act with determination 

or as skipper Kapil says " have a collective desire to win" 

Nobody gave the underdogs, Indians any chance

seniors declined captaincy,  that fell 

on the young shoulders of Kapil Dev

who it turned out, led from the front 

leading by example, be it 

in batting, bowling or fielding! 

Captain's 175 not out, against Zimbabwe 

an unbelievable catch of King Richards  in the finals 

 contributed big,  as 'Rays' combined 

to become this bright 'Sun' of  a miracle! 

A saga of a team who from 'No where" 

or laughing stocks in '75 and '79 

emerging champions in 1983 

a spectacle that witnessed, great teamwork 

rising self belief of players with each game 

and an ever- motivating skipper 

Indeed, "Kapil's Novices" had turned " Kapil's Devils"

Nothing short of a miracle! 

A miracle that moved, energized a gigantic nation

inspired future generations to take up game, excel

epoch making win, in cricketing history... 

Success so much sweeter, when out of the blue 

 precisely why the '83 win, is hailed a miracle!   

Last of the Seasons

The old man sat cold and huddled 

after all, it was winter time

had seen it all- the spring n summer

of childhood and youth, autumn of middle age 

and now reached the last of the seasons   

Had embraced life whole heartedly

everything that came his way 

yet now he felt stuck at a dead end 

as if there's nothing more to be done

just wait for the last breath... 

His best friend, two years senior

chided him often, over phone

when they met in person 

don't despair he said, just sink into 

the coolness of winter

just slip into warm clothes to beat the cold 

and life can still be fun! 

Being open , warm and smiling 

is the passport to all hearts - they are

gladly welcomed by pets, friends, strangers 

so do not despair, enjoy the journey 

while it's still on...

nothing is over until it's over! 

NB:   This poem was written for the Yercaud Poetry Fest anthology "Winterful Whispers"  which was released at Hotel Royal Orchid Mysore on 6th January 2024. 

Lovers in Winter

Many hate the cold of winter

but not them, it reminded them 

of times they met- the cool stylish clothes

the thrill and warmth of huddling together 

The season always brought cheer in December

shopping for and celebrating Christmas

Santa Claus, toys and the jingling of bells 

just being on the streets, watching the merry crowd

brought  hope and joy of a wonderful morrow!  

Winter was all the more special for him & her

After all it was then that they met, became lovers 

held hands at the altar together 

and became kindred souls for life!  

NB:  The poem was Written for the Yercaud Poetry Fest anthology "Winterful Whispers" which was released at Hotel Royal Orchid Mysore on 6th January 2024.   

On a Winter Afternoon

A tug on his sleeve interrupted a mild siesta

 jerking him awake from the comfort of his warm bed 

"Come grandpa! Let's make a beautiful snowman

with a cigar in his mouth!" yelled the little one excitedly 

Grandpa , wasn't sharing his excitement

what with the little aches, spasms worsening in winter 

he pulled the blanket over his head, stalling action 

like the times when mother woke him in childhood !

The persistent, mean , grandson always had his way! 

soon grandpa and grandson were on the front yard  

working away in mid afternoon to create

the best snowman in the neighbourhood! 

Grandson motivated his elder, promising him

hot beverages and cookies, soon after job is done. 

It's been like this for some time now

ever since the arrival of the little one- all of 4 years now! 

Grandpa was diverted from aches and pains  

to living in the present moment, being active 

Even on cold  wintry days, always reminded

to buck up, since spring is just around the corner!    

NB:  This poem was written for the Yercaud Poetry Fest anthology "Winterful Whispers" and recited during the physical meet at Royal Orchid hotel, Brindavan Gardens Mysore on 7th January 2024