As I moved to the venue of our residential complex
to join , partake in the 78th independence day celebrations
multiple thoughts raced to my mind and sped away
On the one hand ours, a nation with a great, hoary past
yet on the other, seemingly a young country
if counting done, from date of independence
Whichever way you look at it, Bharat, India , Hindustan
has come full circle, to a state of autumn time
time to introspect on the losses, gains and the way forward
During the event, I sang a Hindi film song
A song of early independence days, urging countrymen
to leave past behind- the sadness, resentments and complaints
and embrace a new future of hope, possibilities
opened up by science, technology and willingness to work hard
Autumn time evokes a sense of transition, reflection
appreciate the efforts of the past, achievements thus far
yet willing to let go of old beliefs, habits, relationships
that no longer serve us- shake off the feelings of divisiveness
disruption, discord, disarray, disharmony
A seemingly simple task, made so difficult
by vested interests, not wanting us to move forward
but eternally live in the past, dwelling on the differences
Differences in attire, worship, languages, social habits
Our true nature though is all about the similarities
similar longing for love, peace, happiness
looked at this way, don't we all want the same things !
Autumn time is the right time, for a person, firm or nation
to reach out for the gathered wisdom of lived experiences
conserve energy for future challenges
rather than fritter it away on the trifles
have a deeper connection , sense of community
Autumn draws attention to the impermanence
reminding us of the inevitable cycle of birth and death
she encourages you to cherish the present
have a balance between work and rest
to contemplate and find peace
Key is not being a pawn to sinister designs ,
reminding ourselves again and again
that we are all souls in human bodies
of different colour, shape, sizes
but with the same flame of light within
What better time to remind ourselves
of the common heritage, culture, ethos
brotherhood and bonding of generations
"Born and living in this same great country
we all love our mother, from the bottom of our hearts! "
NB: This Poem has been included in the anthology "Auburn Ambrosia" published by Soul Scribers Society for the Yercaud Poetry Festival.
