Tea and Prose
Dear ol’ poet in the park,
with a smile spread across the face
and hands in the air
you welcome passersby
to stop by your side for a while.
Be it sun or rain,
you’re there all day, every day.
A hope to the hopeless,
a pause for the busy,
a smile for a frown,
a joy for the moody.
When I stopped by and noticed the twinkle in your eyes
I realized that stars don’t just shine bright from afar,
they sing sweet poetic words of melody.
Ten years ago, on my way to college, I got on my regular bus, which was fortunately not crowded and had a few vacant seats. I sat by the window and started reading a book that they were teaching in my Literature class, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. At the next stop, a girl got on the bus and sat next to me. She noticed what I was reading, then smiled at me and asked, “Is that by Daphne du Maurier?” That was the conversation starter. The route to my college usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic. The entire time, we chatted without a pause. We talked about all the books we enjoyed reading, the authors we love, and I cannot forget the enthusiasm with which we would laugh and agree if we both named a book that we mutually enjoyed reading. We also talked a bit about our personal lives, I guess, but I don’t remember much about that. All I know is that her name was Hannah. I did not meet her again but the joy that I felt while talking to her was surreal. I usually dislike and dread conversations with strangers as it makes me very uncomfortable. I do not like small talk, I do not like listening to random people rambling about their life. But with Hannah, it was a two-way conversation about topics of similar interests that brought out the best version of ourselves.
It is strange how we can sometimes connect with strangers, while there are certain people with whom we can spend a lifetime together and still be uncomfortable showing our real side.
Practicing yoga daily has brought a positive change in my life, both physically and emotionally. I recall a time when making time for self-care amidst a demanding work schedule seemed like an unattainable feat. However, prioritizing myself has brought a happy balance into my life.
I took a break from formalities and sat down on the floor.
To bask in the sunlight and look up at the blue skies.
I allowed a moment for myself and let out a content sigh.
You are enough,
just as you are.
Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing the World is a non-fictional book that documents the aspirational dreams and challenges of the youth of India from rural villages. Snigdha Poonam, an Indian journalist, gives us a glimpse of what it feels like to be in the shoes of these young dreamers. Some of the main characters mentioned in the book include – Vinay Singhal (CEO of Wittyfeed), Richa Singh (former and first woman president of Allahabad University Students’ Union), Moin Khan (the English coach), Pankaj Prasad (the Jack of all trades), and Mohammad Azhar aka Azhar Khan (the struggling model). This book covers their successes, frustration, and disappointments. The dreams of these millennials are not ordinary, one wants to become a revolutionary politician to change the country, another wants to become a famous Bollywood star in the glamor industry, and another wishes to climb the success ladder to such an extent that his future goal is to rule on Mars.
Continue reading “Dreamers by Snigdha Poonam”Do summer friends melt away like summer snows, but winter friends last forever, as an old saying goes?
Farewell fair weather friends! Meanwhile I’m all bundled up in my furry throw, engrossed in a book called Winterlust: Finding Beauty in the Fiercest Season by Bernd Brunner from which I borrowed this quote.
Winter is here, I’m telling myself not get cold feet by worrying too much about cold feet, and instead embrace the beauty of winter.
More than twinkling stars,
There are twinkling airplanes
In the night sky.
What does darkness mean anymore,
When the light’s always by our bedside.
In search of darkness,
We now go deep inside our minds.
Call it a window
Call it a door
No matter what you say,
For you, it’ll always remain closed.
Day 6 Inktober 2022: Bouquet
A source of immense happiness and joy, the best companions whether you are chilling at home or stuck in traffic, they can change your mood and make you smile, get rid of those unwanted thoughts, feelings of sadness and loneliness and take you to places never imagined, they are your mentors, your guide, your buddy to laugh and cry with and with them you make lifetime memories. Books are the best gifts you can give someone (me), just like a bouquet of flowers, they will never fail to light up your mood and your mind. Read read read, it’s all that matters, stories will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Into Words 