Wishing happiness for 2021
Now that the year 2020 is almost done
This current year wasn’t really much fun
Ever since it had begun.
And then, pretty soon, it had left us all stunned
when the coronavirus managed to outrun.
Much like a Bofors gun,
it was out there killing everyone.
And around the world, it had greatly overrun.
But now there is hope,
That in 2021, the battle against corona
will surely be won.
And with that our fears would be reduced to none.
So, back will be the days
when we can party under the sun.
With children playing in the parks and beaches,
and having all their share of fun.
2021 is like that smoking gun,
much awaited by everyone,
when our days of fear will all be done,
and there’ll be a ray of hope in the short run.

Every year, a day we celebrate
to mark the independence of a country that’s so great!
The sacrifices of our leaders and their fearless courage is beyond measure... to reiterate.
Hooray! It’s our HAPPY 74th INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
With the country all decked up,
and people around so happy & gay!

This moment of happiness
That we live in today
wouldn’t have been possible
without our warriors ******* away.
This freedom that we got as a give away
is an emblem of their sacrifices
from every single day.
We vow to never let it fritter away!

Today, we’ve come a long way.
United we stand with our spirits bright & pledge to never go astray.
With these high hopes and brimming happiness -
My heartiest wishes to you, I convey:
A Very Happy Independence Day!!

(In response to "The White Man's Burden" by Rudyard Kipling)

Reading the poem, “The White Man’s Burden,”
has displayed how humanity back then
had gone for a burton.

...The sensitivity of mankind is hard to ascertain.
This crude presentation
of both - colonialism & racism
is so hard for me to even harken!

This poem that he wrote
for his men to hearten
has left me all
but completely disheartened.

The luminance of Kipling
suddenly seems all darkened.
Or is it that I didn’t
quite get his jargon??

Such a viewpoint
of any person
would be so hard for me to pardon
...coz this outlook
sure needs to be sharpened.

I was seven
when I realized your intellectual acumen
...until then it had all sounded superhuman!

For every question, you had a solution
You taught me algebra and simple substitution,
...and taught how every moment makes a contribution.

Playing Bazooka with you all-day
-- disobeying the rules and going disarray!
are memories that’ll never wear away.

Your newspaper and toothpicks I would sneak away,
yet you’ll keep my troubles at bay
-- by making mom and dad shoo away!

Come what may
...I could just peacefully hit the hay.
Those are my best days
to look back on, any day!

Happy Father’s Day to a dad who’s strong.
Who’s fun to play with
and who’s never wrong.

He who can help me in every subject
and has even taught me how to be strong.

It’s fun to be around you
and so easy to get along.
— we can play or chat all-day
...and then, watch movies, nightlong!

Ain’t I lucky to have a father
who’s friendly, fun, & strong?
A Happy Father’s Day to you, dad
...to me, you belong!

(In memory of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput: Jan 21st, 1986 to June 14th, 2020)

Believe in yourself
and have faith in your abilities.
Let no one ever question your capabilities.
Your future is bright and full of endless possibilities.
Let no hostility or negativity
ever influence your vulnerability.

Remember that whatever step you take
in life must show
your sensibility and responsibility.
This is the key for a happy life.

I may be too young to say this or describe
...but never pay heed to those who bully or stereotype.
Or even those who’re out to take a swipe.

Spitefulness and cynicism,
...you’ll find in all walks of life.
But remember nothing is larger than life.
So, just relax and have the time of your life!

A tribute to those selfless heroes
...those who put their lives in a limbo.
Those frontline warriors - men and women,
...they don’t need an intro!

I salute these noble heroes
-the nurses, the doctors, the janitors,
the delivery guys, the sweepers, and others
who could have stayed safe at home
but chose our safety rather!

They risk their lives for us each day
for us to have our lives our way.
...a gift for which we can never repay.

Living for others is the life they chose.
...willingly bearing with all the life’s blows
...taking a path that’s not a primrose.
These are our greatest unsung heroes!
…