I had written this poem about 2 years ago, when I was immobilized and confined to my house, thanks to a fractured foot. I was depressed, and unable to share my thoughts plainly with anyone. This was the time of (ironically) the inspiration to this poem.

It is surprising, that not joyous feelings, but sadness brings us close to art (poetry). It is said that the great Sage Valmiki, author of the epic 'Ramayana' was inspired when he saw a 'Krouncha' bird die, being hit by the arrow of a hunter, when it was engaged with its companion. From out of sorrow, the first verse was born.

Tough times of our life, make us introspect. The profundity of experience is higher in grief, than in joy. Tough times, have lessons to teach us, to make us learn to accept that all is not fair in life, and move on.

I have been a part of the rat race, yet did not want to be a rat. I have often felt, that there is so much of aimless competition in our daily lives that the purpose of doing an activity and experiencing it without the secret feeling of jealousy, and an urge to win it, is nearly impossible to have!

I look at this maddening race of life, from an outsider's perspective. Rather than be a part of the mad race, I would be happy to stand outside and introspect. I
How graceful and more fulfilling it would have been to progress at each one's own pace, pausing a moment in between, to reflect upon the freshly bloomed flower and its beauty, or the morning chirp of the the birds, their flight and gaiety?

Is competition a necessary outgrowth of civilization, or a gangrene that the body of civilization can do away with? Has it dis-cultured us?! What are your thoughts?

I wanted to specialise in Physics. At the same time I was enamoured by literature and humanities. Unable to decide, immature and not knowing how to express clearly, this poem was written during my college days, just past the teenage years. I had not known how to think beyond binaries: my world view had not expanded beyond matter vs energy. Attempted a rather amateurish or foolish, trial in synthesizing physics with feelings of love.

The ocean is majestic, serene. It is also deep that we don't truly know what it has hid in its depths. Metaphorically, I imagined the sea (or ocean, I am using it interchangeably) to be a living organism, nurturing numerous beings, and one without bounds. But, what feelings would an ocean or a sea have. Did it hold a lot of anguish inside, or was calm on the inside as it did show outside? Would an ocean cry to show its grief? Would its tears be distinguishable from its being? Would we be able to see, if it cries?

Freedom or Liberty is a value that every living being longs for. For me, freedom is the escape of my mind from the inevitable mundane. An elevation of my spirit to something transcendental, and not ephemeral. Not necessarily a permanent refuge but even a momentary catharsis in the continuity of chaos.