Just a little birthday present for a former love.
If you're reading this, don't you ever think that anyone who's seen you from so close, could ever dislike you. You're a wonderful soul, and you'll find a way, even if you don't see it yet. Happy, is the hero here. Happy's got to be.
Bon anniversaire, A! :)

Thinking of an old love and how he once made me feel. Isn't it amazing how love can turn our hearts into mere puppets?

It's sad to know that even today, as what not happens in the name of "feminism", there are still women in my country who cannot even afford sanitary napkins, let alone clothes. As a result, many rural women use substitutes, but it's heartbreaking to see the extent they would bend to, only because they cannot afford anything more.

Yet, I feel just as proud as I am angered by the story of such people (vs the wasteful lives of the 'haves'...a gap that huge is unfair!) -
proud because of people like Anshu Gupta (founder of Goonj, a not-for-profit organisation), who, along with his team is working towards changing this scenario with the distribution of biodegradable and affordable sanitary napkins, amongst other commendable initiatives.

This is not a collaboration or anything of that sort, neither am I associated with them in any way (other than supporting their causes), I am genuinely touched by their efforts and naturally, feel like spreading the word about their work. It would be great if you too could have a look at their website (goonj.org), and if you're convinced, monetarily or non-monetarily, support their cause?

I've used the term thunderstruck here, to mean more like 'lovestruck', as I am often mesmerised with and in love with how nature intervenes every now and then, to reclaim the power that truely belongs to her.

Last night, I was woken from my sleep, by her, as she boasted in full glory, of her power. There was lightning, there was thunder, and it all seemed so threatening. Trees fell and windshields smashed. Oh, it was such a high to see her rub it in, showing who the boss here is. If only, we humans stopped messing with her...

In one of my discussions with a friend, I was reminded of this theory that says everything in life is by default designed for doom. I cannot recollect the name of that theory...anyone?

I've been ill for a week now and today, as I was practising singing, I realized that my voice had in fact opened/cleared up more than ever before - all because I have been using all sorts of home remedies to cure a bad throat.

I realize that this is actually true even for something as serious as depression. Having experienced it first hand, it's easy today, for me to say that fighting depression only makes you stronger than ever! Of course, if you don't give up. If you're reading this, and resonate with even one word here, please don't give up on a good fight. It may seem impossible from where you stand but even if for a moment, you could believe this, know that light does exist and it is waiting as eagerly to be found by you as you are to discover it.

Good wishes and energy,
A fellow human

My little tornado is subtle these days and that's not a nice thing. I miss the brat taking the house down! Kids don't deserve to fall ill at all. But then again, maybe it's nature's way of making them stronger...of helping them toughen up. My niece is an inspiration how she manages a smile even when she's really exhausted with the meds. She's a stunner with how she disallows anything to come in the way of her enjoying her childhood!

I wish her and every child currently on a break from relishing their childhood, a speedy recovery and lots of joy in their lives ahead.

I also wish for the child in us adults, to show thyself and shine in full glory!

I hate how this has, poetically, turned out. But I really wanted to get the point across. I've had a million girlfriends complain about how they just want to be treated right when they're on their period. That same boyfriend who otherwise showers his girl with love and attention, does so only over the phone when she's menstruating. Why? Just because she's sensitive, a little bloated and sometimes staining the sheets? It's sad that despite having a boyfriend, she feels alone on those days when she could really use some pampering, and her girls have to make up for his absence (they'd gladly come make her day)...but it's heartbreaking to see a friend be left like that by her 'love' on a day she needs a little more love.

If you love her, love her. Period. Even when she's on her period.

For a friend.

Don't fall for the frivolous, my dear. It is worth not diving in too soon. Love may take its time to knock on your doors again, let it...it will be worth the wait. Just like rain to the earth. <3

Another one that feels more fit for a song. Unsure about the title, help please?

Feels more fit for a song than a poem, to me.

I am in awe of greens...I particularly love how creepers grow just about anywhere, how plants and trees take up space so silently, around us, yet when it comes to how they contribute to our planet - nothing silent or small about that.

Funny how, so naturally, I wanted to name this poem so, which also reminds me of Gollum (any LOTR fans here?), who would never part with his precious ring, or heart if that was as precious to him, so easily.

Thanks to my brother, I've grown up watching some of the best movies.

I think it's pretty obvious if you've watched this one; I'm curious if you can, guess which movie?

A lot of Indian girls (I'm not sure if this happens in your country too, I'm guessing it would in a primarily conservative society) often have to grow up hearing things like, "We'll get you married, and then you can do what you want", when we express the want to do something that is "not allowed" in our family. This does not restrict to life's bigger decisions like having kids of our own or adopting kids, or even bringing home a pet, but also to the smaller ones like, getting a tattoo or buying and riding a bike of your own, or even painting your room. There is a general lack of respect for individuality and in the process, a lot of us (actually, this one sentence includes our men too) are living a life that we cannot truly call our own. We aren't being ourselves. We are living a lie. Most of us (women), get married only because it's a passport to our freedom, without upsetting our parents. I wish Indian parents stopped looking for happiness in seeing their children "settled", because "settling" with (for) someone is the most unsettling thing one can do to themselves and to that person. Of course, for those who marry for love, I'm the happiest for them! Those who choose not to marry, I'm happy for them too. At least you people aren't doing anything under a compulsion. That's awesome! :) Those who feel like surrendering, it may seem like the easy road to take, but don't take it unless YOU want to, please, for your own sake.
**
Dhaara T

I wish we all could just I-hate-you-but-let's-just-chill. Where are you, Utopia? :(