I know
I'm small
puny
but this doesn't
hold me captive:
I'm still free
and nothing
is lost

size doesn't count
and I've seen
the big and strong
in life's ocean
being hit
and tossed
felled
rendered helpless

I'm tiny
in comparison
with the rest

but not small
in heart
or spirit:
my own flag
I raise
my song
I sing
to the remotest
I dare travel
the highest mountain
I scale
the sea
most treacherous
I sail
fearlessly-
and upon
my last breath
to my life
I raise
a  resounding toast.

Happiness is no manna
falling from heaven
you've to work at it
over and over again

Are you gentle
or prone to anger?

That which can be described or uttered
does blemish what's the greatest splendour
residing in the deepest labyrinth of the heart
it can't be drawn upon -- this wonder

of wonders whose abode
is beyond the ken of the seeker-
it's the sanctity beyond all sanctities-
the mystery known to no discoverer

Ah, how our hearts long
to love and belong!

Where's the beauty
of the world
sans the arts
which before us unfold?

Life so meagre
so drab and poor
in its monotonous  tones
to live such is to deplore

my heart I'll open
to embrace beauty -manifold
time shall take its mindless flight
but I'll never grow tired nor old

I'll stay away
my being here
might add
to the existing confusion
and needless babble:
where people
gather---anywhere
there's bound to be
some misunderstanding
dissension or squabble
for such is human nature

do excuse me
I can't accept
your invitation
to stay
or something to say

I'll go
my silent way
and none
will I offend
agree with
or defend--
peace I'll have
this will make
my happy day