Life, like a river
Moves slowly forward
Some days it brings smiles
Some days will evoke sighs
Some days you get stuck
And you keep wondering ‘why’ ?
Leave life in Fate’s hands
It knows what’s best for you
It will never ever do
Things that you would rue
So move ahead with grace
And a smile on your face
A sway of the hips
And a song on your lips

Rejoice one and all
For today is Christmas
Decorate the hall
For today is Christmas

Take out the fairy doll
For today is Christmas
Hang her on the tree in the hall
For today is Christmas

Wrap your presents neatly
For today is Christmas
Present it to relatives sweetly
For today is Christmas

First, remember our Lord
For today is Christmas
For he was the son of God
And today is Christmas

Be charitable today
For today is Christmas
Be happy thro’ the day
For today is Christmas

Decorate the crib
For today is Christmas
Do not tell any fib
For today is Christmas

Eat, and be merry
For today is Christmas
Bring out the holly and cherry
For today is Christmas

Spend the day in visiting
For today is Christmas
As well as in feasting
FOR TODAY IS CHRISTMAS

If a storm comes in your life, ride it
If a problem occurs in your life, solve it
If you feel intense misery- hide it
But if you feel immense joy – share it

The steps that you take
Will your reputation make
For if you falter
Your goodwill can also break
So :
Step forward to assist
Step forward to unite
Step back when you are angry
And thirsting for a fight

Step forward to help
Step forward to mend
Step back from gossip
Step back when you can’t fend

Step forward when happy
Step forward to rise
Step back from jealousy
Step back from any lies

Step aside from controversy
Step around ongoing fights
Step happily along with others
Step back from stabbing your brothers

Step up with vigour
Step down when feeling rigour
Step ahead with head held high
Step back whenever you exhale a sigh

Step forward in places known
Be cautious when they are unknown
Step back when danger appears
Stay courageous and still your fears

The steps that you take
Will shape your future life
So let your steps be positive
To avoid dispute and strife

The harrying days are gone
We welcome a new dawn
Nothing has changed, but the date
So change your attitude, to change your Fate

If, with life’s struggles, you will cope
You will give birth to a new type of hope
You will overcome, you will succeed
If the seeds of doubt, you do not feed

So stand straight, with chin up,
Smile, and take a chance
Party with your friends
Lead life a merry dance

Here’s to the coming year
May it be good for you
Our prayers and our blessings
And wishes good and true

Are yours for the keeping
Use them well with care
Be safe, be healthy
But It’s time to do and dare

2024 is ending
With a whimper and a sigh
So let 2025 enter
With a note that’s sweet and high

I would rather talk about things
Than the people around I know
For then they may talk about things
Rather than talk about me
Since I will value their secrets
And not spill them for all to see :
So keep the gossip you hear
Well within you , friend
For if you open your mouth
You will start an ugly trend –
Then be prepared that people
Will talk about you too
So do not spill their secrets
For you will surely rue.

Whatever be the state of your wealth :
These are what will affect your health -
To me they are the ‘Golden three’
That can either bind, or set us free
The first is definitely all our fears
That make us put a brake on the gears;
The second are the tears we shed
That keep flowing till the eyes have bled..
The third – and most important one
Are the years that fly past -one by one
So – this is the Golden trio I feel
That we should face, if we want to heal.

If you Face the rainy season
With fewer sighs and grunts
It will be a cheerful dance
During the summer months

Dancing in the rain
Will keep depression at bay
And you will feel confident
To face, come what may…

And when the sun shines
And all is truly bright
Your happiness will then soar
In the sky like a rising kite

So

Be strong , Be brave
Let your steps have a spring
It will, then, for sure
Much peace of mind bring

When someone shares a secret
Do you hide it in your heart
Do you honor the promise given
To always keep it locked ?
If not –
Whose secrets have you betrayed ?
Whose boat have you just rocked ?
Whose confidence have you bartered ?
Hose dignity have you socked ??
If yes –
A listening ear
A sealed mouth
Will ensure respect
Without a doubt
So
Be careful
Whom you vent to
And always be on guard
For covering up spilt secrets is indeed very hard

Respect the privacy of others
As you would want your own
For words are heard to catch
Once they have already flown.

Its farewell to the old year
And welcome to the new one
Its ‘thank God’ for the old year
And best wishes for the new one.
It’s a permanent adieu to the old year
And bright hopes for the new one
It’s a tear for the old year
And a smile for the new one
It was ‘tough time’ in the last year
But should be ‘smooth sailing’ in the new one
It was a royal kick to the old year
And an obsequious obeisance to the new one.

The waves roll high
They try to reach the sky
The wind blows low
It passes under the prow
The gull poised in [mid] flight
Sees the men in fright
It shrieks with delight –
Its feeding chance is bright.
The clouds, in anguish, roar
As the planes over it, soar
They mumble and they growl
As over the lands they prowl.
The fishes in the deep
Over the corals leap
With glassy eyes they wink
As boats capsize and sink
The storm gathers force
And breaks out in wild fury
Nature is its judge
And Nature is its jury
Wrecking everything
That lies in its way
It’s like a vengeful spirit
That none can hold at bay.
Laughing in delight
At the human’s plight
Its force is almost spent
The air, with screams, is rent.
Holding both its sides
It laughs – till they do split
Its screams, to whispers, die
Its passion is now dry.
Sighing with deep content
Though its back is fully bent
Away with the wind it goes
With many curtsies and bows.

The rustle of the leaves
The gently swaying palm
The slow refreshing breeze
That acts like a balm

The twittering of the birds
The silently grazing herds
The mist that hides the beauty
The guard who’s going off-duty

The call of the cuckoo
The screech of the peacock
Will herald the dawn
And your senses fully block..

All these sights will meet your eyes
If you go for a walk, around sunrise
So wake up, smile, and greet the day
Nature will, many dividends, pay

When nature calls
How do you feel
Do you, your city layers, peel
And throw them on the grass so green
Do you love to see the peacock preen
And smell the air so pure and clean
Do you, to the game reserves, go
When you are feeling sad and low
For they will give you such delight
And make your heart feel so light
That all the pain will wash away
As you in serene spots do stray..
Feel the wind in your hair
Look out sharp for deer and hare
The jungle is full of beasts and fowl
Here is an eagle, and there an owl
But you will need keen eyes and sharp
If you want to see the butterfly dart
It’s all there for you to see
flora and fauna, bird and bee
so relax, and enjoy the pure fresh air
let the breeze blow away your care
feel the burdens lift and go
see the leaves, bend and bow
It's all just for you, my dear
So wonderful and crystal clear
So don't tarry, for time will fly
while you just moan and sigh
enjoy the sights, hear the sounds
for nature's glory knows no bounds
come, relax, feel at ease
and you will surely feel at peace

The sunlight speeding through the sky
Touching everything – low and high
Touched, in its, travels, a sleepy little town
And helped it discard its old night-gown.
Dawn was bright, spreading the light
Dispelling the shadows from a great height
Before its greatness, night had to bow
It had to pick up its bedding, and go..
Factories began to hum with activity and life
Glad as there were, that there had come a new morn
Whilst women started to sharpen their little kitchen knives
Eager to cook curry, rice or prawn.
Soon, over the town, spread a hustle and a bustle
And in the gym, athletes flexed their strong muscles
A  new day had been ushered in – the old one had gone
The sun smiled benevolently, as a new day was being born…

In the lush green landscape
Rose a tiny blob of yellow
So bright and so beautiful
So soft and so mellow

The harbinger of spring
Small and yet so brave
Opened up its petals
To share a tiny wave

Gathering up their strength
Others followed suit
Soon a thousand sunflowers
Bloomed on taking root

It’s the first who leads the way
And inspires sisters and brothers
So let’s learn from the sunflower
And inspire a few others

Friends are flowers in the garden of life
They protect you always from harm and from strife
They are the aspirin when you are feeling unwell
They’ll stick till you recover, like glue or like gel

When you face troubles
They are your shield
They are the players
Who won’t desert the field

They are the reason you smile through your tears
They are the souls who chase away your fears
They are the shoulders on whom you can lean
They protect you from danger – seen or unseen

They are the sun who shine through the rains
They are the remedy when you are facing pain
Treasure these ‘EARTH ANGELS’ who are second to none
For they will stick with you when others leave and run

There are some days
When you do nothing but sigh
Remember, then, my friend
It’s always good to cry..
Vent out your sorrows
And sob out the pain
The tears you shed
Will not be in vain
For you will find release
And your heart will feel light
And you will find your hope
Just when you think you’d lost sight
So sit back and think
Of how far you have come
Then you will realize
How far out, you can reach
And find the solace in your life
That nothing can ever breach

Nothing hurts more than a harsh, unkind word
From the mouths of people unnecessarily frank and pert
Insulting others is to be avoided at any cost
Speak one sentence, and then you’re as good as lost.

What urges people to tell stories about others?
Why don’t they treat all as sisters or as brothers
How would they like to hear tales concerning them alone
Wouldn’t they blame the world, wouldn’t they sigh and groan?

Its no use, my friend, you can never assure man
You can never, never, gossiping in the land, ban
Man’s good at making a mountain of a mole-hill
Spreading false rumors, and creating ill-will

Ensnared by material benefits the world provides him with
Man, who is, by the urge to win fame, bit
Forgets all his manners – just brushes them aside
And is enveloped in a snake-skin of venom and of pride

So! where’s the land of our dreams in which we can take pride
Why do people revel in taking others for a ride
Why cant we be engrossed in our own joys and sorrows
A hopeful, expectant, wait for the morrows

Why interfere in other’s affairs when our own work is there
Would we tolerate it if they laid our secrets bare ?
Why tell stories behind the backs, and why insult others
Why not mete out love and respect if all mankind are brothers??

There will always be someone around you
Who will resent your claim to fame
Do not stress about them
They will soon be caught at their game

Let the jealous ones paint you
To be black like the coal in the ground
But show your true colors and shine out
Like the diamond waiting to be found

If humility is your forte
It will be your armored coat
Neither praise nor disgrace will touch you
And none can rock your boat

Do not let your success
Make you proud and rude
For it’s a’9 day wonder’
As has been always proved

Stay grounded all the time
Even at the height of fame
Let people talk with fondness
When they mention your name

The power of One
One smile to a stranger
Can start a friendship
One word of repentance
Can end a fight
A simple apology
Can save the day
A forgiving act
Can change a life..
One can also be used
In a negative way :
One nation can start a fight
And try to show others its might
One fool can soon undo
All that is good and true
But one good man
Can surely restore
And bring back peace
To the fore..
The power of one
Is often underestimated
But if one tries it
One will find
Lots of solace and
Peace of mind..
It will dispel the shadows
And help locate the light
If and when it’s used
In the way that’s truly right

If a storm comes in your life
Ride it..
And Conquer the elements
That threaten to destroy your spirit.
Be brave, be strong
For it won’t pay to cry.
Display your inner steel
However frail you feel
Because
At the end of the day
It’s your life
So you have to yourself decide
What you should or should not do
And keeping fears at bay
How to live each day…
Always remember to be firm and strong
And do not just amble along…
Remember -
You have only one life
So live it the way you want
Do not let others dictate
For misgivings will otherwise haunt.
Be adventurous
Be daring
And fully drain the cup
For it is only yours –
So why not live it up

In the midst of life there is death
And in the midst of death blooms another life..
A tiny seed has the capacity
To grow into a mighty oak
It just needs to persevere
And hold on with all its might..
The stages of growth are fascinating
Especially in mankind…
A tiny brawling baby
Can turn into a mighty superman
Given the proper initiative and nourishment
There is scope for immense growth
So take that first small step
And then you can carry forth..
We find four seasons in man’s life too –
Spring – when life is budding
Summer – when he is in his full strength and capacity
Autumn – when he is fully matured
And finally – in the winter of his life
he can look back
either with sorrow
or with pride
depending on how he has shaped his life

Ships that sail in the sea of life
That can help avoid sorrow and strife
Are there to help, when you are adrift
For they are, indeed, Fortune’s gift

Friendship is one
That will never fail
For good friends
Will always rush to bail

Companionship is another
For which you should strive
Because all alone
It’s hard to survive

Hardships will come
Knocking at the door
Partnerships will then
Strengthen you to the core

And if all else fails
The anchor you need
Is worship of the Lord
Who will, in His care, keep

So sail smoothly
Through life’s stormy bays
And let Faith guide you
Through the difficult days

The long lazy days of summer are fast approaching
They are, upon the joys of spring, encroaching
Drowsy, boring days are not far off
As seasons change, they bring cold and cough…
Plans will be made to visit the hill-stations so cool
Since the youngsters will have vacations from school
The buds and leaves and the lovely flowers
That will now sway through the sunny hours
Will then wake up from winter’s deep sleep
As day by day, the sun, longer hours , does keep
Summer is loved by one and all
It’s a time to relax and prepare for the fall..

When you leave something for later
It disappears from sight
So do it right now
Before day turns into night

You will daily grow older
But also try to remain wise
The tea/coffee may get cold
But then you can add ice

Life will pass you by
And you will regret a lot
So take my good advice
And strike while the iron is hot

Do not sit and tarry
But act when you have a chance
For if you leave it to fate
She will lead you a merry dance

Later  - you may lose interest
And always crave for rest
So to ensure that life is bright
Act while the time is right

Be the first to see
The opportunities that knock on the door
Then be the first to strike
While the iron is still hot.

Be the first to be grateful
For all that you have got
Not many have been as lucky
To receive all that they had sought

Be courageous enough to be happy
Even when problems abound
Face life with a smile
Do not let misgivings hound

Always Be the first
To share a warm and happy smile
Be the first to praise
In your own inimitable style

Be the very first
To lend a helping hand
Be among the first
To sacrifice for your motherland

Be the first to forgive
It will help to heal your soul
It will also remove all negativity
So Let kindness be your goal

Be the first to donate
To the needy whom you find
Also be the first
To maintain a stance that’s kind

Be the first
To own up to your fault
It will help you at all times
To enmity and jealousy, halt

Be the first to back out
When situations are tight
Do not get aggressive
And restless for a fight

Never be the first
To point a finger at others
For if it boomeranged on you
It will lead to awful shudders

Never be the first
To start a silly fight
You are secure in your world
You don’t need to show your might

Don’t be the first
To gossip or to jeer
Don’t encourage these habits
On this – be very clear

So learn these basic lessons
On being positive in all ways
This will lead to a life
Of blessed fulfilling days

When things go wrong
As they sometimes will
Just take a deep breath
Relax, and chill
For they will work out
When the time is right
Don’t be hasty
And give way to fright
Everything has a season and time
And will work out, even if delayed sometime
So be patient –
Do not commit an act you’d regret
For you will gain nothing
Though you fume and you fret
For all will surely fall in place
It’s useless to try and hasten the pace
Because
Everything has a season and time
And will always work out –
Even if delayed sometime…

The waves roll high
They try to reach the sky
The wind blows low
It passes under the prow
The gull poised in [mid] flight
Sees the men in fright
It shrieks with delight –
Its feeding chance is bright.
The clouds, in anguish, roar
As the planes over it, soar
They mumble and they growl
As over the lands they prowl.
The fishes in the deep
Over the corals leap
With glassy eyes they wink
As boats capsize and sink
The storm gathers force
And breaks out in wild fury
Nature is its judge
And Nature is its jury
Wrecking everything
That lies in its way
It’s like a vengeful spirit
That none can hold at bay.
Laughing in delight
At the human’s plight
Its force is almost spent
The air, with screams, is rent.
Holding both its sides
It laughs – till they do split
Its screams, to whispers, die
Its passion is now dry.
Sighing with deep content
Though its back is fully bent
Away with the wind it goes
For it has run its course.

‘B’ stand for ‘Birth’
‘D’ stands for ‘Death’
In between lies the alphabet “C”
Which comprises the ‘Character’ that we see..

‘C’ can stand for ‘Capable’
And it can stand for ‘Caring’
It can stand for ‘Carefree’
Or it can stand for ‘Charming’

It can stand for ‘Charisma’
Or it can stand for ‘Clean’
It can stand for ‘Cheerful’
And the ‘Courageous’ who say what they mean

It can stand for ‘Curious’
And for the ‘Confident’ ones too
As also for the ‘Conservative’
Who will missed ‘Chances’ rue

‘C’ can stand for ‘Careful’
It can also stand for ‘Cute’
It can stand for the ‘Creative’
Who will let their ideas take root

So ‘C’ stands for ‘CHOICE’
To have any of the above traits
For these are the basic ‘characteristics’
That will win you friends and mates

They will also always help you
To ‘conquer’ and shape your fates
So see [C] the possibilities offered
And open up the ‘colorful’ gates

When I pass away
As we all will one day
what ill be the effect
I have had on others
Friends, or strangers
Sisters and brothers ?
I have lived through both pleasure and pain
My days have been well-lived: in the main
But sometimes I wonder when death comes to me
What will remain there for all the world to see ?
My body may show how much it had cost
To maintain good health – so all was not lost
I wonder whether the insects will feed on my brain
Finding much of it lost, where it was eaten up by pain
My hands will lie helpless by my side
My feet will have finally lost their sturdy stride
The air may not reach me under the ground
My heart will lie still – the beats will not sound
Soon – I’ll just be a memory in people’s mind
My eyes will be sightless – for I will be blind
Yes – my body will be gone
But my memory will be there
In the hearts of my friends
And family who did care
And who knows –
But my verse may also find
A place in people’s hearts
Or imprinted in their mind
My deeds will also live
If they are worthy of being told
So let me care and share
Till I am frail and old
No one lives forever
Our walk through life is short
So it will really matter
What change in general I wrought

The bubble has burst
And so has the dam
The promises are sham
The leader is a ham
Millions in him had placed their faith
Now deported, and miserable at airport gates
He had promised change
All thought it was for better
Because they all knew
He was a go-getter
But the tables have turned
The taxes are high
So are prices
And people groan and sigh
The promised benefits have yet to arrive
The hopes have now taken a big nose-dive
He was welcomed with hope
By many in the land
But now his supporters are a very small band
People now are sorry they had placed their faith in him
Their cup of sorrow is overflowing as full to the brim
Misguided, misled and now really sad
As they all realize how they have been had