tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15340191655254127982024-03-13T11:38:05.715+05:30SINCERA: Through my Eyes!!!Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-48060795574936610762022-10-09T21:45:00.006+05:302022-10-09T21:51:55.888+05:30Mushroom hunters<p></p><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;">foraging mushrooms with my dad in Jhumlawang</span></h3><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlFNjqulAp8P9v_dYjaup9rdLj9Abqx9w0VcJU7ZyAF-nN_qMWcTQPlOAsF7_VRQOKsdMzrKt1BddIZtqm42dea6nYVBF9OEvq5AR7AUPL8vZ9E3c8JYN5Q1S8gogrbWXtOgfoY-cq9i5ZzDR-_DoHGdT1S49hfRJZbMJn0WUNmknRfieE5YCWZUk/s4640/IMG_20220719_182053418_HDR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlFNjqulAp8P9v_dYjaup9rdLj9Abqx9w0VcJU7ZyAF-nN_qMWcTQPlOAsF7_VRQOKsdMzrKt1BddIZtqm42dea6nYVBF9OEvq5AR7AUPL8vZ9E3c8JYN5Q1S8gogrbWXtOgfoY-cq9i5ZzDR-_DoHGdT1S49hfRJZbMJn0WUNmknRfieE5YCWZUk/s320/IMG_20220719_182053418_HDR.jpg" width="239" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">It was a good day. Sun and cloud were playing hide and seek creating a<i> komorebi</i> (sunbeam)effect in the forest near Syaubaari, Jhumlawang, where my dad and I were looking for edible wild mushrooms. It had rained the night before, so the ground was damp and squishy, giving leeches a chance to try to climb up my gumboots and onto my legs. </span></p><div class="item-desc" style="background-color: white;"><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But I was not concerned. I had put on thick, long socks. The squelching earth under my feet felt soft as I took a deep breath of air that smelled of woods and decaying leaves. Then I noticed an unusual-looking mushroom in the distance. I walked towards it quickly and crouched next to the big decaying log on which it was growing. Hidden behind the inner parts of the log’s bark was a bunch of whitish-colored mushrooms with branches that had blunt roundish tips. I realised I had never seen such a mushroom before. I wondered if it was edible. “Should I pick it or not?” I bent down looking closer. “What if it is poisonous?” I thought.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">‘Baba!’ ‘Babaaa!’ ‘Babaaaaa ooooooo!’</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I called for my dad, louder each time because the nearby Tumbasha rivulet had swelled up and was making too much noise for us to hear each other. He had gone a little further into the forest, where he used to look in previous years, to check other logs for <i>horma</i> (oyster) mushrooms.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“Is it edible?” I asked as I pointed at the mushroom. He crouched next to me, checked it, and smiled.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“You have found the perfect mushroom!” he said proudly, “It is a coveted one.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My feelings of doubt and confusion were replaced with happiness when I saw how delighted and proud he was of my find. All morning we had not found enough mushrooms to have as a <i>tarkari</i> (curry) for our dinner. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“We call it <i>musakane</i> (mouse-ear),” he laughed. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He showed me the blunt looking tips of the bunch which were shaped like the ears of mouse. “Do you see the similarities?” he asked.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I nodded happily. The similarities made me laugh. A warm feeling rose inside me, and we stood together. “I wonder what it tastes like?” I asked quickly. </span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“It is slightly crunchy and tastes divine with chillies, onions, garlic and tomato”, he explained while my mouth watered thinking about the delicacy we were going to have for dinner. “Mmmmm, adding ‘<i>timmur</i> (sichuan pepper) is a must!” my father continued as he licked his lips.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwpn2hNmeo1PehPy1UepFh0xYVsrL9oSvLd4934MwpsYtmwg6u-N3hVSeF56hz3AjiZhP8GGvgzOxd2agd6sQZfhfikDfpQWlzelbHT8TYrDaaoT-aWxHl32ObBeH4cvq9hfo_ISLmfSz9L-4T1bpZjEJEvlLNtSUMkJ_bS2x1642k0joeGf1Hvho/s3840/musakane.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwpn2hNmeo1PehPy1UepFh0xYVsrL9oSvLd4934MwpsYtmwg6u-N3hVSeF56hz3AjiZhP8GGvgzOxd2agd6sQZfhfikDfpQWlzelbHT8TYrDaaoT-aWxHl32ObBeH4cvq9hfo_ISLmfSz9L-4T1bpZjEJEvlLNtSUMkJ_bS2x1642k0joeGf1Hvho/s320/musakane.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">My dad asked me to check the log for more <i>musakane</i> mushrooms. He explained that they are usually found in abundance. I walked round the log, crouched on my knees, and checked underneath it and lo and behold! There were more! </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was so excited!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“Just find the root of the bunch and give a gentle tug,” my dad advised when he saw me struggle to pick them up. As we picked one bunch after the other, our bag was also getting full. I was about to pick the last one when he stopped me.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“Let’s leave this one,” he said, smiling. “We need something for next year too, don’t we?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was happy to do so. If it was like a ‘seed’ for next year, then that was good. But if someone else came foraging and found it, then they would also get some <i>musakane</i> mushrooms like us for their dinner. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When we returned home that day, I was extremely pleased with myself for finding a full bag of mushrooms and a new species at that. But this was not an unusual feeling. With each visit to the forest with my dad, I had always learnt something different about mushrooms. He would take me to the forest areas where varieties of mushrooms could be found and in great detail, he would describe the type of trees and logs which would have a particular type of mushroom and in which month of the year they flourished. He taught me how to distinguish between the mushrooms which were edible, and which were not. He was also cautious when it came to certain mushrooms and insisted that I not touch the ones which were poisonous. He would go into great lengths to explain how to recognise them, to look for subtle differences in colour and shape and distinctive markings. I always felt safe with him around.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As we walked together, each with our hand woven bags and walking sticks, he would tell me stories of how he learnt to recognise edible and non-edible mushrooms from his parents, his shepherd uncles, or his cow-herder cousins. He would show me the mushrooms and tell me about their nutritional and medicinal values, and how we could make them tastier for our tastebuds.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“To find mushrooms, you must be familiar with forest, trees and know your logs,” he would repeat on each visit we took. I enjoyed these moments immensely with him. So, I grew up eagerly waiting for mushroom season, for my mushroom hunting walks with him in the nearby forest and stories of mushrooms that followed. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Therefore, on the day I found <i>musakane</i> in August 2019, it was like reliving my childhood with my dad. After decades of separation, we were connecting again over wild mushroom foraging. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xNkPmd7T6CS9bWxVZt4NAA8v1ct9FwupkJZ8HItFLESD8EUFIT_ZgJ-EFQAWCwxVf7cdkejLK0D339603xZiwH7XKURXB1S-MgyU6lr9xDSF1lFtfJTldkGWrTXVA_uTQiaopEyZItBxcI8mM2xFHY2gvU-kAjKYNBIbCLm6_HyE7TmoVdt5ZQp2/s4160/IMG_20210830_101235495_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xNkPmd7T6CS9bWxVZt4NAA8v1ct9FwupkJZ8HItFLESD8EUFIT_ZgJ-EFQAWCwxVf7cdkejLK0D339603xZiwH7XKURXB1S-MgyU6lr9xDSF1lFtfJTldkGWrTXVA_uTQiaopEyZItBxcI8mM2xFHY2gvU-kAjKYNBIbCLm6_HyE7TmoVdt5ZQp2/w400-h300/IMG_20210830_101235495_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As a young girl, I had been sent to Kathmandu from Jhumlawang, Rukum when the Maoist insurgency began in the country, to continue my further education. With the ongoing civil war and no other means of connection except unreliable postal system, the learning about mushrooms stopped. When I was finally able to return to my village during a cease-fire, nine years had already passed. And it was not the mushroom season. To my disappointment, the other few visits I could make in the following years were in different seasons too. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, in this gap, I had a profound realisation. While I was studying in Durham, England I used to take long walks in the woods behind the Durham University looking for familiar herbs, flowers and fruits, trees and bushes, landscape, and mushrooms. And when I found the mushrooms, the thrill and comfort I felt made my homesickness a little less and breathing a little easier. I realised that finding mushrooms was like connecting with my dad, my village, my roots. No matter which part of the world I was in, the physical distance no longer mattered. When I saw the mushrooms I would be happy because it brought back memories of me walking with him in the forest, foraging mushrooms, bonding over mushrooms, learning about mushrooms, and listening to stories about people and mushrooms of Jhumlawang.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But I could never dare to touch the mushrooms found in the forests of Europe. Even when they looked so very similar to the ones found in Jhumlawang, I never had the confidence to give a gentle tug and pick them up for dinner. I could only look, take pictures, and experience the happiness of my find. There was no one to pat me on the back and look at me with pride and smiling eyes for my discovery. No one to stand next to me to tell me which months of the year, which trees and which logs held the most delicious mushrooms on this side of the world. In fact, to my utter disbelief, I came to learn that in many countries foraging mushrooms was highly discouraged and in some it was illegal. So, while finding mushrooms in a foreign land took me to my happy childhood of foraging with my dad in Jhumlawang and gave me a sense of being closer to the home, it also made me feel not quite at home. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxPE0lB7h9br6irq6RDn0kkOq6bvsWdTXKXDEyQ30usYSQzL86pgWEgJF3QINDnlw2i-3cuH31ghVX-X1tVGEVefhB25wwjdW8vwFmyrVooycEevEm3woZyxkjYFlPu7oNg5izGzpcwn5kdQB-dYJyNvKY4hcp6u4FgGTPXfMRiqxJaWYJpRYxsVm/s4640/IMG_20210629_100917025.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxPE0lB7h9br6irq6RDn0kkOq6bvsWdTXKXDEyQ30usYSQzL86pgWEgJF3QINDnlw2i-3cuH31ghVX-X1tVGEVefhB25wwjdW8vwFmyrVooycEevEm3woZyxkjYFlPu7oNg5izGzpcwn5kdQB-dYJyNvKY4hcp6u4FgGTPXfMRiqxJaWYJpRYxsVm/s320/IMG_20210629_100917025.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Having spent too long feeling not quite at home, to my delight, I was able to return to Jhumlawang in March 2021 for a longer stay. It was a just few weeks before the six-month-long wild mushroom season was to begin. Right after the dry spell of winter when people of Jhumlawang struggle to find vegetables for curry, the mushroom season is welcomed with excitement and relief. Then the forest comes alive with different types of mushrooms throughout the season, as if it is taking turns to feed the locals one after another, as if it is ensuring they recover from the dry spell of the winter. So, children and adults alike make plans for foraging tours. They go alone or in groups as soon as it rains for a few days in May and the forest is alive with not only the chirping of birds but also their giggles, sounds of calling each other and singing. A sudden rendezvous can happen amongst friends and checking each other’s bags to see what was found, then exchanging and sharing of mushrooms to ensure that all will get to eat enough is a common occurrence. Once they return from the foraging, mushrooms and other wild vegetables are also gifted to the elderly or the ones who no longer manage to go foraging. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not to miss this chance, my dad, now older, slower, and weaker than I remembered he used to be, excitedly planned for our mushroom foraging walks. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“What is there for my vegetarian daughter to eat but mushrooms!” he laughed and insisted on going foraging. I was concerned for him as he was not well, and COVID -19 cases were on the rise. But he was adamant about it. So, one fine day, we strolled off into the forest, our bags over our shoulders, our pointed walking sticks prodding the earth as we checked every log. He walked in front as he always did, looking for the logs he knew that used to have mushrooms. Many of the logs were no longer there.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“The ones I knew have long decayed away” he sighed during our search and then he philosophically added, “Reminds one of own decaying away, doesn’t it?” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I smiled at him, trying to reassure him, but feeling like a giant against his now smaller frame.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Even after half a day of searching, we could not find enough mushrooms to even fill the pot for the day’s dinner. My father could see my frustration and disappointment. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXFwnztd9GIQ64tA30QTkcfR9J86X0Sq1Vhg1wIjMq-4MDPNSqBWU5sSlzMODUbRZCRc9MnSoJ_IS2z4AWO6-paGrVRQ97ok8LctarXG3id5YIt6ml-LnioKzHTeP2320380KwbmP5grtk33EyeTeUpX-3Bg1r6j5YD4CwVtj9T9gQmHFVpgh4vBU/s3840/Mauripane.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXFwnztd9GIQ64tA30QTkcfR9J86X0Sq1Vhg1wIjMq-4MDPNSqBWU5sSlzMODUbRZCRc9MnSoJ_IS2z4AWO6-paGrVRQ97ok8LctarXG3id5YIt6ml-LnioKzHTeP2320380KwbmP5grtk33EyeTeUpX-3Bg1r6j5YD4CwVtj9T9gQmHFVpgh4vBU/s320/Mauripane.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">“The eight-months’ long drought of last year must be the reason that there are not many mushrooms this season,” he spoke softly, summarising our frustration. But we did not give up hope of finding more. We walked further to the log where we had found <i>musakane </i>two years back. But to our disappointment, there was no <i>musakane</i> nor other types of mushrooms either. The log had almost decayed away too.</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>“Don’t you worry,” he consoled me, “We will find something.” True to his prediction we found<br /> some <i>mauripane</i> mushrooms on our way back. <i>Mauripane</i> is popular amongst locals with its woody flavour and is generally cooked with chillies, potatoes, garlic, tomato, and Sichuan pepper. I had easily recognized it on the bark of a <i>rayesh</i> tree as I had been introduced to it by him during one of our foraging walks in my childhood. I raised my head and looked at him for confirmation and there it was: a smile and pride at my find.</span><span> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="color: #003b43; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.008px; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="color: #003b43; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.008px; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><strong><em>[This story was written during the Writeshop ''Learn to write your own Agroecology Stories of Change'' held in June 2021 and organized by <a href="https://www.barefootguide.org/" style="color: #0d6cac; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Barefoot Guide Connection</a>, Agroecology Knowledge Hub and <a href="https://www.fao.org/family-farming/home/en/" style="color: #0d6cac; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Family Farming Knowledge Platform</a>. It is published at: </em></strong><span face="Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #003b43;"><span><b><i>https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1600658/</i></b></span></span><strong><em>]</em></strong></p></div>Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-27935402957795122452022-04-03T15:59:00.000+05:302022-04-03T15:59:58.394+05:30i wait for the magnolia to bloom<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7I28V2Nko4Y1xn9DzsbNPbAn-uU6tXd62GCe95E9XD8L7FaZJhNO2LM0ZRVRbMF6Lhfj1uJBPF8-0wJQm6z6d6G3jwy_CH84KL6fxoGm4N-mv6MuxY6NRMcxM1-EbGry-saW3A5lT-mU97JBZDnN6Q-3ORrA0xqszClNrBV3fkSWpCQt26z9mzdo/s1350/magnolia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7I28V2Nko4Y1xn9DzsbNPbAn-uU6tXd62GCe95E9XD8L7FaZJhNO2LM0ZRVRbMF6Lhfj1uJBPF8-0wJQm6z6d6G3jwy_CH84KL6fxoGm4N-mv6MuxY6NRMcxM1-EbGry-saW3A5lT-mU97JBZDnN6Q-3ORrA0xqszClNrBV3fkSWpCQt26z9mzdo/w320-h400/magnolia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">as it creeps into my blood and bones</span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">like a cold cold winter,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">numbing me.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">existence becomes meaningless.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />gravity becoming a myth</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">i float deeper</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">towards my abyss.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">emptiness</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">numbness</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">frozen.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">it comes and goes</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">it comes and goes.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">and, yet</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">in this meaningless existence</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">i wait for the magnolia to bloom.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">and i know</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">if and when the battle is lost.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">this meaningless existence</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">will still</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">miss</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">waiting for the magnolia to bloom.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">what a shame</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: center;">what a shame.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">📷 ma.</div></span>Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-12809556562877369622021-03-10T15:07:00.001+05:302021-03-10T15:34:17.962+05:30Plum Happiness!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrzdhKKqRtAk6o25322xd1cUO5xFBpJpnWuGnjUz_vm4S4nzMWKV7zVRxKOLZOiNN3h-HzOvG84zsCN28O7Z9QGiWGOdt3YUdCu3uOuTlqv6JFdtEcUQDXmbWHDk87VFbNkmcaQ824tE/s1600/AT+HOME-2014+%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrzdhKKqRtAk6o25322xd1cUO5xFBpJpnWuGnjUz_vm4S4nzMWKV7zVRxKOLZOiNN3h-HzOvG84zsCN28O7Z9QGiWGOdt3YUdCu3uOuTlqv6JFdtEcUQDXmbWHDk87VFbNkmcaQ824tE/w400-h300/AT+HOME-2014+%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Especially, plums remind me of home.<br />
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They remind me of nature and its natural process. In 2014, Kala bhauju and I waited for them to ripen so we could eat. Every day we would go check which tree on which field was ripening. The excitement of waiting and seeing nature take its time to offer you something it took months to create, is overwhelming. Nature teaches you patience.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-23263185297899122652020-03-23T01:11:00.000+05:302020-03-23T01:17:48.131+05:30A Videogame called 'Luvvia'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARYeJtyTIdR3WfleppwXyyRuqbp2aWbLzKYCmPc1ZZW4pTJklUQE1hlW3hIOviyW62LIEWJA5Iyp3gUaZM40kQ0OZhrz5177HChTZTowSZ0tHUjiAStJdesOHmN8EPS8aENLfy5MsQoU/s1600/tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="1389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARYeJtyTIdR3WfleppwXyyRuqbp2aWbLzKYCmPc1ZZW4pTJklUQE1hlW3hIOviyW62LIEWJA5Iyp3gUaZM40kQ0OZhrz5177HChTZTowSZ0tHUjiAStJdesOHmN8EPS8aENLfy5MsQoU/s320/tim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
So, I don't know if I ever talked about Tim, here, before. He is a Dutch so his cheesiness is blamed on the cheese (by him!).<br />
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He is also my husband.<br />
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Currently, we are both in self-isolation due to Covid_19. But, he is in the Netherlands and I am in Nepal. This is not really an issue as our relationship (15 years) has been most of the time, a long-distance one.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned he is full of cheesiness and tries different tactics to make me swoon for him. But, his tactics are little further from the trendy, mainstream expression of love and romance. Yeah, he is a nerd. He doesn't accept it, at all! But, he would like to be called as Arithmetician- the mage!<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOfCHjzO33p09Qmu23rTddOd1JWOs6Sg-mcQHkiqVfY08XuxJsw9Xbxhk_rgwTm0FEY_eEjQxrLIuO9mIQ5-ovJXhkl7kbZjPyVdJxDL4l6UomrxCwV_FpX7bbrp6geRtwj_CjvRfbwc/s1600/Screenshot+%2528114%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="802" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOfCHjzO33p09Qmu23rTddOd1JWOs6Sg-mcQHkiqVfY08XuxJsw9Xbxhk_rgwTm0FEY_eEjQxrLIuO9mIQ5-ovJXhkl7kbZjPyVdJxDL4l6UomrxCwV_FpX7bbrp6geRtwj_CjvRfbwc/s320/Screenshot+%2528114%2529.png" width="320" /></a>Anyway, coming to the point, yesterday he sent me a gift through dropbox. It was a video game he developed for me. So, I started the game and found two characters: a young lad and a young lady. They look very much like the ones from the oldest version of Zelda.<br />
On a square screen, the lady is standing at the bottom of the right corner and the lad is standing on the top left corner. The background of the screen is black and Enya's 'Far and Away' plays in the background. When you move these characters towards each other, the closer they become the pinker the background colour gets. And if you move them away from each other, the background turns blacker from pinker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTqxMXCQlRI8hDqr1PHQe-0UxvhRTJwr1UPxe1cpk-vep7Ehxyou9TNKpccOA2o4mnzR-N-EZdZFPMukg6S96ZAaEI-CAvkYMa2qyaG8nN6OU6gyLb0rFeWwitSdbeXgy694-x-uGYik/s1600/Screenshot+%2528116%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="806" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTqxMXCQlRI8hDqr1PHQe-0UxvhRTJwr1UPxe1cpk-vep7Ehxyou9TNKpccOA2o4mnzR-N-EZdZFPMukg6S96ZAaEI-CAvkYMa2qyaG8nN6OU6gyLb0rFeWwitSdbeXgy694-x-uGYik/s320/Screenshot+%2528116%2529.png" width="320" /></a>If you are able to bring these characters in a particular spot, almost in the middle of the screen, the background colour is pinkest and there appears a red heart in between heads of them. Suddenly the song changes to KISS's 'I was made for loving you baby...you were made for loving me' and plays on.<br />
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This way, my long-distance romance with my partner is going on while we quarantine ourselves to keep ourselves and others safe.<br />
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<br /></div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-15839839343052766242019-07-15T08:13:00.003+05:302019-07-15T21:43:49.238+05:30फाल्चा (पाटी) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ9TNfiNRBeXZb9gcfGlQOF-qn2vNpDlCdF5bYhajo1Yf4T1eJRYG5_oQ7TXJwlvXvwk0VPJQhFx0Bv6sL2xZIfpfkgrby5nwR23YXx0R-ftB3iC4vjxxZLCDrETJ1blgsPdqym9Z4sI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ9TNfiNRBeXZb9gcfGlQOF-qn2vNpDlCdF5bYhajo1Yf4T1eJRYG5_oQ7TXJwlvXvwk0VPJQhFx0Bv6sL2xZIfpfkgrby5nwR23YXx0R-ftB3iC4vjxxZLCDrETJ1blgsPdqym9Z4sI/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">back in days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Revolutions were born - here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">like caterpillars, like butterflies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">they crawled, they flew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">from <i>pati</i> to kitchen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">from <i>guthi</i> to the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIKwCoMVo0H7eMlOh8zTxDWzbMHg0px_hZyJ5C4C0aLn6FinRo7QoZE6WnEpdJRLeAchL49AdDNgixTzjkpwxIGbcHNTaeNjFg8DeuJHBoxHsYMpS4nuINYdf9ZiHc3V1EIm3KI_YAto/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIKwCoMVo0H7eMlOh8zTxDWzbMHg0px_hZyJ5C4C0aLn6FinRo7QoZE6WnEpdJRLeAchL49AdDNgixTzjkpwxIGbcHNTaeNjFg8DeuJHBoxHsYMpS4nuINYdf9ZiHc3V1EIm3KI_YAto/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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II.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">“We are the witness!”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9yZBl6Uq0XW3xjfj0JztEY7f7LLrKOzxXg5a0ZorJWxcLZaAiwu1bJXuZwiCXvdJvKhKvg-hSga4VWeXQsLVR889p9Cntgj1etiyJWO-4uaaVoPyLDJnrVUCCPBdUFvGT_CvzyBMgiY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9yZBl6Uq0XW3xjfj0JztEY7f7LLrKOzxXg5a0ZorJWxcLZaAiwu1bJXuZwiCXvdJvKhKvg-hSga4VWeXQsLVR889p9Cntgj1etiyJWO-4uaaVoPyLDJnrVUCCPBdUFvGT_CvzyBMgiY/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">III.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">And,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I am the witness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I knew The People.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">they whispered me their plans, their strategies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">before they marched<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">to the gates of a man claiming to be God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">(to make him a commoner)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">in other days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I have heard their sighs,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">and soaked their tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I have felt their hopes, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">and tasted their victories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I have nurtured<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">innocence of children<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">bravery of youth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">and wisdom of the elderly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">‘the child is the father of the man’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEQqY9dVVyhS_kwpHESeeH1CicsLm3jkGq_vyX-ObLA63qDbSTjxztw8OH8Mk8R5I5VtDsgDcOX_h65YmmywUoeRR47oQV9mT7L9xGFQX3SAP6lTrRl3ujVnKlEZIA5frHOhQ3PPRp4E/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEQqY9dVVyhS_kwpHESeeH1CicsLm3jkGq_vyX-ObLA63qDbSTjxztw8OH8Mk8R5I5VtDsgDcOX_h65YmmywUoeRR47oQV9mT7L9xGFQX3SAP6lTrRl3ujVnKlEZIA5frHOhQ3PPRp4E/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
IV.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Yes!<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I don’t like going to other places.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">I like it – here -<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">I am happier.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">This is my second childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">as they say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"> 'a man becomes a child - twice’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc-hSV-L0ho1LTVyvazMo774liIROunTZq9pB_tqjknN1os2uYwEOKHz2EqUed27THZOV7528pjvy4JQWVxlpCpSqfyu0GAM8TI9ROQxhwVDVKMKMo6nMixK0_ct1FIXGIwxpo6_hyphenhyphen70/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc-hSV-L0ho1LTVyvazMo774liIROunTZq9pB_tqjknN1os2uYwEOKHz2EqUed27THZOV7528pjvy4JQWVxlpCpSqfyu0GAM8TI9ROQxhwVDVKMKMo6nMixK0_ct1FIXGIwxpo6_hyphenhyphen70/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
V.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">in these days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">more than familiar ones I see new faces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">this crowd carries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">different languages, different smells and
different tastes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">however, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">each aftershock seems to bring us closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">as it loosens my grip to the core<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">they bring ‘<i>teka</i>’ to support<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">and I offer my corners for shelter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I know<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">in these days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">revolutions happen through a screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">but please<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">before you leave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">do not forget to tell the tales,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">back in days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">‘I was not just a heritage’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I was where Revolutions were born.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">I am where Revolutions are born!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">[I wrote this picture poem for an exhibition 'Mero Chowk' organised by Ka Baata in 2016. I don't remember the photographer's name. Will update once I find out.]</span></div>
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Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-79326085710221862932017-12-24T07:21:00.001+05:302017-12-24T07:21:16.502+05:30Some People You Meet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTh9SFcGhpG957cns2DLF8virTuleWYGjZSydzMmY4J7FZJMQql58Xp2kAe6pJylc0VtHbPKnSzXpQxWoIy2xni0rf46E2x6cEyDGYIWzMA2QCa5DZNVbR20bFSFJbmanUvAQrNWt3LE/s1600/IMG-20171221-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTh9SFcGhpG957cns2DLF8virTuleWYGjZSydzMmY4J7FZJMQql58Xp2kAe6pJylc0VtHbPKnSzXpQxWoIy2xni0rf46E2x6cEyDGYIWzMA2QCa5DZNVbR20bFSFJbmanUvAQrNWt3LE/s400/IMG-20171221-WA0000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are both not that expert on selfies. On top of that not really photogenic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are people who despite time and space stay with you. Jake seems to be one of them.<br />
<br />
I met Jake Garber when he came to my school in Nepal to teach for a month or so. It was 2001 and I was 8th grade student. He was the person who introduced me to the word 'atheism' among many other interesting thoughts and ideas during our chitchats.<br />
<br />
I got to see him after 17 years in London few days back. Somehow, we seem to have managed to stay in touch through rare emails, then LinkedIn, now Whatsapp.<br />
<br />
While on my way to meet him I kept thinking how (why? what is it? kinda questions!) am I still in touch with him, all these years!We both are surprised and baffled at this fact! Of course, it became obvious after speaking with him for few minutes. Even then, he was a great teacher, clear on ideas and his thoughts, and had a very warm, persuasive and charming personality. These characters seem to have grown with time and I could not help but be inspired with this amazingly unique person.<br />
<br />
During our long chitchat ranging from study to work to politics, struggles and confusions (just mine!) he uplifted my confidence, made me reflect on things that I had blind-sided (yes! it was sadly embarrassing!) and with patience offered his suggestions and advises. Feeling how wonderful it would be to meet this warm person more often (with realisation that next time it could be more than 2 decades before we meet!) I asked: "Do you think the Earth is round?" He promptly replied,"That is what I have been told!"<br />
<br />
Thinking of his answer still makes me smile. At that time, I became more sure why I have always felt a kind of connection with him. There are very few people who can answer this question as the way he did, and without a blink. These kind of people make me happy.<br />
<br />
This answer is what I will carry with me from this meeting believing in whoever told<br />
that 'the earth is round' and eagerly wait for the time when I can meet this inspiring person as he makes me believe in learning.<br />
<br />
Until then!<br />
<br /></div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-85721099117412122162017-12-24T05:08:00.002+05:302017-12-24T05:08:33.886+05:30Review: Milk and Honey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23513349" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Milk and Honey" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491595510m/23513349.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23513349">Milk and Honey</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8075577">Rupi Kaur</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2183072190">3 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
"the next time he<br />
points out the<br />
hair on your legs is<br />
growing back remind<br />
that boy your body<br />
is not his home<br />
he is a guest<br />
warn him to<br />
never outstep<br />
his welcome<br />
again"<br />
<br />
Do I need to say anymore?
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2183072190">View all my reviews</a>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-80530353351428414862017-12-24T05:08:00.001+05:302017-12-24T05:08:16.607+05:30Review: The Politics of Exile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16685221" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Politics of Exile" border="0" src="https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/111x148-bcc042a9c91a29c1d680899eff700a03.png" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16685221">The Politics of Exile</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/395211">Elizabeth Dauphinee</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2165076719">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br />
<br />
This is the book that would hunt me for long...reads like a beautifully narrated novel but it's not a fiction and maybe that's the reason why it will hunt my thoughts more. I don't know how to review this book so I have shared three reviews/statements that have said closer to what I felt while reading this extraordinary book on Bosnia War and its aftermath:<br />
<br />
i. "An extraordinary work that I found hard to put down each night, and whose emotions, echoes and affects disturbed my sleep and days…a very fine and powerful work of art that glows dangerously in the hands." - (Anthony Burke, Associate Professor, International and Political Studies, UNSW Canberra, Australia)<br />
<br />
ii. "Elizabeth Dauphinee's moving book is so engaging because it is so self-aware, so achingly candid. Here is the book to read if you want to get even a glimpse of the impossible choices that one has to make when one becomes one of the world's "displaced." This book will stick to your ribs." - (Cynthia Enloe, Author of Nimo's War, Emma's War: Making Feminist Sense of the Iraq War)<br />
<br />
iii. "This very thought provoking book challenges the notion that the injustice of war violence and misery of others can be grasped by a detached, rational scholar." - (Maja Korac, School of Law and Social Sciences, University of East London)<br />
<br />
I would recommend any fiction reader and non-fiction readers, scholars of academia to read this book.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2165076719">View all my reviews</a>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-8434569535732543102017-02-23T13:35:00.000+05:302017-02-23T13:35:14.860+05:30To marry or NOT to marry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tell you, I am yet to meet a person as much worried about my marriage as my landlady. Others have generally asked about my marriage plans but she has been the persistent one; insisting that I should marry: the sooner the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first time she showed her concern was just after I had returned from Pondicherry, India; fresh out of University in 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘You should marry, Smiti,’ she had stressed, ‘It’s the right time.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even after two decades of being her tenant she is yet to say my name, correctly. Sometimes I am Asmita, sometimes Smiti, and sometimes even Smriti; but never Smita. Nevertheless, she has constantly shown her concerns for me about ‘not getting married’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, I acknowledge that it was a genuine suggestion. Not very difficult to understand for a girl who has been brought up in Nepali society. A society where as soon as you are born, you do not belong to the family you are born to. While growing up, you are always reminded that your true home is somewhere else. Nobody knows where, but it is there. It is revealed only after marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also seems to me that before the family realises the girl of the house has reached the marriageable age, it’s the neighbours who notice it. They carry the burden of telling the girl and the family about the ‘right time’ for her marriage. So, while my neighbour (in this case, my lanlady!) was fulfilling that duty, I had stood there, on the threshold of a half-opened door, sweating from my unfinished mopping of the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It infuriated me that before my family had even suggested the ‘right time’, I was lectured too by her. But being a polite person, I had shut the door, softly, on her face. However, this event has not deterred her from suggesting time and again “studying is okay, but marriage should be done in time”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, it should come as no surprise that I take a lot of precautions to avoid her, like I do from things I am allergic to! But, with no negative feelings, I take her suggestions to do with keeping up with socio-cultural practices and biological ticking of my womb - very typical and common reasons used to convince women for marriage. This conviction is so used that now it is understood without telling. Hence, I was obviously shocked when my decision to not marry (at present) made my male colleague fire a question at me: “Are you a feminist?” followed by advice, “talking and writing about women’s rights is okay, but don’t be like those extremist women hai!”. He had asked the question with such an accusing tone that it not only shocked me, but also confused me. I could not understand such a prejudiced tone from a journalist who has been working in one of the top media houses of the country for more than a decade. But most of all, it had never crossed my mind that me not getting married could mean being tagged as a feminist and the other stereotypes attached to feminism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish this was an isolated event, but it is repeated again and again. Similar questions, similar tones and accusations. Only the faces change. Most of the time, these faces manage to leave deep psychological and emotional bruises that a patriarchal society refuses to notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet, there are amusing sides to it. Out of nowhere, once a while I get “You are not a lesbian, are you?”. I always answer, “I would love to be! But, what do you think?”. The conversation that ensues generally ends up revealing the face of another homophobic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, you see staying unmarried for a woman has its side effects. You are harassed with unwanted suggestions regarding the ‘importance of marriage in your life’, stigmatised for being a feminist, and even questioned about your sexual orientation. Funnily, these are the same people who question why we have child marriages in the country? Shouldn’t it be obvious? When girls are taught that only after marriage will their ‘real home where they belong’ be revealed; taught to see marriage as an achievement; and when 25 percent of child marriages are by a girl’s decision and the trend is growing. They berate those women who speak of equality and gender justice, harass those who don’t take marriage as a priority, stereotype those who don’t laugh at sexist jokes and tag as extremists or not womanly enough, those who speak their minds. And, they dare to ask such stupid questions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The women who do not marry – at the ‘right time’ or with the ‘right gender’ – become such a challenge to the society. We are feared because we are skeptic; we question established notions; we don’t follow the rules that define gender behaviours and roles. We become different and defiant and hence stigmatised as being a feminist. But, what a badge of honour it is to be a feminist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">FOR REFERENCES</strong><span style="font-style: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;">:</span></span></div>
<div class="related" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #595a5c; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<ol style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2014/feb/24/child-marriage-trends-nepal" style="border: 0px; color: #f68c1f; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2014/feb/24/child-marriage-trends-nepal</span></a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/09/08/nepal-child-marriage-threatens-girls-futures" style="border: 0px; color: #f68c1f; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">www.hrw.org/news/2016/09/08/nepal-child-marriage-threatens-girls-futures</span></a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/09/07/our-time-sing-and-play/child-marriage-nepal" style="border: 0px; color: #f68c1f; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">www.hrw.org/report/2016/09/07/our-time-sing-and-play/child-marriage-nepal</span></a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.vagabomb.com/Adichies-Powerful-Essay-on-Raising-a-Feminist-Daughter" style="border: 0px; color: #f68c1f; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">www.vagabomb.com/Adichies-Powerful-Essay-on-Raising-a-Feminist-Daughter</span></a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too" style="border: 0px; color: #f68c1f; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.25s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too</span></a></li>
</ol>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #595a5c;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #595a5c;">[This blog post was selected by <b>UN WOMEN Asia and the Pacific for 16 Days of Activism for gender equality - Youth's Voice from Asia-Pacific </b>- and was published on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #595a5c;">21 November, 2016 @</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #595a5c;"> http://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/news-and-events/in-focus/youth-voice/smita-magar#sthash.7LlJCo6o.dpuf ]</span></span></div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-81432652458365309182017-01-17T15:37:00.002+05:302017-01-17T15:37:39.719+05:30How to love a Woman?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXEfK2LmRahTnqmdQcX9iHq0TpdgHfFQ5fc-liZ4-swY0Pl9hXyNsRuDZcxLO5zcIaxaWts48kZK5uqKZki5F638IcLMMCz0bG9m5Cu4MOhT5p5TpMRdMPPzogFbTfEBTTXnt3QHdRtM/s1600/14047205_10154389573154598_3442081112388297464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXEfK2LmRahTnqmdQcX9iHq0TpdgHfFQ5fc-liZ4-swY0Pl9hXyNsRuDZcxLO5zcIaxaWts48kZK5uqKZki5F638IcLMMCz0bG9m5Cu4MOhT5p5TpMRdMPPzogFbTfEBTTXnt3QHdRtM/s400/14047205_10154389573154598_3442081112388297464_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Mother,</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
you never taught me</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
how to love a woman.</div>
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and so</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
I never loved</div>
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the woman in me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
from early on</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
you taught me</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
to be prim and proper</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
to wait for the knight in the shining armour</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
you told me,</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
my journey to a man's heart</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
was always through his stomach.</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
you trained me,</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a table spoon of salt</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
stays a table spoon of salt.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
so, i never knew</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
what journey should i be taking</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
to reach a woman's heart.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
now,</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
unprepared; untrained</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
when each morning</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
i wake up to find the woman</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
lying next to me,</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
unresponsive; lifeless</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
i do not know how to wake her up. </div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
so, we find ourselves in a hospital</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
battered and bruised. </div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes it is our body.</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes it is our soul.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
But mother,</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
how do I fix? </div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a broken wing,</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a broken heart of a woman</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
because, </div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
you never taught me</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
how to love a woman</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
so, I never knew</div>
</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
how to love a woman in me. </div>
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">[PC: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">'Why you aren't you' by Queen Enigma : </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">http://spellboundmisfits.deviantart.com/art/why-you-aren-t-you-259616112?q=sort%3Atime+gallery%3ASpellboundMisfits&qo=313]</span></span></div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-63550455997080043692017-01-03T15:55:00.002+05:302017-01-03T15:55:47.870+05:30CHAIR.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22Fo_e1WWh5qYczE3J4mYJ9MarfFOMXQ8B-4uWQWB9m7bo4WzVW6Es5l7RzJl9sRlLGyKvUo70Z-QhlEQfENn3xiKSrZVCTsAEo69b9K5OYlGBTL8cMqICjpiYL5o69yIJMAN3mxabpA/s1600/CHAIR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22Fo_e1WWh5qYczE3J4mYJ9MarfFOMXQ8B-4uWQWB9m7bo4WzVW6Es5l7RzJl9sRlLGyKvUo70Z-QhlEQfENn3xiKSrZVCTsAEo69b9K5OYlGBTL8cMqICjpiYL5o69yIJMAN3mxabpA/s400/CHAIR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">[Pic: Kim Na Youn, South Korea]</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Please.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Come.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Sit with me.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
I have warmth of a Winter,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
And chill of a Summer.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
They were left behind,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
By some.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
When arrows became confusing</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
When green or red</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
were disturbing;</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
They sat with me.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Some were warm</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Some were cold</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Some left as Autumn passed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Some stayed till Spring had.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
But,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
They sat with me.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
For a while.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Waiting.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Till it was time.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
You too,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Please.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Come sit with me.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
We can wait, </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
together.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Whether for a Spring</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
Or it's for a Winter.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
[Note: While 2016 has been a year of horror in many sense; it had some beautiful moments too. One of those rare moments for me was being introduced to NY Kim's photography. Her pictures made me write poems. So, this poem, CHAIR is based on her picture posted herewith. Check out NY's pictures at https://www.instagram.com/heasongsong/. You will get treat from her once in a month or so.] </div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-80278732145411132482016-07-16T22:11:00.000+05:302016-07-16T22:27:48.654+05:30Shadow and the Sun.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlRXaTxNpyhzjcKtftoZFPTO81mtP-t4pQmjgODthO-wxw7eEVFwhSqisYhqkIXmgbOeisyRQqheQ79jItcfbAolOwZZYoiN_Rdlsr3cp7V8MPXLdWk4Un3GMvh98U7EC0SYkzPx98jc/s1600/12087822_10153381016109355_7501560528128991246_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlRXaTxNpyhzjcKtftoZFPTO81mtP-t4pQmjgODthO-wxw7eEVFwhSqisYhqkIXmgbOeisyRQqheQ79jItcfbAolOwZZYoiN_Rdlsr3cp7V8MPXLdWk4Un3GMvh98U7EC0SYkzPx98jc/s320/12087822_10153381016109355_7501560528128991246_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> PC: Gary Wornell</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>Tell me a story.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>my dear shadow</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>Do you crave</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>for the sun</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>As much as I do for her?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>And, when you do</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>do you know</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>Exactly,</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>how to print</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>the shape, the size</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b>and the colour of your heart?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f9; color: #1d2129; line-height: 16.08px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-65196928004696505002016-06-18T20:53:00.001+05:302016-06-18T20:55:10.941+05:30rain.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
lately,<br />
there has been constant rain<br />
and<br />
it tastes salty.</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-52350874707832679462016-04-19T09:50:00.000+05:302016-06-18T20:59:32.628+05:30Let There Be Books!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year, I wish it to be a year of book - meaning - a year of learning, a year of reading and a year of feeling good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For that, I hope the bookshops will open even during Saturdays, even during public holidays. And soon, a bookshop which opens 24 hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, this year will be about libraries. Different types of libraries. I will make a map of these libraries. And keep them closer to my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These libraries could be personal, these libraries could be private. But, I will make it a habit of visiting them and keep a journal on them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More to it, I will join the Reading Groups, if there are any. If not, I will form a group where we discuss about books and more books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen!</div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-49869852533930799492015-11-14T11:46:00.000+05:302016-06-18T20:56:57.003+05:30to the soldier. (II)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin: 4.5pt 0cm;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">the
sweaty warmth<br />
on my naked back<br />
wakes me up<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">satisfied but thirsty.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">He has covered me like a blanket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">legs intertwined with mine<br />
He has fixed himself as a question mark,<br />
Exerting his muscles<br />
Covering my edges<br />
and spaces<br />
Filling my depths<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
and gorges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">His left hand holds me to
his chest<br />
as gentle as water bubble<br />
cupping my breast.<br />
But<br />
The right hand fingers<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
traced the tip of my hair<br />
to the tip of my toe nail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">waking me to multiple wants<br />
and desires<br />
are now<br />
balled up in a fist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">as if he is ready<br />
(like a lion of Sahara)<br />
To spring at any moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">is it the sands our legs
carried<br />
that are spread like grains<br />
on the creased and crinkled<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
white canvas we are painted on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">that puts him on guard?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Reminding him.<br />
of the far far land<br />
of sun and sand<br />
of blood and sweat<br />
of bomb and bullet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">I turn and face him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">I trace his scars and cuts.<br />
they are everywhere.<br />
on his lips.<br />
on his chest.<br />
on his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">I kiss each of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">He sighs and smiles in his
sleep<br />
He turns and twists<br />
fixes himself like a blanket over me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.5pt; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">But, his fingers don't
relax.<br />
As always.<br />
He sleeps fitfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-8719262844547158942015-09-13T13:52:00.000+05:302015-09-13T13:53:15.233+05:30SEMICOLON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06iUll5gSBaQ3rkd_GWC1D1mBwZPIQ0ilphlTcgQ8EsJkDn4cKzkG9dYPj31aMzw9Yj8twg70YILYq8mE-WrrWh8Fsycm6_5HnSDy5zReM3BciApPn4zqySuQ6nxbLQWj0Fo70batJ24/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06iUll5gSBaQ3rkd_GWC1D1mBwZPIQ0ilphlTcgQ8EsJkDn4cKzkG9dYPj31aMzw9Yj8twg70YILYq8mE-WrrWh8Fsycm6_5HnSDy5zReM3BciApPn4zqySuQ6nxbLQWj0Fo70batJ24/s400/IMG_1356.JPG" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>मृत्यु</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
के रे ?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
म नै तिमी कहाँ आउनु पर्ने ?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
तिमी म कहाँ आउँन मिल्दैन ?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
यहाँ जीवन छ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
यहाँ राती आकाशमा ताराहरु चम्किन्छन् ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
हँ ... म डरपोख रे ?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
होइन ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
तिमीलाई झै उसले मलाई मन्त्रमुग्ध तुल्याउँछ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
उसको रहस्यताले मलाई पनि लोभ्याउँछ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
त्यसैले मलाई नाङ्गो तार छोऊँ–छोऊँ लाग्छ</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
छुरीले नसा रेटूँ– रेटूँ झै लाग्छ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
एकपटक,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
उसको पच्छौरीमा लुक्न छोजेकी थिएँ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
आँखा चिम्लिसकेकी</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
हच्किएछु,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ब्युझिए ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
त्यहाँको चिसोपन मलाई मन परेन ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
अहँ ... अस्वीकारेको होइन ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
अन्तिम घडीलाई म स्वीकार्छु ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
तर अहिले म तयार छैन,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
मलाई हिउँदको रापिलो घाम अझै पुगेको छैन </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
आमाको काख अझै प्यारो लाग्छ</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
मलाई समुन्द्रका छाल हेर्नुछ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
तिमीले त्यागेका हरेक पल जिउनु छ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
अँ...हो ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
उसले मलाई अझै लोभ्याउँछ ।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
कुनै समय नाङ्गा तार छुन नहिच्किचाएछु भने,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
तिम्रो र मेरो भेट समयभन्दा पहिले हुनसक्छ ।।।</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-61324376009456079632015-09-04T20:11:00.000+05:302016-06-18T20:58:52.239+05:30The FIRST.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh8aUXYd3n1jkXiJIvdKR3Bhob-mjfWGcAJJImoKY2xWudXIZJ1vFxIQTcnI-ijjR8jie7blxkOFIV8uXNrvhIkduSIvQGYUnCy3DDi0avhy_6nR5MQrNsv3wKvaskVhPL2SUYDoYSiI/s1600/320510_10150292858434598_7385239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh8aUXYd3n1jkXiJIvdKR3Bhob-mjfWGcAJJImoKY2xWudXIZJ1vFxIQTcnI-ijjR8jie7blxkOFIV8uXNrvhIkduSIvQGYUnCy3DDi0avhy_6nR5MQrNsv3wKvaskVhPL2SUYDoYSiI/s320/320510_10150292858434598_7385239_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘the details’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
do not ask me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my dear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did not feel<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The breeze playing with my curls<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor saw forming of komorebi on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did not hear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chaiwala filtering tea,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>thak…thak…thak<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
just by the corner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor smelt boiling of fresh milk coffee. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The barking of dogs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <i>tringgg…tringgg…tringgg</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of cycles passing by<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or, the screeching of wheels<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stopping by.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The knocking of heat waves<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
like a persistent little brother<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
peeking in my room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAyt3ICSNLQinDVu1azSaWY0RhIvSaWip9I5FRkGgh9-asA2W_JGCMaDmS3f7aWZslOtjcCzJYc52JMcLC4Cz70N2L0B8P2JxH6P4CeVw0XPeM9xaX7RUt5DFIJE7w-ep61Gdr7HkCA/s1600/a0ff994914511d2b9e5aeac88883f4419052e07ba607af1e12dc2410353d68b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VAyt3ICSNLQinDVu1azSaWY0RhIvSaWip9I5FRkGgh9-asA2W_JGCMaDmS3f7aWZslOtjcCzJYc52JMcLC4Cz70N2L0B8P2JxH6P4CeVw0XPeM9xaX7RUt5DFIJE7w-ep61Gdr7HkCA/s320/a0ff994914511d2b9e5aeac88883f4419052e07ba607af1e12dc2410353d68b2.jpg" width="213" /></a>The rolling of sweat drops<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
on my cleavage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the stickiness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the saltiness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did not feel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor hear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dear,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I became<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a deaf<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a blind<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to the world outside our periphery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My eyes <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
were only touching your lips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My hands<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
were busy picking up the words.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
scared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that they will scatter in the air<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
before reaching my ear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88lex8ieqDOxrFfXLsnYr9VEgXl-Urj73lK6DP80y6t_N6gpZ7b8kMcA_ktD7ibx0XVUDyi8eVFVLdYV1eViAOGzWW0VNcmjJWnaS-5ooprqXArramGib38eeSEORc2_7z39aHU2l4GE/s1600/1fcfab0bcd8e11ae1d2c03b3d50a7e04ac08b48de0fda1eecd2f4a0059494210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88lex8ieqDOxrFfXLsnYr9VEgXl-Urj73lK6DP80y6t_N6gpZ7b8kMcA_ktD7ibx0XVUDyi8eVFVLdYV1eViAOGzWW0VNcmjJWnaS-5ooprqXArramGib38eeSEORc2_7z39aHU2l4GE/s320/1fcfab0bcd8e11ae1d2c03b3d50a7e04ac08b48de0fda1eecd2f4a0059494210.jpg" width="320" /></a>My skin <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
rejoiced the caress<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of your beautiful mind <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was first.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I lived that moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was alive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-37981758619209455322015-08-21T15:14:00.000+05:302015-08-21T15:14:11.867+05:30GOD and TIME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I had only a little time left and I didn’t want to waste it
on God.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Albert Camus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This quote was shared in twitter. It got me thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not a religious person. I guess, declaring myself as a
non-religious person has more to do with all the violence being done in the
name of it. Could be a very surficial understanding but I am unable to go
beyond that, as of yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not being religious does not mean I am an atheist. I was
raised to believe that there is some supernatural power beyond our realm. It is
unfortunate that I have not been able to come out of that belief. I am ‘critical’
of it, here and there, but not trustworthy to call myself as a strong rationalist
or ‘science person’. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are possibilities of me being religious or an atheist,
in the future. You never know. So, I am keeping my options open.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, do I have enough time for this? Let’s say I have the
life expectancy of 70. I am going to be 30 soon. So, when I turn these supposed
years and passed years into days (25,550 – 10,950) the remaining days I have is
14,600. To make it closer for understanding; let’s convert these days into time
which gives me 350,400 hours in total. Now, I sleep average of 7 hours a day
which leaves me with lesser time - 248,200 hours. Doing daily humanly necessity
stuffs will take at least 20% of it. That means I will have round about 200,000
hours. That is too less for all the things I want to do in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to read THE books, read and re-read and re-re-read! Then,
keep them in my personal library, safe from dust and insects. Share, if anyone
would like to have a look or digest every words that is there to. Talk about
all the highs and lows of the books with them. Get drunk on all the knowledge
there is to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to write about anything and everything. I have to
write something on loving and being loved. I have to write on the sweaty
romance, clumsy romance and gutsy romance. I have to write on loss, loneliness
and sadness. The bravery, the courage and hope of the human hearts. And then,
smell the piles and piles of freshly printed papers already piled on top of the
yellowed ones with their own stories to tell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to feel the heart beat fast when meeting the great,
inspiring minds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am yet to feel the urgency of pining for oxygen in my body
while climbing mountains. I want to know the feeling of drinking deep dark
coffee with chocolate while on top of that mountain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to introduce myself to all the woods, by woods, I
mean trees. Definitely trees!* I want to know their secret of life-cycle. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to eat the foods that I farmed. The organic one!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to record the sounds of wind from all around the
world and the space. I want to cross the purgatory and see the heaven, alive. I
want to touch the sky, have long conversations with stars and date with moon,
every night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of all, I have to master the shamanism and bring peace
to the world! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, this is just the beginning. I have so many desires,
aspirations and ambitions to fulfil in my life. How can mere 200,000 hours be
enough? Seriously, when I have so short life with so much things that are yet
to be done, whatever made you think I would waste it on God? Especially when
everyone seems to be fighting over whose ‘imaginary friend’** is better than
others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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NOTES<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->* Taylor Mali<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->** Yashir Araphat<o:p></o:p></div>
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Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-58460550960970342392015-08-19T13:42:00.001+05:302015-08-19T13:45:11.575+05:30MIZPAH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This Hebrew word is a noun. It means ‘the deep emotional relationship between people, especially those separated by distance or death’.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I found this word, today, I was finally able to express my thoughts of how I see relationships in a word. Definitely, it made me really happy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love learning. Anything. Tiny things. Infinite things. Everything. So, I always look for new words to learn. It is not every day that I come across the word which takes hold of my heart. Hence, when I found Mizpah in a Facebook, the day became special. Because, the word made me think. And, thinking is something I enjoy the most. It makes me feel alive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This word. This single word gave me energy to connect myself with loved ones and analyse how I assess my relationships with them. I have always told my family, my closest friends and relatives how ‘I carry them in my heart’ [quoting e. e. Cummings] meaning geography, time and space, hardly matters to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I hardly feel lonely. I always feel that wherever they are, how far physically they might be, emotionally they are always with me. And, I am with them. This feeling of ‘being together’ keeps me strong and gives confidence to look forward in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While this idea of ‘togetherness’ might seem naïve and even in denial of reality to some, for me, it is the best way to deal with it. The reality or the truth of the life is that no one is going to be with you, forever. Nor you can be for them. Different situations and circumstances, choices, inevitable truths will take you away (physically) from your loved ones. But, does the separation, distance or death stops us from having the deepest emotional relationship with our loved ones? I doubt. When you are emotionally very close with someone time and space hardly seems to matter. Even death doesn't take away the feeling you have for the deceased one, does it?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We just get used to live without them, carrying our emotions that have converted themselves into fond memories, pining for them or pain at losing them. But, we always have them in our heart. We are always connected with them, emotionally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This argument or idea or thought process is closer to me. I strongly believe in it. Maybe because I am an Aries. As an enthusiast of Astrology, I had read somewhere that Aries women are the ones who can live their life, happily, if they know that there is someone somewhere in the world whom they love or care about. For many, it might not feel very practical way to live life but I have realized with my little experience that emotions are all we need to have a happy life. The feeling of being connected to someone deep within the heart is what fulfils us and our life with happiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, this is for Mizpah, the word, that speaks volumes on human emotions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-90881845905945006472015-08-13T00:14:00.000+05:302016-06-18T21:01:05.375+05:30The Lake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmust89o8uO7j4d-8eeETfis2a46h9gPWOioq1RUQ9QO_PO53I-Bg_Dom3ZtR9TyMdWVgMd4bKapZg5wSwSBZGac7KxGD2XDZ3W252dREYweMi4zooRdPkdbEGUNeaQvlPmDVQJX6AP-k/s1600/644669_10151517397834598_1717245717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmust89o8uO7j4d-8eeETfis2a46h9gPWOioq1RUQ9QO_PO53I-Bg_Dom3ZtR9TyMdWVgMd4bKapZg5wSwSBZGac7KxGD2XDZ3W252dREYweMi4zooRdPkdbEGUNeaQvlPmDVQJX6AP-k/s400/644669_10151517397834598_1717245717_n.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">In the midst of bullets being fired, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">bloods being shed</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">found myself by the lake</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">sitting on the rock</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">setting sun </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br />warming<br />my bare back.<br />(I am daring, just like that!)</span></div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-63091900518632727492015-07-31T22:35:00.002+05:302015-08-18T17:10:56.346+05:30by Sarah Kay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen70Qd5_1Nz3zjsgGVxXEcCVSjQ2a3C5AHtiC_Wf4Nlcxy_TFY_CWtCvIBqN1Vv067qQIQx5fjcCU3f-8uE1TFp68KWQu8iPfcGDuexfputrGmDrkZhaFIp69cB3L372fA6XKcJdsBgE/s1600/nayuma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen70Qd5_1Nz3zjsgGVxXEcCVSjQ2a3C5AHtiC_Wf4Nlcxy_TFY_CWtCvIBqN1Vv067qQIQx5fjcCU3f-8uE1TFp68KWQu8iPfcGDuexfputrGmDrkZhaFIp69cB3L372fA6XKcJdsBgE/s400/nayuma.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.3999996185303px;">"PAWS" </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third time your plane is delayed,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your voice on the phone has melted to a whimper.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I don’t know when we’ll take off,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you say. <i>I’m going back to the desk to ask.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All day, you have been sending me text messages</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of puppy love.<i> I can’t wait to kiss you.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I miss the nook of your neck.</i> How strange,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that when you are away, I reach for my</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cell phone’s buzz as if it were your hand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each shiver in my pocket, a way to find you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I will see you soon, Love,</i> this morning’s text promised.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet now it is night, and you are still lost</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in an airport somewhere in Florida, and I am still here,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trying to comfort you through this phone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I’m okay,</i> you promise. <i>I just wish I was home.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You sigh into the speaker. The static crackles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In November, a doctor put your dog to sleep.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You didn’t tell me it had happened for the whole day,</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">because you didn’t want me to worry or be upset.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn’t find out until your parents told me, and I reached</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for your hand, not knowing what else to do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never had a pet, I do not know this kind of loss.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The quiet of our kitchen does not sound empty to me,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot hear the missing padding of paws on tiles,</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the missing pant and rumble of her belly. But the first few times</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you came home that week, I did see the way you opened</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the front door: the extra moment you waited, the way</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your shoulders sank. <i>She was old,</i> you told me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She din’t get around like she used to. She didn’t</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">even jumped up when people came in, didn’t run to</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bark and greet me at the door. But she was here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least I knew she would be here when I got home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, there have been more airports for the both</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of us. Different suitcases and baggage claims, different</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">time zones and phone calls. My friends roll their eyes</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">at me when we are out to coffee, and I keep jumping</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for my phone. <i>We know,</i> they say. You “have to take</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this.” I apologize, excuse myself, check to see that</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 23.3999996185303px; margin-top: 1em;">
</div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you are there. Nobody else notices how naked my</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hands look. Nobody else thinks the space between</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my chin and shoulder seems oddly empty. But I know</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what this should feel like. I know what is missing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least the buzz of my cell phone fills the quiet.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now, it will have to do. Until it can be replaced</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the sound of your padding feet and heavy breath,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the sight of you in the doorway, exhausted and worn,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; display: inline; line-height: 23.3999996185303px; margin-top: 1em;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
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<span style="line-height: 23.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but finally, finally home.</span></span></div>
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Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-22162292452609706892015-07-28T19:40:00.000+05:302015-07-28T19:40:12.473+05:30by Alice Walker<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">It is true--</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">I've always loved</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">the daring</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">ones</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">Like the black young</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">man</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">Who tried</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">to crash</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">All barriers</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">at once,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">wanted to</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">swim</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">At a white</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">beach (in Alabama)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333339691162px; line-height: 21.7999992370605px;">Nude.</span></div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-21702068548166658112015-01-27T11:25:00.001+05:302015-01-27T11:25:52.917+05:30for my friend.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsDf4YhPdx4_US2f-mfr1F2lAmD1ULSgX1ywRxTYsR6_9W2iqbKzDZ2LxmYUVI0rQQSj14jImDF1drRTDAYWeLFyoTnzZwGQMiVzRgd4skk5ieLKoDO7ahghZ8Nj5TNsafL3yWRV8rf8/s1600/10689532_10153021664244598_7313425115241094605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsDf4YhPdx4_US2f-mfr1F2lAmD1ULSgX1ywRxTYsR6_9W2iqbKzDZ2LxmYUVI0rQQSj14jImDF1drRTDAYWeLFyoTnzZwGQMiVzRgd4skk5ieLKoDO7ahghZ8Nj5TNsafL3yWRV8rf8/s1600/10689532_10153021664244598_7313425115241094605_n.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Asmi,<br />You have taught me right.<br />taught me well.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Life is more,<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />than living.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
That happiness,<br />is in giving.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
That knowledge,<br />is in sharing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
My friend,<br />You have taught me well.<br />You have taught me right.</div>
</div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-68474337393812001552015-01-22T18:27:00.000+05:302015-01-22T18:27:25.004+05:30BE A MAN!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">...I ask him,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">"How difficult is it to be a Man?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">in this society,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">in this time.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">he looks surprised,</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br />unprepared.<br />I tell him,<br />"No, really?"<br />I am serious.<br />I wanna know.<br />is it difficult for you ?<br />to fit in the box<br />as it is for me...</span></div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534019165525412798.post-82190089908999968232014-12-20T11:51:00.000+05:302014-12-20T11:51:09.581+05:30To the soldier.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a far-far land<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of sand and sun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
amidst the fired bullets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and falling bombs;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
you tremble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not of fear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the cold<o:p></o:p></div>
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That runs through your spine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
turning once warm eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
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into icy cold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it can’t hold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the humanity:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that writhes in you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
breathes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
it’s last.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
you drift to abyss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
embracing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
death and dying<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
mixing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
blood and sweat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
burying <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
love and hate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and when all cries and noises<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
turn into a dreadful silence!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A winner; surrenders!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
dripping in others blood<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
trying to crawl away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from an oblivion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
at that moment,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you reach for your scruples <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in that far-far land<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of sun and the sand,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
here<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I twist and turn<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To fit into the jigsaw puzzle<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of your battered confusion.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Smitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400525773758071241noreply@blogger.com1