Christmas Almost ... Dec 22, 2008

all trees and lights shine bright
year end excitement
reverberates in the air
old closures
new beginnings
season's favourites
on street corners

children world over
day dream of stockings filled
and trees with gifts laden
perhaps even catching the happy
jingle of sleigh bells
accompanied with fast fading HO HO HO

snow flakes and chilly faces
raindrops soak to the bone
as scurrying feet
weighed down with bags of goodies
head homeward
tis the time for family and reunions
may the reason for joy abound
burn bright and strong
within each our souls

........................................



Blessed Christmas 2008 to everyone passing through.
.aniashkash

Three Men ... Dec 07, 2008

You who fathered those whom
Leah, Bilhah and Zilpah bore
and christened Israel
how is it possible
one so favoured amongst
those cloaked in God's power
be such despicable scum
who made Rachel weep

Oh Mahodara
remover of obstacles
wit and intelligence
you were bestowed with
but it seems in losing your head
when in mortal form
you created division and tribulations
axing all bonds of attachment

Hrshikesa supreme one
master of past present and future
creator without limitations
like comforting cocoon
oblivious as to your humbling spell
gives calm where there is turbulence
frees me of fetters and bondage
your unselfish protection
humbles this servant

Different are these three men
who journey on parallel paths
never meeting each unawares
of stains and markings
like tapestry
left upon this land
yet leave memories
giving promise and hope

Shimmery Fairies ... Dec 04, 2008

here my heart is free
out in the wide open sea
as waves of joy
in buoyant rhythm
whisk me into a realm
whence peace tranquility
descend
as my eyes
dance along with
with fairies
carried shimmering
into blue yonder sky






Written for a friend whose camera immortalised this moment and whose free spirit should never be caged. Dedicated to 'Uncle' simply because.

From Shadows Into Light ... Oct 25, 2008

the world in turmoil
when evil held fort
good mercenaries
fought
using the cover of dark
to reclaim territories

a furlong forward
ten lost
vanquish darkness
whispered illuminated shadows

whence those victorious
pried open
the reluctant
flooding hope
aspirations
lighting each step forward

Opposites Alike, Aug 08, 2008

by busy street
you find him
with tool of trade
spread out
in quiet welcome
a missing heel
hole in the sole
a quick fix
is at hand

across the distance
scraps of paper
peppered lyrical
speaks in prose
of times and lives
another busy street
wares of words
a soul not whole

two opposites
yet alike
life's destination
transitory still
paint palette
poised to stroke
passing canvases
you and me

Smile Jul 29, 2008

smile more often
said he
a stranger
in distant place

such pessimism
such negativity
will you live
life like so

ironic
never had he
seen her smile
never would

twitching seemingly
poised to crack
severe features
remain unexplored

another time
some other place
so radiant
blinding

essence recaptured
bubbling to surface
journeyed destination
iridescent shimmering

once furrowed brow emotionless eyes
again burn passionate aflame
home to roost
her forever smile

It Rained ... Jul 19, 2008

outside
a symphony plays
allegretto
crescendo
fermata please
now with energico
interspersed
march and bouncy
finally
lulling andantino
and then silence
crisp chilly air
the first song of birds
clouds bow aside
streaks of light
memory of rain
raising vapour
disappears
mercury rises
stiflingly
humid
hot
step out
deep breath
come play again
symphony of rain

Home Coming Jul 17, 2008

(For my 'critique' Mohan ... this is as happy as I get buddy *grin* ... hope you like it)

....
candles flicker
dancing with the breeze
incense fills the air
worshipful murmurings
resonate against walls
piety oft scorned
uncomfortable
partner alongside
festering materialism
solace sought
unthinkingly find
feet led by heart
transfixed gaze
upon shadows
playing
in mind's eye
one sees God
arms welcoming
soothing
reassuring
as day turns to night
amongst the heralds
the homecoming
of one prodigal child
gives much rejoicing

Mind's Centre Stage Oct 06, 2007

There
Defiant
Megaphone in hand
A soapbox stage
Braying
Caterwauling
Incessantly demanding
One then two
Handful crowd
Louder, bolder
Ignoring taunters
And booing crowd
Like solitary dog
Barking but ignored
Increasingly hostile
Loosing focus
Men in uniforms
Arrive on scene
Audience disperses
Grappling, struggling
Dethroned and devoiced
Carried away
Leaving ones mind's
Centre stage
Once again devoid and bare

Wandering Thoughts

Part 1- 200607

honeyed words
venomous word
rolling off tongues
unimpeded in their journey
leaving a trail for recipients
to cherish or endure

Part 2- 031007

deceitful acts
destroy trust
that belonged to you
now lost unregainable
what thoughts transpired
that inspired to hurt another

Little Mozarts

Proud are these parents
Their Mozarts, Bachs in the making
Notes tied into music
Dance out of the teacher's Electone

Soft shy voices
Loud sometimes
Out of key most times
Sing solfege and short melodies

In unison are they
In their quest
To master these
Keys of Ebony and Ivory

I sit here just the same
Listening, coaxing, coaching
My wannabe musicians
And informally
I formally learn my Do Re Mi

Modern Babel

So much spoken
So much said
Exchanged words
Laughs derived
Still no smile
Upon one face
Quiet withholding
Oblivious to all
A heavy sigh
Walk out the door
They speak a language
Not understood by I

The Tempest

chantings in a distance;
prayerful and uplifting;
amongst the tears amongst the dead;
hope is swelling in the bosoms of the living

the wind howls through the crevices;
sending chills into ones bones;
the turbulence of the weather outside;
a reflection of the same within ones mind

What Might Have Been Apr, 2001

There was time when things were bright and clear
And a time when I might have been younger
When skies were blue and birds sang tunes
I might have been a kindly king or emphatic peasant
We might have been peas in a pod
So dissimilar in our similarity
We might have been singers of acclaim
Or whose payment were of rotten fruit
Wherefore then are the good intentions
Of either in our pursuits
Do we know the value of the life within us?
Or might we have squandered it
And in the time of aging
Sit back to sigh, "Oh what might have been!"

Rendered Wordless Dec, 1999

Enchanted by the knowledge of your existence
I seem to go through days without thought
And when I remember how you planted yourself within me
Growing inside another life that I am empowered with
A feeling of awe overtakes me
Sometimes rendering me wordless
At the wonder of it all
How is it That I was blessed with such stature
To encounter quite unprepared
The wonder of motherhood
I plan to write you songs; And tell you yarns of my youth
Read my favourite authors; Praise God's name with you
Walk in valleys, climbing hills
Holding tightly unto your tiny hands
Showing you the wonders of my world
Enchanted am I with the knowledge
That you are my flesh and my blood
And that my soul is as much apart of yours

Poetic Banter Dec, 2001

The Question:
A soul.. with so many dresses..
I am confused.. Please tell him..
to write.. to confuse me more..
And it is full moon night outside..
I can see the tree tops.
what about you?

The Answer:
which visage shall i wear tonight,
bright shines the moon above
still is the night
as crickets sing to a crescendo

simultaneous thoughts run wild
grasping at sinking straws
slowly to arise from tumultous confusion
yes i see the tree tops high
from my perch up in the sky

Great Sorrow Aug, 2001

where is the love of my life
why does he hide; when might we meet
who do we entreat; how do i survive

where can my heart plead
why must it bleed; when shall it be joyful
who hath made it tearful; how might i survive

where forth o thou mine sweet young love
thus make amends to my tearing eye
with bated breathe; amongst the shadows
wait i in anticipation; of a love called mine

heed mine call
come make these quivering lips
sweet upon thine
thus enraptured in a love
sweeter than mortal wine

wait i till thee cometh
with heart aching
for thine touch soothing
come love come your lady in awaiting

The Truths Unseen circa 1997

The world we live in today
Is wrought with troubles
But, we, somehow in our comforts
Forget those less fortunate than ourselves

Clad in silk and living in homes
Draped rich in settings
We are proud to spew the ungodly sums we paid
In making our abodes much talked about

As we read the morning paper
We skip anything that might
Shock our senses
And bring crashing our belief
That everyone is like us ...
Safe in comfort

We think we have done our bit
By appearing at some charity gala
Pictured posing bedecked
Asking to be seated next to the Who's Who
Totally oblivious of the cause

It is time we stopped to ponder
About the millions we pass unawares
That have made your life and mine
So significantly enriched by their labours

The next time someone praises
The beauty of your carpets
Stop and spare a thought to little Ahmed
Hunched over his looms
A child in bondage
In a clandestine street shop in Lahore
Undernourished, fingers deformed from years
Of tying those praiseworthy knots

As you discuss the worldly issues
Sipping tea and coffee
Have you thought of the Sri Lankan woman
Whose nimble fingers
Picked those choice tea leaves
Or of Eduardo, in some shanty town in Brazil
Working the coffee mills
Both earning fractions of the change we leave
Behind in some swanky up-mart cafe

We profess to be conscious of the fragility
Of the world we possess
And we go, on eco-tourism holidays
Deep in the jungles we look
For a Shangri-la or Sheraton
To rest our bodies
Commenting on the loss of nature

We build hotels and golf courses
In the remotest of places
Seeing dollars to be derived
Slaughtering and destroying
What took millions of years to be
In mindless minutes of destruction

Moving towards a progressive nation
Everyone must work harder
Make more money to meet our new needs
Children are left unattended with maids
That they soon are merely entities in our lives

We are creatures with the ability to think
And yet are we thinking when we throw our babies
In dustbins and shrubs, wishing a death upon them
We would not wish upon ourselves

We become cruel towards the men and women
That work for us
Thriving on their unhappiness
To make our money grow
We place them in abodes not fit for sewer rats
And work them till they drop
Ignoring any shred of humanitarian feelings
We might have buried

Children lost without a sense
Partying with coloured pills
And poisoned filled syringes
Pumped into bruised veins
Searching for a Paradise of belonging
So elusive in reality
Profound euphoria shattered
With the urgent need for another fix

In another land fields are strewn
With lifeless bodies
The foul stench of death and decay
Permeate the air
A mother softly crying
Children too young to understand
The deaths that surround them
Only someday to be apart of the carnage
A frightening reality the cannot escape

Will we find the answers
To make our tomorrows
Safer for the future
Or will we implode
Results from our crimes against humanity
The answer lies within each heart the beats today

.ani original Apr 02, 2007

words spoken actions taken
from a time when the sun shone on tender blooms
here now lay petals crushed
hushed words unspoken
bear the silence of unrequited dreams

Who Are You Jun 08, 2007

My mind screams out
Why do you torment me so
Where have you crawled out from
How is it you found me
When will you reveal your intentions

I am confused
I am hurting
I am distressed
I am stumped
I am waiting

Speak to me
Write to me
Tell me what you want of me
I ponder for a while
And ask yet again ... Who Are You?

Laments Of An Old Smoker Jul 14, 2007

Cough wheeze cough
Another quick puff
Before that hacking rhapsody
Recommences cutting my high short

I love the way
Smokes swirls and spirals
Creating images of ladies
Romanced I in my debonair youth

Now stained gums teeth and fingers
None would cast glance my way
I reek of stale tobacco
Lost in laments of an old smoker

My Wish On Your Birthday Jul 13, 2007

A memory of you came to mind
At the stroke of midnight
I remembered it is your special day
You celebrate yet another year

I hardly can believe
Twelve years have lapsed
Since that fateful evening
Our eyes met amongst the crowd

I recollect that first year
When the date came by
With loving wishes
A cake a flame was presented

You stood dumbfounded
A loss for words unable to speak
Tears filled your eyes
You’d never had cake on your before

This year remembered only
Reminded via technology
That I should celebrate
The joy of your being

Only the rising of bile
And sadness was harnessed
Surely in her arms now
Your tomorrows are content

And hence my only wish
On this your, significant day
That when mine comes around
Hanging ropeless no longer shall I be

Polygamy Jul 10, 2007

If bigamy is a crime
I should spend my time
Chasing more than I can care for
In hope that I might find four
And turn things right
Tie knots more tight
Happy me with polygamy
Out with dated monogamy

Centre Stage Jul 19, 2007

A single stool
Stood silent centre stage
Hushed was the audience
Awaiting the night to unfold

Shadows form across the floor
A figure emerges through the dark
Quietly sits upon the stool
Adjusts the microphone

Single spotlight lights the space
Blinding person to anticipating viewers
Surprised gasps from those expecting celebrity
An unknown seated in this hall of fame

Deliberate in her movement
Her head she lifts to face them
Some murmurs in the shadows
Disgruntled unhappy patrons

Her voice quivers unsteady
Almost uncertain if to proceed
Then like volcano unrestrained
Language like lava begins to flow

The imagery of emotions
Relayed in undulating tones
Carries the attentive listeners
Through a tapestry woven in her words

The pauses sometimes prolonged
As she struggles within herself
Only heightens the experience
Of a life lived turned into theater

Here Jun 23, 2007

here I am in my misplaced trust in humanity
here I am all derobed and unmasked
here I am crushed and shattered to a million pieces
here I am speaking from my heart but you do not hear me
here I am still no matter what the consequences
here I am and here I always will be

Sails Jun 02, 2007

majestic she sits upon the water
awaiting her moment of history
to unfurl her pristine white sails
and embark into the great beyond
finally all is on board
and anchor is lifted
sails catch the wind
and she edges forward
with each lift and fall upon the waves
new adventure awaits

Reflections Nov 20, 2006

The looking glass;
Shows my image in reverse;
It starts the mind thinking;
Does world see me inverted as well

When I touch my left cheek;
You touch your right;
I am not inverting;
Then why are you?

Big clean glass walls;
Reflecting images that are passing;
I catch myself in motion;
And stop stunned for a moment

Is that really who I am;
Is there more to me;
Than your eyes can see;
More than moving pictures

This mind is tricky;
The eyes more so;
All images are merely;
Light’s reflections forming

I look into the looking glass;
I see my left as my right;
Reversed and inverted;
This is I

Broken Wings Oct 03, 2007

What better way to heal old wounds
Than to write the pain away
Like how raindrops wash the grime and dust
Leaving cleansed freshness post downpour
Let the lyrical string of words and letters
Soothe like balm and calm the soul
Hurts in the past, leave them behind
Look to the present and the future
Emancipated and free
Let the wind give flight again
To once broken wings

Chest Out ... June 27, 2008

with thoughts preoccupied
I stared blankly outside
my 12th floor window
not really aware
how the sun and clouds
made merry pictures
against less than blue skies

the occasional irate driver
blasting his horn
indignant at this cumbersome halt
hardly broke into
the meandering motions of my brain

straight ahead in line with with my gaze
is a white wall of the building opposite
interspersed with blue metal lattice
hiding ugly knick knacks of long
occupied office premises

for a better view
I crane my neck forward and look right
and there before me the artificial greens
peppered with noon time golfers
as sunlight glints off the ripples in the pond

out of the corner of my eye
I catch a distracting motion
and with some deliberation
I look left

there behold on the outer sill
a feathered creature
dirty brown
with a tuft of yellow upon its chest
what piercing disdain
from those ruby red eyes

I am not convinced
that this winged creature
acknowledged my uninvited stare
as it tried to inconspicuously preen
hopping to some trance like tune

then there it was
right before me
separated by glass
rudely holding each others' gaze

almost a stand off
we each
refused to look away
and as if in disgusted dismissal
it gave me one last up down
chest puffed out
spread its wings
took flight
following the wind

such arrogance
such freedom
it made me for a moment
wish
I too could spread my wings
and fly

One Night ... June 26, 2008

shadows flicker
in response to movement
induced by gentle breeze

a branch shakes
eerie images cast
upon glass windows

I lay in silence
listening to nothing
yet hearing everything

the rhythmic breathing
of all slumbering
inhabitants

all lost in their dreams
that take them through
journeys unknown

the night is rife
with happenings
the eyes cannot see

copulating cats
insects incestuous singing
like crescendoing lust

my eyes grow heavy
lulled by the cacophony
just beyond my grasp

sleep overcomes weary body
soon introducing another element
into a night on a brink of a new dawn


~.ani original~

Destitute Living Sept, 1999

a simple man and his wife till their land
hard muscles frame every inch of his body
she void of expression toils beside her man
testament to their life of labor, the sun beats down on his already
darkened skin. the sweat and salt of his body falls to the earth...
readily swallowed by the parched soil he tills. children bear the yoke
of labor bravely... aged before their years illiteracy reigns...
squashing any means of escape from their squalor. a shiny four wheel
machine draws near. the man stops his labor... the children run
excitedly toward this sleek symbol of wealth, laughing at their
reflections upon its shine. out of the cool comfort a haughty face
emerges, a sneer poverty at the poverty twitches at the corners of the
unsmiling mouth a piece of paper waved words harshly barked out
fear descends upon the family of simple peasants
their future unknown "make way you peasant folk
your presence is an UNWANTED OBSTRUCTION to the progress of this
nation make way,
i care not for your discomfort nor your uncertain future
all that MATTERS to me is gold to keep my coffers full
and your family starves, all the matters is that my coffers overflow

Expectant Anxieties Sept 1999

i can feel you move within me
strange undescribable sensations
i wonder if you feel my anxieties
as i ponder our future

i must try to be the best
hoping to give all that i can
trying to make sure you are never wanting
i continue to work myself into a frenzy

come little one into our lives
be that torch that shines on the path
that we must tread hand in hand
as we make the journey together

Destiny - undated

it is with great regret that i view life with a slice of malice

for without hesitation she has oft had me trod upon
even as a child, i had the brutal force of man
so rudely implanted within me
my cries were in vain, for the world labeled me trash
a child with nowhere to turn, written words my only solace

as i flourished into womanhood
the scars were deep and would not heal
trust was something i had little to give
love was something i found hard to find
life throws her pitfalls so constantly
i wonder if there is a story no one has told me

rude awakenings, forced attentions, the word "abuse"
has my name to it, for the slime of nature ceaselessly pursue me

i lie here now all naked and torn,
i will never mend again, i know
still i feel that destiny has but played me another cruel hand
for i still lie and breathe
when all i desire is to feel
earth's weight upon my coffin

Unattended PO Box Mar 5, 2006

SEND US YOUR HEART! it said
And we'll fill it with LOVE!
scarcely knowing what to expect
I pulled my heart out and sent it along
to the PO Box address that the advert carried
HEART BACK it read promising one that returned
TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE ART OF LOVE
I waited in anticipation
Hoping each day that my heart would
Find its way back full of my expectations
Waiting and waiting
Was all I did
Never did my heart come back to find me
Now heartless I walk around
Not able to love
For that important vessel MY HEART
Is now in some PO Box unattended

untitled poem Mar 5, 2006

Barefoot reality
Still walking
Remembering certain
Foreign morning
Silky dew
Confusing tragedy
Losing delicious innocence
A remembered time

JaanuJaan Feb 27,2005

Once a butterfly came and sat on my shoulder
and whispered your name
I asked it why your name and
it replied for it had seen mine in the depths of your eyes
I thanked the little butterfly
and wished it well in its flight of life
And lingered for a moment tasting your name as it formed on my tongue
So simple in its beauty
It was music to my ears
I felt wings upon my feet as my heart took flight to find
My love my life my future
I embraced your name as it rolled off my tongue
Feeling your heart embrace mine
Upon the meeting of the two hearts the names merged into one
Forever bound in love and hope

untitled poem Dec 12,1993

Dearest Man,

to say i love you not
twists my heart into knots
for when those eyes glance my way
my life is thrown into total disarray
for my life i surrender
knowing within "oh what a blunder"
foolishly optimistic am i
that this valentine you'll be mine

Woman

untitled poem Jun 30,1999

Salt and spice
The scent hangs heavy
Permeating the air
Into unified stench
Bodies glisten, necks strain
Heads held high
Beasts of burden
Walk on by

untitled poem Oct 20,1999

Dancing twirling
Spinning free
Swing on
Then set me free
Words sounds
Voices one
Silence shattered
Forever gone
Walking running
Marching by
Bullets blood
Bodies lay

untitled poem Sept 26,1999

Hodge podge
Slush and muck
Water earth
Boulders Rocks
Houses perched
Precarious stance
Call the ministers
Get the press
Issue statement
Sad old fact
Classic case
Tis but God's act.

untitled poem Sept 24,1999

The night was still
Not abreeze was felt
I wondered at this silence
In its deafening presence
We might have spoken
We might have cried
I do not remember
But the silence of the night
The skies were starless
The moon hid its face
How distant all seemed
In the uncrushable quiet
We ought to have spoken
We ought to have cried
I remember now remorseful
As darkness gave way to light

Despair ... Feb 13, 2008

poised on crumbling ledge
pain embodied
at crossroads
yet too far out on the edge
stained, once healthy cheeks
now sunk sullen and bleak
futile search through swollen eyes
half blinded from tears cried
alone, afraid, anxious
disconsolate, despondent, desolate
forward or to retreat, reconsider
questions and more questions
precariously perched looking down
despair tips the scales
plunging silently
head first into oblivion
thud shatters
an otherwise noiseless end

Writing May 21, 2007

I sit at my desk
thinking
pondering
wondering
what makes us connect
letters into words
expressions and emotions
stringing sentences
creating images
and thus end up writing

An Ode To Online Mates May 21, 2007

tippity tap, tippity tap
fingers flying across keyboard
when I hit Send or Enter
my thoughts are splashed across to you
you in the next cubicle
you across the lands and seas
I am the future girl
GoogleTalk, YM, ICQ, MSN
surely you've met me sometime
if you have come say hi
share a smile a word a ear
.ani unplugged is what you get
this could the catalyst
the start of something
worth exploring

Fragile Silence May 19, 2007

Hush I behest you hush
Do not awaken the little ones
Hush I beg you hush
Do not encroach upon my solitude

Hush I plead please hush
So few are the moments to myself
Hush oh for peace sakes hush
I need to think

Without appreciating my need for this
You come and destroy that very fragility
I cling so selfishly unto like drowning man to straws
My silence broken by the voices calling out to me

Water May 17, 2007

Rhythmic gurgling
Gentle on my ears
I lay here next to you
Dreaming of the trails you weave
Where from do you spring forth
And does your journey begin or end
When river meets the ocean
I am lulled by your endless song
As my dreams of tomorrow
Get whisked away to unknown places
Shall I follow you or lay here still
I cannot yet conclude
Your song now has made heavy my eyes
I choose to dream
Accompanied by your ancient tunes
Chasing rainbows can wait for now
My soul is dancing and so I rest

Monsoon Magic May 16, 2007

blistering scorching heatwave
all eyes turn heavenward
seeking that illusive rain cloud
amongst the endless blue

swirling dust on parched dry earth
riverbeds begin to show
yet again eyes cast to distant horizon
still yet nothing that tells of rain

from dawn to dusk the air is heavy
humidity makes my hair all frizzy
my movements are lumbering and heavy
as the fan swirls back not cool but hot air

Dear God I pray at night
Sweet showers of blessings send tonight
That on the morrow I may awaken
drenched not in perspiration

was that a distant thunder that I heard?
was that a flash of hinting lightening?
Oh joy I hear the first pitter patter
as the thirsting earth welcomes those first drops
dry cracks like starving children greedily soak

smiles cross many tired weary faces
like rebirth; oh beautiful rain
you cool the earth and put song in my heart
like a magic wand you life my spirits
and soon the world is silenced by music from the skies

Rain Watching Apr 03, 2007

beat you rain against my window
washing away the dust that stains my vision
in angry torrents you pour all around me
taking the grime washing my hurts away
cleaned and cleansed a new may
I arise stronger than before
refreshed rejuvenated
as those rivulets of rain
rush away from my shady refuge
lead my aspirations give birth to hopes
seeking and forging unbreakable bonds
of a future uncertain yet pregnant with promise
a calm that resides at the end of every storm

~untitled~ Apr 02, 2007

words spoken actions taken
from a time when the sun shone on tender blooms
here now lay petals crushed
hushed words unspoken
bear the silence of unrequited dreams

You Sept 09, 2007

my mind is filled
with thoughts of you
i know you hurt
please let me help
we'll wipe each others tears
glue back those pieces
shattered and bruised
at the hands of the uncaring

you stoic and silent
push me not away
i mean you no malice
my need of you is just as much
in your strength i find mine
in your silence i find peace

aspiring hope are you
like a blossom budding
your sunshine let me be
tenderly welcoming
watching your emergence
firmly I believe
the hand I in future hold
belongs to none but you

Malaysia is 50 Aug 14, 2007

Fifty years post independence
Still those in power fail
To acknowledge our interdependence
Of peoples so varied and colourful
Each having their place in pushing us forward
Come Malaysia open your eyes
Give each of us our rightful place
We sing 'Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku'
Our blood our sweat our tears
The same no matter from whom it spills
Golden jubilee with pomp and pageantry
Look within, look back, then present and future
Diversity we must capture and sustain
Appreciate and celebrate
There is much more to achieve
As one people, one nation
We await the day when we can proudly say
Bangsa : Malaysia
Happy Birthday my homeland
Let not the blown candle smoke mar the visions
Alive in the hearts of your people

Forced Silence Aug 05, 2007

A million questions
As many assumptions
Preconceived presumptions
Free radical thoughts
Gamut of uncontrolled emotions
We stare at each other
Words building into crescendos
Pushing against mouth and tongue
Rebellious upon our lips
Wanting to speak
Express the mayhem
Withheld in forced silence
Eyes and touch do the talking
Of the sorrows that unite us

What Should You Love Jul 24, 2007

I love the feel of a gentle breeze
Caressing my skin
I love the smell of the earth
After heavy rainfall
I love the warmth I feel
Holding sleeping babies
I love the images and story
Told in a dance
I love seeing the smiles radiant
On faces of loved ones
I love the tinkling laughter
Children unburdened have
I love to know that somewhere
Someone cares
All these things I love
The least I love is me

Relationship Cycle Jul 25, 2007

PART I
You win I lose
The sword’s drawn from its sheath
Hungry for blood
The glistening blade
Finds that throbbing vein
The wailing of loved ones
From a din to distant whisperings
I am drawn into the darkness
Of this unending abyss
Searching for a sliver of light
My actions my words
Bespeak the state of my tumultuous mind
And yet the masses only see with glazed eyes
A mask of plastered smiles and depth less laughter
Envious of my state of being

PART II
You win I win
Same old me different you
Always leaving me breathless
Wanting more
Again they watch you as they watch me
Hoping to see derision drive wedges between us
I’m hopeful you’re reassuring
Your love so healing like balm on scorched parched skin
I ask too many questions
You give so many answers
Patient as ever reaching always reaching
For my heart that I’m afraid reveals too much
Love comes into my soul
Floods my senses and drowns the pains
Like parched fields after a monsoon
Awakening re-emerging embracing life
I feel you course your way through me
Leaving deep ploughed rows
Sown with seedlings of love bouquets
Ever bursting in rainbow hues
Envy still alongside always; keep your distance
Faith, hope and love keep us bound in eternal promised happiness

PART III
You lose I lose
Same old me minus you
Like a cleaver to my chest
I gouged my heart to free myself
How from heaven to this hell
How from smiles to these tears
How from promise to just fears
How did it all dissipate into broken glass?
Tossing and turning
Hiding emotions seeking answers
Too late now there is no recourse
I stand now but with a handful of dust

Semblance of Calm Sept 18, 2007

graceful and effortless
upon the surface they glide
in a silence
worthy of such adulation
gentle ripples
carry the diminishing rays
beneath like crazy
webbed feet paddle
working hard to keep
semblance of calm

Silenced Tempest Sept 21, 2007

exterior displays a calmness
almost surreal in its serenity
kind words uttered
soft squeeze of hands
tight warm hugs
relay more than spoken words
within the realm of consciousness
tumultuous and volatile
each new dawn each day's dusk
brings not forth the peace sought after
silence heavy impenetrable
the storm rages on inside
no visible signs
captured nor seen
of those carrying
the yoke of suffering
silenced the tempest
resides unavoidable

Antakshri About Love

As previously attempted, these couplets must contain the word 'love' in them ...

Here's my humble servings ...

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Tears shed in the name of love;
Cannot be erased by giving flight to doves

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Warms my blood your love so dear;
Makes me bold and tread where I used to fear

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Much was he missed as festivities continued unaffected
and loved ones waited, empty, sad somewhat distracted

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Game to fall into this trance
and to begin the love dance

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Deep and dire are emotions felt
when love is found to have packed and left

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Grounded for life when noose is placed
tied in tight knots for love sake

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Fun no doubt those that love desire;
when bun's in the oven, they perspire

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Savour succulent the headiness of love
let us meet in secret, head speedily to the cove

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Click snap flash immortalise
Love sometimes creates lies

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Task done in the name of love pure
have magic to success ensure

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She wondered as to her plight to no end
without her love beside alone she was left to fend

Antakshri Attempted

This are couplets written in English taken from the idea of Hindi/Urdu Antakshri which I have previously penned on an online network I belonged to.

Am sharing the several lines played in response to the postings of others ... hence the disjointed feeling ... bear with me ...

And so we begin

sow seeds and watch them grow
in full bloom, in pretty rows

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Sound of a heart breaking in two;
Have you ever heard it too?

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Honey from buzzing bees;
Whilst birds sing in the trees

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Wife and children marriage brings forth;
Man must ensure to keep out the rot

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Way To Go ... was the heard cheer;
And yet inside she trembled with fear

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Dish all colourful and artificially flavoured;
Tantalises palates and is much favoured

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Wife seems to generate brickbats and laughter;
And yet without her stoically by your side you falter!

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Curls frame my typical Mallu face;
As I arrange fresh blooms in a vase

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arranger of words so lyrical
evoking emotions mystical

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Dearth of ideas in my head;
Leads me to just say dead

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fire raging burning bright;
when heart's on fire of what a sight

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Hate is the extreme of a sweeter emotion;
That of love and such deep devotion

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Hubby an affectionate term for the man in our life;
Wifey sometimes is heard used for the wife

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understand me please, was all she asked;
he turned and walked away from such a task

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Wine really gets very fast to my head;
Hence if advised I don't please take heed

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Fame and fortune come as a prize;
Usually too at sanity's price

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Den in America is where the family together chills;
But in Africa is where the lioness takes her kills

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Ilk I have no clue what to say;
Take the milk but be sure to pay

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Recovery from scars and wounds from battle
Just goes to improve one owns mettle

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fires raging inside, bodies entwined, passions a flare;
night's adventures abruptly ended in the sun's bright glare

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Face the truth as frightening as it seems;
Let the course of law resolve as so it deems

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Books by the dozens lined upon my shelves;
What is a dozen if not counted in twelves

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Sublet I to nut cases my rented premise;
And truly riotous as they did promise

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Forever is a long undefined time;
And often broken like wind tinkling chimes

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Ground into fine white flour;
Shaped and kneaded into dainty flower

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Light was the touch of breeze;
Right before winter came in to freeze

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Pandora's box now open and let loose;
But how do we get a hold of the moose?

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Bleeding is natural after you slay;
From now I will write only in Malay

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Fuss often a reaction when left out;
What other option than in a corner pout

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Rowing down the river Thames in fours;
Crazy boys at all odd hours

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Miles and miles the distance between us now;
You keep promising happiness, please tell me how

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Sink it did Titanic the most expensive ship;
Thankfully in cargo there were no sheep

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Shred the chicken and the cabbage toss the salad;
Mix the mayo, and the carrots, come tantalise your palate

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Say I to you you're the one I need;
Too late I find you've planted seed

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fool are you who thinks to cheat death;
for all must end with Creator met

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Mix the fruit, pour in the milk spoon in the flour;
One careless mistake and everything ends up on the floor

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Sad now with forced separation;
Let me not succumb to desperation

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soon the sun bright orange in the sky;
is that a rainbow on the horizon i spy

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Cue given at the raising of the curtain;
Hero's line forgotten was most certain

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such telling music filled all ears;
it's sad lilting filled eyes with tears

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Unfurled and majestic billowing in the wind;
Sacrifices of her heroes cannot be repaid in cash or kind

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Dust covers the memories of my mind;
Cobwebs hanging is what you'll find

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Book the hall the rooms, arrange for fine dining;
There's a wedding in the planning

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Dew drops glisten in the the morning rays;
Happy laughter of child as he plays

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Yield an annual rate of return on an investment, expressed as a percentage;
Field is something that also might be measured in acreage

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Most often such effort it takes from me;
To rhyme hence giving up I let it be

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disguise only momentarily hides the reality;
better effort be put in working out its feasibility

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Mark in collective we together have made;
Ahsan ji's thread vibrant alive, will not fade

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Crate of Ginger Beer send as fee;
Later together we'll sip some tea

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Fee I paid;
To have my bed made

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Disappears like steam into thin air;
Where else can lyrical souls bare?

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never forget the blood they spilt;
thus never let peace into turbulence tilt

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Few are the people I now can trust;
Most are just fools full of lust

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elsewhere is heard merry making and happy cheers
there across the border flows sorrowful tears

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hosts in a flutter
shocked at all the clutter
guests arriving in droves
caterers present gastronomical treasure troves

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fun to you is not so to me
you carry one, I let you be

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races all diverse such interesting blend
mix and match marriages are in upward trend

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us is you and I
looking into each others eyes

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Bent and out of shape
from feet to nape

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ferry ride across the channel
into his arms cozy like flannel

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waylaid dreams cause much grief
focus committed ends such strife

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shade from the big bo tree
somehow always set my heart free

Cyber Copulation May 29, 2007

two beings on different continents
brought together over fibre optics
and deep sea cables
armed with webcams and fast typing
their journey into the erotics begins
what pray tell spurs them and million others
to undress before flickering monitors
displaying arousal and bits meant for copulation
to a perfect stranger as surreal as his handle IDIE4U69
is it loneliness then that drives them
are they inadequate for the real thing
that they hide behind pseudonyms and keyboards
living out fantasies that should be lived with real partners
she watches him shake and shiver
he watches her squirm and shudder
spent with glazed eyes they type sweet nothings
promising tomorrows of undying love and togetherness
they bid their goodbyes as they sign off
and login with new handles and yet again trawl cyberspace
for another round of explosive cyber copulation

Butterfly Jul 11, 2007

My thoughts were tumultuous

Disturbed and in disarray

I hum-ed and haw-ed

Slightly distraught

Outside my window

Twelve floors high

Sunshine and fluffy clouds

Happy birds in flight

Two swifts in sync

Merrily in the gusts of wind

Swoop by carefree

Unlike earthbound me

How totally liberating

It must feel

To spread ones wings

And soar uninhibited

My eye catches sight

Of a single butterfly

Struggling against the wind

Unwilling to succumb

Upon my expressionless face

There cracks a reluctant smile

We are the same

That butterfly and I