her anklets...

on a quiet autumn day

i meet the doe-eyed one

full of laughter and fun

she has so much to say

hazel curls adorn her brow

bold red kisses those lips

when my heart beat skips

can’t tell you why or how

O! behold that loving smile

reflecting a point of light far

bright beautiful evening star

bewitches she for a while

Just as she walks away
I gaze at her anklets sway...

The awakening...

By the Ganges play spotted deer
so full of life without any fear
where clad in orange He sleeps
with knowing smile on those lips
as divine chants on horizon rise
mellow rays kiss the gentle eyes
wise leaves of the bodhi sway
while squirrels at his feet pray
amidst the tempest he is calm
with secret of life in his palm
nothing exists but truth alone
each chooses path of his own
In His teachings I find the light
and courage to do what is right

On enchanted road..

in passing crimson lane
adorned with noble oaks
down comes October rain
to lovely memories evoke
as fallen waters reflect
each step taken together
two happy hearts connect
dreaming of their future
holding the other's hand
they see charming colors
conjuring a vision grand
with secrets to uncover
they continue to tread
on enchanted road ahead

//inspired by a painting dated October 25, 2015

The mourning brook...

through the chains of morning fog
pierce those autumn falling rays
flowing waters gently kiss a log
like a lover on fallen hero's face
as scarlet leaves honor the woods
torn with grief and silent sorrow
even the mercurial time still stood
like there would be no tomorrow
stirring scene that touches the soul
of tiny pebbles and enduring rocks
when one hears the church bells toll
for the shepherd lost one from his flock
not one to be beaten back by strife
the mourning brook moves ahead in life...

bold dreams...

On this beautiful October day
as yellow canaries love to sway
bold dreams on open canvas rise
from colors borne in hazel eyes
those happy hands full of hopes
reveal outlines in rapid strokes
as emerald meadows kiss the fence
a tender wind embraces incense
in gazing at the snow-capped peaks
she wonders what is that she seeks
beckon those far and distant shores
in search of that something more
behold her finish this latest art
unlocking a secret from her heart

art from the flames...

when crimson dirt rises high
from mounds of twigs and hay
beneath a canopy of clear sky
a village belle stirs her clay
O! allure of the falling veil
that reflects fire of her face
stoic hands endure this trial
while her toddler nearby plays
as glass bangles shine resolve
to ignite her fledgling dream
moist pieces of earth evolve
as part of some grand scheme
inspiring art from the flames
yet she remains without a name

the dance of the royal swan...

as a fading sun kisses the lake
she glides with beauty and poise
wild waters emerge from their wake
to behold one of life's great joys
beckons a queen with silver span
humming a tune saved for valentine
as falling reeds embrace such elan
my heart beats to her rhythm divine
reflect those cyan eyes a hope inside
cross the boughs lies a crimson dawn
O! merry blue birds are mesmerized
through the dance of this royal swan
as gold daffodils sway in ways arcane
in vacant dreams she will come again

Fallen mayflowers

Walking in lonely woods during twilight hours        
A silent gaze falls upon some fallen mayflowers      
And unlikely tears light up his little face                  
While an anxious night is adorned with stars            

Fallen those flowers may be and yet full of grace            
Lying deep in sleep having won life’s race                
And now their undying fragrance reminds him          
Of times spent together with her in loving embrace    

Even though their shades may have turned dim
Hidden beneath layers of sylvan leaves and grim      
They echo the magical mirth in her shy smile          
Like the heartfelt emotion reflected in every hymn  

Learning from flowers who lived without guile        
That life is less ordinary without each trial                
He continues to walk another lonely mile                
Having found her in those memories for a while  

// Drafted sometime early 2011  

In mischievous joy...

On a rainy, rugged July morning walks she
to embrace those raw depths of wilderness
For a lonely bosom is now untamed and free
in awe of scenes that words cannot express
As her fingers draw the curves far up above
where blue peaks rise to meet an open sky
And the horizon melts like a candle in love
Like replenishing a giant waterfall's battle cry
Mesmerized by the pristine amid green lair
swelling with roars of roaming spirits below
An eastern wind gently kisses her flowing hair
as if to kindle flames for a long forgotten beau
But in mischievous joy she continues to travel
Certain that many more mysteries shall unravel 

A word of the wind...

By the waterfront on a restless day

Lost a lonely heart in her gentle smile

Sands of time stand still for a while

As playful white gulls circle the bay

Years ago kissed a wind her name

But was forgotten in a worldly maze 

In two shadows crossed their ways

Slowly stirring inside an earnest flame

O! will these eyes ever again meet

For only if she knew how he truly felt

In whose depths tall mountains melt    

Or else this tale will stay incomplete

Behold a word these winds now loft

Same as that kissed years ago soft...

In her memories the heart bleeds...

In her memories the heart bleeds

With scars painted across his face

A calming friend this night he needs

So the stars stay fixed in their place

With her near he seemed so bright

Glowing silver to her lovely smile

Songs of bliss they sang each night

As even time stood still for a while

For darkness fails to hide his grief

And not forget their deepest vow 

She called him a little heart thief

But a lonely life awaits him now

Forever their tale of love be told

When loving eyes the stars behold

// April 15, total lunar eclipse.. blood red moon.

A pilgrim's promise...

By wayside uncared they lie
Yet charming the weary eye
With smile of a little child
And fragrance soothing mild
Shrouded in layers of green
Bringing to life a Monet scene
Swaying along on a breezy day
They see a lonely pilgrim pray
Lost in thoughts their colors are
Of ever making a journey so far
At last they know their own fate
To stay rooted and each day wait
Spreading joy until each sleeps
Like the promise a pilgrim keeps

Nature's grace...

On a foggy April day
I see blue petals sway
Colors bold and bright
Weaving a joyful sight
Little squirrels come near
For meeting a friend dear
And the fog begins to lift
As rays split from cloudy sift
Hills on the west climb high
Seeking a jewel in the sky
Oh such a beautiful place
Brings a smile on your face
Being free from daily chase
You learn to enjoy nature's grace.....

Lost in her thoughts

         

Lost in her thoughts he gazes at the night sky

To see if the stars know where she might be

Silent lips wish that at least one would reply

While he continues to endure in lonely agony

Just as the wind kisses the fallen maple leaf 

The waters below lie still to behold the sight

Of beauty of his tears which reflect inner grief

Scoring over the gleam of crescent moon light

Emerald eyes swim through poignant memories

Of all the loving moments they shared together

Sitting beside her under a blossom of cherries

When the heart never confessed feelings for her

If only little stars speak now of what they see

Those innocent lovers could be reunited in joy

For across those blue waters under an oak tree

She sits with tears in her eyes just like the boy

// Posting a few lines that I penned a few years back. For some reason, this one waited to be posted...

Gilded in magenta...

Gilded in magenta is a clear sky
Spellbound lies her lonely heart
Just as the sun says goodbye
She slows in awe of nature's art
An evening breeze blows along
Stirring leaves beneath her feet
When the lark begins her song
She feels the rhythm complete
As dust in the air settles down
Where sylvan trail meets its end
Return journey makes her frown
When nightfall begins to descend
Memories of this vista shall stay
Until she discovers again this day 

Fallen angels...

From beneath veil of emptiness
Begin their sojourn snowflakes
As fallen angels bask in airiness
Slowly a mystical night awakes
When a kind breeze opens play
They join hands in saying grace
With cherubic charm they sway
To silent music frozen in space
Then closer to land arrive some
With eager eyes looking for rest
So the earth signals a welcome
Greeting like a heavenly guest
Peace and quiet at last they find
In embrace of a long lost friend 

Feeling absolutely free...

Just believe me when I say
That today is a magical day
Something special is in the air
Inviting a life devoid of care
So many faces have a smile
Time seems still for a while
As birds sing on the trees
White lilies greet little bees
Tiny drops of September rain
Relieve the harsh summer pain
So come fly away with me
A new world we shall see
One where life is about living
And feeling absolutely free

--I posted the last 4 lines for another blog 3 days back...This is the original complete poem.

Wings of grace...

Along a riverside unknown I rest
To behold the hills in the west
When a million happy butterflies
Descend over velvety blue skies
Adorned in gold they gently play
By the woods where poppies sway
Many stories they love to share
Of distant lands and prairies fair
And as the breeze begins to grow  
Slowly they settle on fallen bough
Bless these little wings of grace
For whom life is not an empty race
Where each day is a new adventure
In pursuit of meaning and space    

In search of happiness...

Walking by lonely woods on a foggy eve
Giant oaks glean fading rays like a sieve
Far have I come in search of some cheer
When I stumble to grasp a fallen leaf

Across the sylvan I behold a pair of deer
In mirthful song and dance they appear
Curious steps I take to watch them sway
Alas! sudden unknown causes them fear

With pious eyes on me as I step away
I sense their willingness to let me stay
And then the deer look to the deep dark
As if beckoning me to follow their way

Dropping my lantern lets out a spark
Giving shy deer my readiness mark
When my heart scarcely skips a beat
On the deer path I decide to embark

With hops and skips the deer retreat
For just a little moment our eyes meet
Dreaming what mystery lies beyond
I strive to keep pace with their feet

Deep in forest we reach a mystic pond
Lying hidden beneath layers of frond
And just then streams of memories fly
Like a chariot with little fairies adorned

As the wind colors the bewitched sky
Smiles and laughs from times gone by
In company of dear friends and family
Fleet steadily before the inward eye

And when those deer wander idly
I find a spot under a tree knightly
Next to lilies bathed in lunar glow
At last I breathe some peace unlikely

Gazing intently at starry waters below
I find those gentle deer in blissful love
My heart now makes the connection
Wondering why it took so long to know

Witness the art of that great magician!
Who designed the world to perfection
I kneel before that invisible hand
For making me happy in reflection

Ekla Chalo Re...

Following is Tagore's English translation of "Ekla Chalo Re" .... Truly inspiring.

 

If they answer not to thy call walk alone,

If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,

O thou unlucky one,

open thy mind and speak out alone.

If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness,

O thou unlucky one,

trample the thorns under thy tread,

and along the blood-lined track travel alone.

If they do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,

O thou unlucky one,

with the thunder flame of pain ignite thy own heart

and let it burn alone.