Pearls and Pebble

It lay on the river bed, pacifying waters stirring the strings of its soul,

Opened its eyes and glanced at the sunlit sky,the colorful birds taking their flight,

The flowers all blooming at their zenith, the butterflies singing the song of life to them…..

The little pebble was happy to be, the swans all around,

The gushing waters resonating the joys of the world, the sweet smell of the lilies captivated the air

The children ran on the river bed, reminding the world of the blessings of God……

It was spring and everything was enthralling n bewitching……

But life had to run its course, the pebble was washed to the temple city,

Ah! The glimpse of the Gods brought such peace, the owners of God ashamed life,

Pebbles were many more, But pearls there were too…

It little noticed the pearls, they were not to be glanced,

The stay was brief, and the ocean waited,

The pebble was drifted to the Ocean, a place where it did not conform….

It was spring and everything was enthralling n bewitching……

The Ocean had many pearls more, white, black, coloured,

It was a mere nothing for them, so it thought,

But the pearls welcomed with friendly smiles….

It lay scared and worried, why was it there among the pearls?

A mere pebble, a mere miniscule, they almighty, they all sturdy,

It had chiselled and polished with time, but pearls, no it was a misfit…..

It was certainly not spring and nothing was enthralling n bewitching……

Lose its identity into a speck of sand as the pearls wanted,

Or tussle and struggle for its honour, pride and self respect,

The  childhood lessons to be followed or flouted in the name of practical wisdom….

It was certainly not spring and nothing was enthralling n bewitching……

Choice had to be made, but alternatives were scarce,

Be like any other pebble or strive to become a Diamond?

The lost generations beckoned for the battle, the heart encouraged to take the stride….

It wished it was spring and something was enthralling n bewitching……

The battlefield is all set, the chariot ready,

The arms all sharpened  and the strategies devised,

It cannot lose the battle, no not this one…….

It is spring once again and everything is enthralling n bewitching……

The Big Mango Tree

The Mango grove looked splendid in all its beauty. Resplendent with olive leaves, sumptuous mangoes and an aroma that seduces even the most reluctant. It was the favourite playground for the obstreperous squirrels. They loved running around the trunks….But of all there was one Big Tree that she loved the most. Its deep roots, thick trunk, extension of branches and camouflage of leaves left her awestruck everytime she visited the grove.

There was something very special about this Tree. Its branches embraced her like fatherly arms, full of warmth and unconditional love. Its leaves like the beautiful, soft, well shaped hands. She felt so secure and happy by the touch of those phalanges..Why was she so attracted by the grace of the palm? What was it that kept her glued to the very sight of those hands? Probably the dexterity of the hands insinuated the great deeds done by them in the lifetime…

The Big Old Tree was also very friendly. He would welcome her with his delectable mangoes. He would let her play in his umbrage, jump from one branch to another joyfully. Sometimes  recklessly she would destroy his leaves or break his branches! But He never grumbled. Always forgiving and smiling….He too seemed to be fond of the little brat. Every morning he would wait for her to return……

With time He too was getting old. His leaves and skin were losing their sheen. Too many squirrels on His body and He would become breathless. Was it time to bid adieu? The thought of never seeing the sight of the brat made him feel restless….He wanted to see her grow and lead a gratified life. If possible to even let her children run around Him and jump on His branches. This summer there was little flowering on the Tree. Mangoes none. The time had come so He thought. Next morning the squirrel came back enthusiastically to have a smell of the Big hands but hands there were  none….

The Big Tree had breathed His last. Still the hands looked beautiful. Warm, gentle and giving….even death could not steal them of their grace. The squirrel was confused, had never witnessed death before. She came back again next morning and the next only to see the dear Tree missing. She would play around other trees but would time and again look back at the spot where the Big Tree once stood. Foolishly she expected the Tree to return…….

Running around was never the same, playing on the branches no more fun. She kept looking for the same hands amongst other trees. But could never….Fleeting Time passed and the seasons changed. Summer again visited  and this time when she returned she had a surprise waiting for her.

On the same place where once her Big Tree stood was another tree. Almost the same deep roots, thick trunk, extension of branches and camouflage of leaves that left her awestruck .But before running on its branches she looked for the Hands. And yes this Tree had the same hands: Beautiful, soft, well shaped. The Big Tree had returned but in a new avatar. Probably He too was  worried for her so he sent the new Tree. The fun returned. Running around, gleefully playing, jumping recklessly……And Yes life was back in all its glory!

United in Separation

It is such a strange experience! Feeling happy and at peace with herself even when there is no evident reason...Looking around everything is chaotic and disturbing. Then suddenly why is she smiling all by herself? Life has been harsh very harsh indeed in the last few years. But then why this sudden grin?

Nothing seemed correct. Losing dear ones, some actually others because of their incomprehensible behavior. Blame games, accusations, back stabbing, insults, injuries- both physical and spiritual, nothing left....Life was worse than a nightmare. There seemed to be a big VOID in life that was impossible to be filled.

Hatred, angst, anger, feeling of being cheated, replaced...had all but become a part of her or rather she a part of them. Life was dragging itself, waking up in the morning without a purpose, eating lunch mechanically, smiling because it was easier than explaining tears, working robotically, lying on the bed trying to sleep with open eyes....No path no destiny! Questioning herself what did she do to deserve this and yes sometimes the Almighty.Asking where does she go now?


The question got answered sooner than expected.....You came in like a breath of fresh air from nowhere. She was completely astounded to find you at exactly the same place where she had lost herself. You holding a mirror fearlessly into her soul.Was this a signal from Him? Who were you? Why were you there? From whence you came?

Your words were a balm to her bruised soul. Was this really happening or was it a work of her imagination? Were you there or had she become completely insane? Smiles returned and this time genuine ones.She felt regaining the same self. As if her lost soul had again found way back to her body!


But certain things and people are not meant to be together physically. The period of togetherness was brief and separation looming large. She had no idea that another surprise was waiting to embrace her. Although they parted yet there were no tears this time...

Infact there was smile and a feeling of happiness. Was she happy not to be with you? Or was it something else...? Their togetherness taught her to be Happy, to smile and to love. You changed the way she looked at life! There was no sorrow, no frowns...only love and good wishes for all! Your attitude towards life had transformed her completely. She was a different person. Your love for everyone made her realise how selfless one can be. There is life beyond ones griefs and mundane troubles...Although no more together they are still united. United at a higher plane beyond human understanding and logic. You told her once how you feel good thinking of her which she could not understand then...And today ironically she too feels good thinking of you the same way! Was this destined? Did you know about it from the very beginning?

Separated and yet united in separation...How contradictory this is...You came and with your spiritual touch she is happy even being away from you...But are they really away? Has this separation ultimately united them forever........