It holds you in its arms Cradles you, caresses you. Mistake it not for warmth, for Grief is an ocean Vast. Deep. Relentless.
Somebody, everybody and nobody All have grief in common, for grief spares none. I wear it differently It looks unrecognisable on you.
Grievance is for the dead, was a lesson taught in school oh but there is more to it grief is for change, loss and being is a lesson taught by life.
Tides and currents run wild in its unfathomable waves it comes to everyone in its own time and knocks you off your feet.
There is no running, no escaping. When it hurts to even breathe remember that it changes on a dime one day, impossibly, it won’t hurt this bad that’s how you survive.
I think I’m past it alas it strikes again, starts again. you can not control it, let it in when it comes, feel it let go of it, when you can
All things that begin must come to an inevitable end. A cry of distress, in an unfamiliar world and hence begins life.
Some live for a 100 years without being alive for even a second of it. We are our own undoing. Blessing or tragedy?
Stop and smell the roses, they say. Maybe I should become that rose and carry that beauty within me.
I wish to forge my own path. Untethered, free and wild. Liberated from this worldly cage, and when Death finally finds me may it find me alive.
The other day, I came across an African proverb : “When death comes to find you, may it find you alive.”
We spend a lot of our lives being held back by trying to become what we think others expect us to be. We let ourselves be trapped in a cage.
Our soul knows what it wants. At this very moment, it’s speaking to you. Listen. Then go do it, grab it, live it.
Something went wrong with my WP a few days ago, and this got posted before I was done editing it. I removed it as soon as it happened, but a few of you had already read it and left comments. I’m sorry I had to delete that post because it just wasn’t ready. This is the final and improved version!
Ever so often we find ourselves looking for people, places, memories and opportunities that make our hearts ache. But in a good way.
Some find happiness in running after that feeling, chasing it in bars and discos. Jumping off cliffs only to have a trace of its grandeur. Intoxicated by its scent in foreign skies and seas.
Some find solace in the hope that it will come to them. That all they must do, is believe in its power, its possibility, and trust it with all their heart, and the wait will be worth it.
That feeling is what makes the World go round.
Earth, our home, found it in its path around the Sun. Sun, our star, found it in its luminosity and illumination. Water, our sustenance, found it wrapped in the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen. Wind, our cosmos, found it in the chirp of every bird that beautifies it. Fire, our energy, found it in the oxygen that strengthens it.
Sometimes, it comes in our early years. Others spend ages feeling incomplete. Sometimes, it comes right when you need it. Others learn that it has the worst timing ever. Sometimes, it comes when you’re ready to hold on. Others are caught completely off guard.
I made a wish for that feeling, then placed it in my soul.
I promise to welcome its immensity and its enormity the next time we bump paths.
Hearts, hammering and hurting Soundless prayers, begging Unfamiliar nausea, flooding over Strength, emerging from the tears
In the distance : A shrill, piercing screech striving to tear through the peripheral traffic.
Another day, Another tragedy, Another life in the balance. Another life hanging by the cliff.
Wanting to hoist itself above when there’s only enough to let go A combat for another breath Life, the only war spoil
In the distance : A fleeting image of an ambulance, A whizz of sirens defying all odds A cascade of orisons and hopes.
Another day, Another tragedy, Another life in the balance. Another life hanging by the cliff.
Steady then Shaky. Erratic at best.
A few days ago, I stood by my balcony, talking on the phone. And during that 20 minute phone call I heard 4 ambulances rushing by. That is where I found my inspiration to write this. We are currently surviving in trying times. Things will get better. I am proud of all of us for facing them! More power to us.
P.S I am so sorry for not being able to be up to date with all my reading. I have been busy with exams for the past week.
But I am back now! Looking forward to hearing from all of you and reading more of your amazing pieces!
1. She looked down. A deep gash ran obliquely over her torso. Blood sputtering. White light beckoned. Was this the end?
2. It was a suicide, they said. She pulled the trigger, but their oblique remarks towards her body held the gun.
This is my attempt at the Twenty Word Tuesday event hosted by Bulbul’s bubble. (https://wp.me/pbcaAs-wZ)
This week’s prompt was: Oblique.
While both these 20 word stories are about death. They are in two completely different contexts.
In reference, to the second story, I would like to take this opportunity to convey how important it is for all of us to be mindful of our words and actions. They have great power. They can create and destroy.
To anyone who is going through a tough time, stay strong. It does get better.
1. Life existed, but was I living it? My world came to a standstill, but time kept ticking. Such was quarantine.
2. Neigbours waved from the abode of their patios. Quarantine had coerced the otherwise estranged humanity to connect and join forces.
3. Calloused fingers ached from typing night and day, night and day. Life Goal: Write a book. Quarantine made it possible.
4. “I love you,” she whispered to the camera, he smiled at the screen. Quarantined miles apart, their hearts beat together.
This is in response to the Twenty Word Tuesday organised by Bulbul’s Bubble (https://wp.me/pbcaAs-wd). I somehow ended up writing 4 different pieces.
This week the prompt was – Quarantine
I wanted to try and highlight some positivity that arose from the confinement and isolation, as well as the adversity and heartbreak. I hope I was able to do justice!
A bonfire, a friendship and a paradox. Three unrelated entities that came together. This is a story of how.
Completely different yet somehow bizarrely functional, such was our connection.
This is how I met The Boy Who Loves Bonfires.
Click.Tap.Click.Tap.Click.Tap. I had come up with a rhythm to which I bobbed my head, sitting impatiently. It was yet another day in a class I wasn’t very fond of. Don’t get me wrong, I was great at the subject.The class, however,was a borefest.
There is always that one class where no one pays attention. Everyone is either dozing off or daydreaming. The latter is more my thing.
The seat next to me was unoccupied…until, it just wasn’t. My daydream came crashing down when I heard the sound of metal screeching as the seat next to me was pulled backward.
Within seconds, a complete stranger who I had occasionally seen in the hallways, sat next to me.
That is probably the most boring and cliched starting to what became one the most beautiful friendships of my life.
While I admit that the beginning was awkward and rocky, a few months later we were inseparable.
“The Boy Who Loves Bonfires,” such was his epithet.
Bonfires? I mean what’s so out of the blue about bonfires?
Fire. An element of life, a symbol of damnation, a source of energy, the hallmark for death. A purifier and a destroyer.
A paradox.
In the last sacrament of life in many cultures, corpses are burnt. Day after day, countless people die, yet the living wish to live forever.
The bodies of the dead are burned as they depart on a journey to whatever lies in the afterlife. Smoke stacks choke the skies.
The holy element of fire is hence linked to the end of a loved one’s journey amongst the living.
Fire, then becomes eerie and sinister to many people.
While my friend envisaged a starry night, sitting across a bonfire, with blankets and marshmallows.
The heat from the fire soothing the frigid air and the shivering toes. Consuming, devouring, annihilating the wood in order to stay alive.
Orange flames cackling while they dance, throwing vivid shadows and shapes under the dark of the night.
Its reflections in the eyes of the people gathered around, whispering secrets as its warmth caresses each soul.
Burning with the valiant desire to breathe. It reminded him of the beauty of being alive, each day.
“We can complain that rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice that thorns have roses,” while I had heard this many times, The Boy Who Loves Bonfires brought it to life and made me live it.
The Boy Who Loves Bonfires taught me a way of life.
I like to think of fire as the calm before a storm. Sometimes, the storm strikes and there is death, devastation, and loss to deal with. Sometimes, the storm passes over. It doesn’t strike. On those days, there is relief, warmth, calm and joy that the fire itself spreads.
I wonder sometimes, does fire know of its power? To create and destroy. Or does it remain an oblivious paradoxical element.
A paradox contradicts itself. It has various faces to it. The one we choose to focus on arbitrates much of our lives.
This I learned from him.
Who would have thought that a friendship that began in the dullest possible way would spark a fire. Dazzling and alive.
Firstly, a huge shout out and thank you to Nawazish (https://thelighteningbug.wordpress.com/) for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. She uses her words to talk about issues of social awareness and has a very creative and forward take. I really appreciate her efforts to bring these issues under the spotlight. Check out her blog! You won’t be disappointed.
Another huge shout out and thank you to Reshmi (https://rezscribblez.wordpress.com/) for nominating me for the Liebster Award. She is one of my favourite bloggers because she has a very wide array of content on her blog. From poems to write ups, quotes and images! She has it all. One of her recent posts “an ode to my laptop,” is my absolute favourite! Please do check out her blog.
Also, thank you to 1972italy (https://todaysblogs.blog/) for nominating me for the Liebster award. I came across the “Today Blog” sometime ago and have since then been a fan! From musings to wonderful write ups to beautiful photography, it in an all in one platform. Do check it out, when you can! It’s almost addictive.
And thank you, to every single one of you who is reading this and my other writings/posts. Thank you for your advice and support. I am young and have a lot to learn. I do not think of myself as an outstanding writer/poet, but I yearn to be one, and you are helping me get there. For that, I am grateful. All my love and appreciation to you, from the bottom of my heart.
The Rules
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the 11 questions asked of you.
List the rules and include the award logo(s)
Write a new list of questions for your nominees.
Nominate 11 bloggers.
My Answers
For the Sunshine Blogger Award
NAWAZISH’S QUESTIONS!
Which Country do you reside in? I am from New Delhi, India.
A place you visit to calm your mind or heal yourself? As a child, I went on a field trip to Humayun’s Tomb in my city, which is actually a spread out and beautiful place. Being out there during bad or difficult times gives me perspective. When it isn’t possible to visit, I find solace in a walk through the parks/gardens.
Your favourite movie and why? I don’t really have a favourite. It depends on my mood, mostly!
A memory from childhood that is very close to your heart? I am a very family oriented person who comes from a very close-knit family. I have scrap books filled with memories I adore!
You prefer beaches or mountains? BEACHES all the way! I am a huge fan of the ocean, it’s where I am really comfortable and happy. Plus, I have a huge fear of heights so I don’t do well on mountains.
What makes you really agree? I am known to be a bit stubborn and set in my ways, so it usually takes a lot to convince me. I am not particularly proud of this but that is just how it is.
What do you look out in any relationship that you form? I am a huge believer in connecting with people on an emotional and intellectual level. Besides that, honesty, comfort, the ability to talk freely and enjoy!
What would you change about yourself, if you had the chance? I have this tendency to be either completely detached or overly sensitive and emotional. I’d like to find a balance between the two.
What is your favourite day to spend a day off? It depends on what mood I am in, actually. It could be simply spending the day at home with pizza, coffee, cheesecake and Netflix. Or maybe a long drive with good music!
Do you consider yourself an introvert, extrovert or an ambivert? I am a total ambivert!
What was the last TV series you binge watched? Broadchurch on Netflix. It’s a really thrilling murder mystery!
My Questions
If you could live anywhere in the World, where would you?
Do you prefer books or movies? Why?
How do you define happiness?
What is your favourite quote?
How would you spend your perfect day?
If you had a chance to time travel, would you visit the past or the future, why?
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Why did you start blogging?
What is the first thing you notice in someone?
Tell me about any one of your fears?
If you had to choose between money and love, what would it be? Why?
What is a new habit you want to form or an old one you want to quit? I tend to hold on to the past a lot, I’d like to teach myself that it is okay to let go of it, sometimes.
If you could time travel, when and where would you go? I’d like to be an 8-year old over again! Eager to witness the World and yearning to create memories! Or maybe, 18th century France because the French revolution inspires me.
Where would you like to travel after the pandemic? I had plans to visit Australia after my examinations this year. Kind of my first solo trip! Those got cancelled, of course, due to the pandemic. So, that’s where I’d like to go.
What would the title of your autobiography be? Okay, I love this question!! I am not sure about it, though, I think it will come to me when I write it. How about, “My Enigma,” maybe?
What was your favourite subject in school? I just finished school, so this one is easy. Biology.
Which is your favourite song? Fix You by Coldplay or What Am I by Why Don’t We, currently, that is. They change a lot, haha.
What is your favourite colour? Black, green and orange.
What fictional character do you wish you could meet? I can not choose one!! Off the top of my head, Miriam and Laila from A Thousand Splendid Suns, Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice, or Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth from Little Women!
What cartoon do you still like to watch? Tom and Jerry, haha! I think it might be my guilty pleasure.
What inspired you to start a blog? I have been writing for some time but I was never one to share it with others. During the lockdowns during the pandemic, I started it as a way to express my thoughts and ideas with people around the world even while I was isolated.
1972ITALY’S QUESTIONS!
What is your favourite memory from childhood? Probably forcing my parents to take me to amusement parks and then being too chicken to go on all of the “fun” rides. Eventually, dragging them with me on rides only to have my mom completely freaking out and my dad laughing his head off!
Who is your favourite author and why? This changes every time I read a book I like!
What got you into writing? Too many thoughts floating around in my head and I found that the best outlet was putting pen to paper.
Who are your idols? As a child, I was told to not idolize just one person and make my life about being like them but to find myself and be the best version of myself I could be! I do, however, look up to the people who taught me this. My parents.
What is your favourite thing to do? WRITING or eating cheesecake, pizza, dark chocolate and black coffee. That makes a killer meal lol.
What was the best compliment you ever got? A friend once told me, I was the literal embodiment of sunshine and rainbows in their life and that I inspired them to be a better person. Fun fact: I suck at receiving compliments. It is very difficult for me to accept them. So I said, “Do you need help with something or what?” Turns out, they were genuinely just complimenting me!
What is your favourite season and why? Depends on when you’re asking me. In summers, my favourite season is monsoon. During the monsoon months, it becomes winter. Ask me during winter, and I will say I adore summers. In my part of the World, it is the monsoon season, so my current favourite is winters, lol.
What is the first book you ever read? I am not particularly proud of this, but them again, I was 7 or 8! This series called the Ramona Quimby.
What is the best advice on writing you ever got? 2 words. Be Honest.
What keeps you going? My family, for sure. And the belief that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and on my way to exactly what is meant for me.
What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of the day? A cup of coffee and a good book. Maybe a nap. A few good jokes, maybe? And of course, my family. Like I said, I am a very family oriented kind of girl!
My Questions
When and why did you start writing?
If you had a chance to time travel, would you visit the past or the future, why?
If you could live anywhere in the World, where would you?
If you could be anything and anyone you wanted, who/what would you be?
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Tell me about any one of your fears?
Suggest a theme/idea you’d like me to write about?
I am really grateful to Dulcy Singh (https://dulcyblogs.wordpress.com/) for nominating me! Check out her blog, she has great content! I am a huge fan of her stories.
I started this blog a month ago and this is my first award nomination! I am genuinely so excited, grateful and honored.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you amazing bloggers who have taken the time to read my content and for your support throughout. I am very new to blogging and nothing is more encouraging than your reinforcement.
Rules:
Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog
Answer the 11 questions given to you
Nominate 11 bloggers
Ask your nominees 11 questions
Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post
Here are the answers to the questions I was asked:
Do you like stories? I read my first novel at the age of 8, since then, stories and books have been my accomplices!
Which Country do you belong to? As a child, I have relocated a lot due to my parents’ jobs so I like to think of myself as belonging to all those countries. But, my nationality is Indian.
When is your birthday? 28 April
Suggest a story theme. Newton’s third law of motion as a law of the universe or the Butterfly Effect!
What inspired you to write blogs? I have been writing for quite some time but I was never one to share it with others. During the lockdown imposed in my nation during the pandemic, I started it as a way to express my thoughts and ideas and connect with people around even when I was isolated.
If you had a wish what would it be? An opportunity to travel the world and witness all the cultures globally!
Describe yourself. A radiant spirit with a thirst for adventure and an urge to travel!
What is your favourite place that you want to visit again? Italy. The ancient Romans built one of the greatest empires in world history. Although, I have been there once, I hope to visit it again someday. The people and the culture is to die for!
One weakness you want to overcome. I am either overly emotional or detached and aloof. I would like to find a balance between the two.
What were your learnings from the pandemic? I can thrive with simply my company. I was never good at being alone, but I grew to enjoy it! I also learned how to bake. (PS. I baked a marble cake today!)
Your favourite song/quote? Quote: “If you don’t like the hand fate has dealt you with, you fight for a new one.” Song: Fix you by Coldplay.
