Lively and Living

 Day 30, #OctPoWriMo2020

Thank you Morgan for all the amazing prompts and poetry forms. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful work here . Keep smiling and writing always!

Now, for the theme today, I am using the Acrostic form to describe an innate frame of mind that I have no matter what the situation is in life. This defines me and my identity.

“ Lively and Living”

Looking at all obstacles with determination

I have always moved forward in this journey

Valued all lessons learnt along the way

Egging on with resolution towards a New Day

Loving and Living every moment

Yearning to be the Best Version of Myself

Another change is another opportunity

Never backing down and breaking the continuity

Done with living in the past 

Long gone are the days of unrest

Inviting positive thoughts no matter what

Vigor and vitality

Is what makes me, Me

Nothing negative will ever impact my emotions

Gearing up for what lies ahead, tomorrow and always!

From Strangers to Friends

 Day 29, #OctPoWriMO2020

I love to travel and the picture of the railroad track certainly brought back fond memories of those long journeys I used to take during the holidays as a child. Missing those memorable moments when fellow passengers not only shared home cooked food, but also stories . Those journeys have never been boring and many a times I have seen strangers parting as friends with promises of being in touch. 

The poem today is like reliving those happy moments.

Form: Free Verse.

From Strangers to Friends

It was a bright Sunny morning

The air crisp and fresh

The dew drops glittering with joy

Wished me Good Bye

As I boarded the train for a long journey forth

My heart skipped a beat

The engine purred into action

My journey had begun.

Eager, excited, I Looked out of the window

As my city was left behind

Trees, valleys, meadows danced along

And the train chugged ahead.

The metal wheels moved in full swing

While the track paved the way ahead

Dollops of white clouds embraced the clear blue sky

Smiling I believe, happy as I

The compartment was full 

Fellow passengers going to different destinations

But at the moment entwined together

Conversations flowed like the free flowing river

Stories , laughter, food …..shared and enjoyed

There sat an old lady, 

sharing stories as old and 

Intriguing as the wrinkles on her skin

The group a furlong away was singing happily

College students , I believe

The children played and made a delightful

Combination of colors and patterns

Of happy faces, faces which cannot be forgotten

The pages of my diary gets filled

With sketches of the happy moments

Which I know I will cherish, always.

Today as I sit and travel to those good old days

The old diary sits on my lap

How I wish I could go back

To those nomadic days

When I met strangers

But parted as friends.

The Journey Within

 Day 28#OctPoWriMo2020

The current situation has given me ample amount of time to spend with myself. I have journeyed along paths that were hidden to my busy eyes. These experiences have been fulfilling and memorable. I learnt to value each and every moment and live in the present instead of dwelling in the past. Getting entangled into memories that cause pain deprives us of experiencing so many happy moments that life has in store for us. 

This poem is dedicated to that journey inwards.

Form : Free Verse

" The Journey Within"

The street in front of my house is quiet these days

The surrounding quieter than earlier

The stillness invites me 

To embark on a journey

A journey to explore

Things that I have missed

While being engrossed in satiating selfish desires

I look around and find myself surrounded

With moments invaluable

When did the flowers bloom in my garden?

That sapling grew into a bush, so soon?

What is that bird at my window sill?

Does it come and sing everyday?

The wind chimes have begun dancing

Trying to impress me, or is it a mundane thing?

The cool breeze brushes past my temple

I inhale the experience

And get full to the brim

With an inexplicable emotion

Tears roll down my eyes

As I sit by the window sill

I learn the value of a warm hug

A smile, a signal of gratitude

For all things taken for granted

I learn to value the love and care

Of my dear ones

I learn to value feelings over ambition

I learn to value relationships over capital

I learn to value unconditional love

Yes, this journey is fulfilling

This journey Within!

Magical October

 Day 27#OctPoWriMo2020

The month of October has always been magical to me .Thanks to this wonderful platform where I can spread the glitters of happiness and enhance my magical experience. The Festival of Lights brings back lovely memories of childhood which have transcended to the years thereafter.Missing those moments.

A free verse today .

“ Magical October”

There is nip in the air

With foggy mornings

When the first rays of Sun

Bring that pleasant warmth

Like the embrace of My Mom

Full of love and belonging

Yes, it's the month of October

When there is magic in the air

Hope flutters like numerous 

Butterflies flocking together

There is hub-bub all around

Family members gather 

From near and far, cousins and their stories

Of their struggles and victories

Woven by a common thread

Of being one, we are Family, after all.

We snuggle and make plans

To celebrate the Festival of lights

Festive spirit entwines our hearts with each other

At least once in a year

It brings us closer, no one lives on an island anymore

No one feels alone or left over

That is the magic that October brings

When Holiday season sets in

Plans are lived and 

We go back……, with heavy hearts but  richer in experiences

To survive another year 

While pursuing our dreams

In the snarling streets

Of Competition and hatred

Still,

The magic of Home, belongingness

Stays over ,

 Even in those lonely nights

Of November and December

When the whole world sleeps

I stay awake, in my corner

With my memories

Of Magical October!

A volcano of emotions

 Day 26#OctPoWriMo2020

Being different is being unique for me and I embrace it wholeheartedly. This uniqueness should be celebrated not just today, but every day !

It’s the free verse today.

“ A volcano of Emotions” 

I color my sky green

And the grass blue

My trees have rainbow colored berries

And my rivers pink

They say I am different

I imagine things with strangeness

But what is being Different?

How can one be unaware

Of the millions of possibilities

Of millions of approaches

And still be Normal?
Can’t they see 

Freedom of thoughts

Is nothing but Creativity?

It is like giving birth

To create from the Heart

The trip to the wilderness of Creativity

Will not be successful

If one limits one's thoughts to 

Age old traditions and beliefs

The trip will involve discovery

By seeing things differently

And embracing it wholeheartedly

It needs courage to express oneself

To stand with emotions bare

To own vulnerability

With defiance and determination

And they say,I am different!

But what is being Different?

Is it in feeling what is so obvious

But not given due importance

Since the eyes are covered

With shades of not-being-different!

Being different is being Unique

Celebrated each day

By owning it 

And wearing it on the sleeve

With confidence and Belief

Power that comes from within.

Limitless and Beyond

 Day 25#OctPoWriMo2020

Wow! Breaking rules have always been adventurous for me . So, let me try and create a form that rhymes yet does not! Just a try, not sure what will be the final outcome. But will fear stop me from exploring? Never !

So, here it goes , allowing my thoughts to weave and I flow freely with it, without any rules to abide.

" Limitless and Beyond" 

Be it chasing my dream

Or not following the norm

That logic proves to be illogical

I always speak my mind

Been a rebel, yesterday, today 

And Forever!

The best part, I am not the only one

Breaking all shackles

That choke the heart that dreams

Have come across numerous stories

Of like minded fiery souls

For whom living on the edge

Is just another day in Life

From climbing mountains

To travelling across the country 

On a Bike

From daring to share an innovation

To establishing startups successful

From earning not only for the self

But also providing opportunities for others

Yes, I am surrounded by such stories

Of Grit, Determination, Fearlessness

Never back down or Give Up attitude

Each day brings about a new struggle

A new challenge to be overtaken

What's the Fun when all is set and rosy?

What is Life without a bit of defiance and resolution?

" Limit" is just a Word

There is much to be conquered now and Beyond

Yes, I love to break the rules

Because the journey that I have undertaken

Is Limitless and beyond!

Conquering My Fears

 Day 24#OctPOWriMo2020

Today I write about procrastination due to fear of failure. I stalled choosing my profession as a Trainer because I had stage fright. I decided to take the step of overcoming this by choosing to be Bold, Brave, Being Me. Today, I have a come a long way and thanks to that moment when I decided to cross the bridge and reach the other side where success welcomed me with open arms. It's ok to feel scared but one must never allow fear to overcome confidence . Success comes to those who strive for the best. Consistent persistence is the key.

Choosing the Free Verse today.

Conquering My Fears

The spotlight was on me

The curtains had been raised, it was time

For my performance, but I froze

On the Stage!

Cold sweat permeated my confidence

I stood still, unable to move an inch

On the Stage!

And the audience waited, there was pin drop silence

Deafening! Never heard anything so Loud

and menacing!

Suddenly all went blank and I lay gasping for breath

On my bed. It was  a Dream!

Which shook me to my roots

made me look inside out

Who was I? What Did I want to Do?

What was I escaping from?

The mirror stared back at me

It was not me , but my scared being

Fear had engulfed my confidence, I could feel

But should I give up? After striving long enough?

No, not at all, somewhere screamed my brave self

The Dawn came and as the sun rays kissed my forehead

I decided to move ahead.

Past failures are like stepping stones towards success

I worked , worked , worked

Could feel the distance between me and my anxiety

Grow more and more till it mingled with the distant horizon

Today, after a year long debate with procrastination

I finally Won!

Going for my maiden stage performance

Confident, Brave, Determined

Let those dark days be laid at rest

The winds of change are here

I am all set to move ahead.

Things that make me Smile

 Day 23 #OctPoWriMo2020

Yes, I am grateful for being blessed with joys, big and small that always point out to the fact that there is Goodness and faith. I am grateful for my loved ones who love me unconditionally for who I am. Today’s poem is based on this wonderful feeling of gratefulness and although words cannot suffice, this is my humble tribute to all who have made my life so beautiful.

To You, My Lovely Family and Friends. This is for YOU.

Poetry Type : Trolaan ( an attempt)

Things that make me Smile

Things were not falling into place

The jigsaw puzzle of life

The days disappearing without a trace

Teasing me, can you still thrive?

Hope flickering like the candlelight

Heaving gasps of breath

Holding onto what remains,gratitude bright

Hands held creating a wreath

Of belonging, Of love

Of all that is simple, yet joyful

Of smiles multiplied and sorrows half

Of close knit relationships ,meaningful

Finding peace of mind and soul

Fear can engulf , so behold!

Fighting with determination armful

For gratitude is happiness, complete but untold.

The Message of the Waterfall

 Day 22, #OctPoWriMo2020

My favorite word is Cognizance mostly due to the fact that I love to collect information . I believe that learning is a continuous process that enriches the mind with knowledge.

The poem today embraces learning through experiences gathered by travelling.

Poetry form: Acrostic

The Message of the waterfall

Cascading down the gorgeous mountain

Overflowing with joy,carefree of all worries, the waterfall 

Gurgled , sparkled in the bright morning Sun

Nostalgic I gaze at it, lost in sepian thoughts

Involved in memories past , of happy moments,

Zooming with life, sitting on cloud number nine

Another Day dawned, followed by Days unknown

Nay, taught me the Waterfall, Get Up and Glide!

Caught up in the mesh of what has gone by, Never!

Ere long, Time will sing a different Song and All will be Fine!

Romancing the Taste Buds

 Day 21 , #OctPoWriMO2020

 

A short one today on “Taste”. I am an ardent lover of anything that tastes sweet: chocolates, ice creams, savories, Rosogulla ( a popular Bengali Sweet!) and the list goes on and on. So this poem is dedicated to all things that is Sweet!

Romancing the Taste Buds

The jingle of the ice cream van

Still lingers in my ears

When at the mere sound

My eyes lit like a constellation!

The delicious creamy dollops of absolute happiness

In the quiet streets of the summer afternoon

Always came as a blessing in disguise

When my loving grandmother

With a twinkle in her eye

Took me and my brother

Towards the ice cream Van

The treasure box opened

We could have as many as we wanted!

No two little people could have been as happy

As WE!

My taste buds danced in glee

As cold, creamylicious ( this word exists!) blobs of pure bliss

Embraced them and the taste lasted for eternity!

How I wished that time stopped

At that moment, in that little corner of the street

Allowing my romance with taste buds to flourish

Melting all worries and anxieties

With the sweetest touch

Of Vanilla, Chocolate chips, Strawberries, Butterscotch

And the Like!

Touch

 Day 20#OctPoWriMO2020

Posting an old poem written by me for today’s theme.

Poetry form : Free Verse

“ Your Touch”

Your Touch

Plays havoc with my emotions

Your Touch

Is like the Oasis

In the dreary desert of desolation

Your Touch

Erupts into a boulevard of Constellation

I blush, falling in Love

All over again

As the dazzling rays of the Sun

Piercing the nimbus clouds

Cascade down

Like a fountain

Cocooning my life

With colors brilliant

I bloom

Bask in the glory

Ladled in Nature’s Lap

Fossilized for eternity !

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

 Day 19, #OctPoWriMo2020

Going off prompt today . Feeling a bit overwhelmed but strangely excited.Added the rhetoric effect to enhance my expressions .

"The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain"

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

Overwhelmed my senses with memories

Never to be forgotten

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

Reminded me of your poems

The rainbow clad moments

Spent together

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

Enveloped me with cognizance of the silent evening

When raindrops stopped by for a rendezvous

At my window sill

Amazed, I stood in rapt silence

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

Brought back a whiff of memories

Of Childhood, of long forgotten moments

The very thought brought tears

My lips curled into a smile as well

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

A mixture of varied emotions

Washed over me

Never felt like this before

Overwhelmed by sadness as well as pleasure

The fragrance of Wet soil, after Rain

Lingered in the air, a little more than usual

While the dusk embraced me 

With arms wide open.

From Darkness to Light

 Day 18 #OctPoWriMO2020

One of the ways that works for me to process my feelings is decoration , be it decorating my room, or my work station or my drawing, I feel rejuvenated once I am done with it.This helps me to relax and breathe in positivity. My poem for today is based on this journey of falling into the pit of darkness, then clinging on to the light of hope through creativity and then overcoming the darkness with happiness and all that is positive.

Poetry form : Free Verse 

From Darkness to Light ( The title probably is repetitive, but I find it most suitable so am using it again)

It seems that the nimbus clouds will last forever

Casting a dark spell over here and yonder

The faint streak of Sunlight trying to pierce through

The tiny crack amidst the gloomy conglomeration

But failing, every time

Overwhelmed my heart wilts like the rose petals 

From a plucked bloom, separated from its roots

The darkness is unbearable, I need some light!

I moved, Danced, Decorated my little space

I breathed freely after a long time!

Colors, sequins, pearls, streamers, shining bright

Healed my wounded feelings

I felt Alive!

Soon it started raining, heavily for a long time

Big drops of rain kissed the sad surface

Caressing with a healing touch

“The Rainbow will soon spread across the horizon”

They Promised in unison

The roads lay empty, dark and forlorn

As raindrops cleansed all that is sad and unpleasant

The clouds cleared, bid farewell

After an extended period of stay

The morning next did not come alone

For the promised Rainbow made a grand appearance

Glittering, shining , giving Hope

To many a grieving soul

Get up, Start Afresh

It’s reboot time

Live and Thrive!

Magic In My Life

 Day 17, #OctPoWriMo2020

My Favorite Poetry type is Acrostic and the theme of the poem today is “Magic in My Life” where I try to search for magic and happiness in the daily hullabaloo of life.

Started with the theme in mind, but as I progressed , my thoughts took a different turn, hence finished on a different note.

Moments lived and moments cherished

As I go on living my Life

Good at times but dotted with struggles as well

In and out of hope and fear, Thoughts and Feelings

Crowding my heart and mind

In times of need and pain

Nature comes as a blessing

Mourning evenings make way for the joyous Dawn

Yonder is Hope , so Live Along!

Life is a journey loaded with experiences

In failure and victory, I stand strong and unaffected

Future is Unknown, so let us  pray for the Best

Engraved will be my footprints in sands of Time, so, let’s live in the Moment!