Tiger = Maya

From the moment we head towards the forests begins the excitement of seeking an elusive pleasure, seeing the predator, the king of that particular jungle. There could be a myriad of other animals, easy to spot, but it is that shy tiger, leopard, or lion that has our whole heart. Always, our heart seeks that which is not easily available. We run after money, jewels, fancy cars, or other luxury items, seeking validation for our existence in these material things. Similarly, as a visitor to the jungles, our heart seeks only a glimpse of the tiger to make us feel the trip was a success.

The Stoic Hills

The mighty mountains
Silent and still
Unwavering in the
Temperamental wind

Between the Rock and a Soft Place

During my Kanchipuram trip with my cousins, I heard the two ladies discussing a trip to Coimbatore and Pollachi. They talked about when the husbands would be free and how many days they could travel.

"Hey, why am I not part of this planning?" I asked, puzzled at this whole plan I was ignorant about.

"Of course, you are part of it. Nothing is finalized yet," they said. 

Breaking Free

A house or two I bought and sold I also have some Diamonds and gold

A little money

I managed to save

Birthed endearing children

To call my name

Ups and downs

I have seen

A life fulfilling

It has been

Circular is its nature

That's what I believe

Give a little

And a lot you receive

Outside and inside

It is all the same

A body that separates

But in name

Thorns and roses

All a game

If you can just see

Beyond the stage

Currency valid

Only on earth

Not a cell will travel

After death

Only the essence

Extracted and fragrant

Wrappers shed, traveling

Probably like a vagrant

Returning, starting afresh

Confused and misled

Trapped yet again

In its vice grip

Till breaking free

Untied, unchained

Singing the song

Happiness regained.

Dispossessed

I carried you for 9 months, claims the mother
I carry you in my heart forever, contends the father
This has been with me for so many years, cries the owner
These are mine, claim we as our wealth we measure

True Love

In a journey
Of uncertain steps
You are the only certainty
From birth to death

With you
I come alive
When you leave
I die

25/1000 - And Yet So Blissful

The temple town, the mokshapuri, in Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram, is just a couple of hours away from Chennai. It is even connected to my maternal grandparents. My uncles and cousins often go there. But I have been there only a few times. And the only visits I remember in all these years are the stop at the main spots of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (that was on work), Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareshwara Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. 

Taller than the Tallest

The wave rose

Higher and higher

Triumphant, belligerent

Invincible, feeling confident

Higher and higher,

Striking in the hearts

Fear and wonder,

Inspiring awe

'Never seen such a one

Ever in my life!'

Gasped the people

With popping eyes.

Wonder acted like a string

Tying them, despite

Fear giving them wings

Ready any instant to fly

The wave rose to its peak

And then the fall began

It took many in its fold

But finally vanished without a sign

Though memories 

Of this and others

Higher and smaller

Before and after

Became legends 

To be repeated

Several times

Amplified, exaggerated

Of that wave or the others

There remained no sign

For they had merged forever

Into the vast ocean

Indistinguishable

From the field of waves

Attempting to achieve

Those heights great

Another will rise again

In its place, no doubt

But it will merge too

And remain but in thought

The fame and name

Last a little longer

But will that make

The wave immortal?

Then the name too

Will be forgotten

The tides of time

Erasing it forever after

But in everlasting hope

Rise again it does

And though dashed

On the cycle goes

Rise and fall

Is part of it all

And on and on

Go on, it shall

Till the water 

Seeks the depth 

And remains content

Basking in glory great.