Niyo - My Baby

 

The time you popped open your sparkling eyes

my life seems to have signed up a new lease.

The whoops of joy were timeless, undisguised

which year after year I knew would not cease.

You were always sure of what you wanted-

be it school, friends or eating an ice cream.

The beguiling innocence you flaunted

that still makes me smile even in my dreams.

You are one of the rarest gentle soul

with patience to match your inherent might.

I know this makes your mischievous eyes roll-

which is one of the most beautiful sights.

Life is a jigsaw they say, that maybe-

you will solve them all - Niyo, my baby.

Zakir Echoes

 

His long, curly, ruffled hair

would sway to his tabla-beat.

Drama lingered in the air-

I, on the edge of my seat.

His thick brows danced up and down,

music shone in those owl eyes.

Ears attuned to any sound,

fingers played ballet on ice.

I ask - is he really gone?

his rhythms echo, play on.

Prison

 

Mindless wanderings have begun.

The devil has leased my mind.

I know not for what I yearn.

A piece of peace hard to find.

To escape the long languor

I drown in a jar of wine.

But sour thoughts tend to linger

to become my breath of whines.

My musings amuse me not-

Am a prisoner of my thoughts.

Old Shoes

 

My old shoes are worn and torn

by journeying many a miles. 

They have walked on sand and stone,

now seem faded out of style.  

But them - how could I discard?

for they have known my pulse beat. 

In all weather have stood guard,

and forever warmed my feet. 

But I need to tell my soul-

move on, time to wear new soles.

Brekkie

 

Brekkie of hot bun and chai.

Spicy gossip makes us high.

Old age is now catching up.

Others around us feel shy.

Dolphins Of Tarkarli

 

Before the morning spread its yellow light-

deep in the tranquil sea grey shapes advanced. 

Their curvy dips shone silky in their flight

with an oceanic beauty yet enhanced. 

They clicked and whistled and dove in the sea

then sprung in the air with utter delight. 

Their grace and smile made a permanent glee-

a timeless spirit and a tireless sight. 

For long I have longed to see this flip-dance,

their waltz in the water, a piece of art. 

Though a brief glance, it was worthy every chance-

a feast for my soul that gladdened the heart. 

But as my boat neared with a gentle sway,

these beauties of the deep sea shied away. 

Waves

 

In the morning shine and in the moonlight,

sometimes sombre, sometimes gay- the waves roll.

The varied moods of this frothy delight

stroll back and forth with the wheel of control.

The deep sea harbours mysteries never told,

but often the waves spill them on the shore.

And soon as the secrets unfold, twofold-

the waves are eager to explore some more.

As in the ocean we swing and wither,

oscillated by fate and its dry tune.

And like waves we go hither and thither

in search of eluding joy and fortune.

The sun will shine, the waning moon will glow-

cycles of waves shall stimulate the flow.