Villain : When I'm My Own Enemy

 

 

It’s the villain in me

That sets me back,

That forces me to give up

Or give in.

 

I see the darkness,

Not the light.

I see hopelessness

Not the flickering flame

That may be in sight.

 

She steals my courage,

Leaves me trembling with fear.

How I wish

I could put up a fight,

But I choose to let the villain stay.

 

This villain

She’s controlling,

Not accepting,

Resisting inevitable change.

She introduced me to overthinking

And negativity too.

I can’t live my life

Allowing this villain to rule;

I’ve got to let her go.

 

She still visits,

But I’m trying:

Choosing to be the person

I want to be.

Writing my own shining story.

 

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The Jar of Memories I Will Not VIsit

 

The Jar of memories I will not visit

 

Like the stars in a galaxy

My happy memories shine brightly.

 

The moments of despair and darkness

I’ve imprisoned in a jar, sealed tightly.

 

I never want to remember.

My encounters with Science or numbers.

 

Or the days I lost Ma and Pa

And my dear friend Vibha.

 

The darkness of the day

When a certain diagnosis was made.

 

I hated the call.

That warned me of a financial squall.

 

Broken friendships

Trust turned to rust.

I hate them all.

 

As heavy as elephants

As dark as the night

These are memories.

I shall keep

Out of my light. 

Happy Birthday Mr. Ruskin Bond.

 

 

Hello, Mr. Bond,

Happy birthday and still happy writing.

Congratulations on your new publications for early learners—ABC and 123, and Laugh With Me. 

It’s no mean feat that you, sir, continue to regale us with tales that are so endearing in their simplicity and relatability.

My first read was the Book of Humour, which left me in good spirits and grinning at the antics of Uncle Ken, your lovable grandparents, and others. After that, I acquired quite a collection of your books. …

Sir, you use no bombastic words, nor do you script elaborate dramas, yet we remain hooked from the very first line.

You write a haiku, a limerick, and a spooky tale with equal ease! How wonderful is that? I remember asking for your books at a local book fair and being told they were all sold out.

You bring us the magic of the mountains, trees, rivers, animals, and even a tiny moth or snail in words that linger long after we’ve finished reading.

You’ve written a verse about the cockroach and written an ode to young Binya Devi. Sir, your tales and verses are like bowls of warm broth on difficult days—comforting, soothing, and coming home. 

Your words have taught me to discover the little joys in life—the laughter and innocence of children, the beauty of nature, and the magic in mundane moments.

Besides, you weave value, a nugget of inspiration, and subtle humour into your work, which makes it all the more a pleasure to read.

How to Be a Writer and Read Well, Write Well teaches me the nuances of fine writing.

When you said:

“The one dream that I hold on to is the dream itself because I’m still dreaming. From 9 to 90, I’ve held onto dreams. There are one or two that are to be fulfilled and made real. So don’t stop dreaming, no matter how old you are and how much you have achieved, because you can always do things better. You can write a better book, find a piece of music, a better song, or a better painting. You could always be better, so hold on to your dreams.”

I've quoted you in another blog post, and I share the same words in this one because they are such an inspiration to me, especially now that I'm in my salt-and-pepper years. 

You told me that nothing was impossible, nothing was out of reach, if we went after it. You'll be 92 soon, and you're still dreaming, still writing. 

Thank you for treating us to writing that is gentle and easy to understand.  

May you enjoy good health and happiness and continue to write to your heart’s content.

 

Cheers!

Marietta.

 

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World Water Day 2026

World Water Day 2026

 

In early January 2026, a severe water contamination crisis hit the Bhagithrathpura area in Indore, resulting in at least 15 deaths and approximately 270 hospitalizations due to vomiting and diarrhoea.

A damaged pipeline causing sewage to mix with drinking water is said to have caused the tragedy. Incidentally, Indore is said to be one of the cleanest cities in India. This tragic incident only underscores how essential clean, fresh water is to us.

Since 1993, the UN has been observing March 22^nd as World Water Day, focusing on the need for and importance of fresh and clean water for every human on planet Earth.

Every year, the UN sets a theme for the day. This year, it is Water and Gender:

“Where water flows, equality grows.”

A global water crisis affects the entire global population, but women and girls bear the brunt of it, especially in India, where they must walk long distances to collect water and then manage the use of water at home, resulting in a loss of time, energy and opportunities. Besides, they are rarely included in decision-making by the water governing bodies.

As we battle climate change, polluted water bodies, financial crunches, and governing restrictions, we need inclusivity to solve the issues.

I’ve been blessed to have running water in my taps, not having to trudge long distances to get water or wake up at unearthly hours to fill drums and vessels.

I may tend to take the water that is so easily accessible to me for granted. Water is a precious gift, and we are called to appreciate and protect it.

Small actions like not leaving a tap open or letting the tap run while brushing your teeth, fixing leaks, practising rainwater harvesting, and teaching the next generation to value and care for water.

In India, organisations such as water.org have stepped forward to ease the situation by helping women secure small loans to fund their water needs. 

As we mark World Water Day 2026, let us remember to care for this precious resource responsibly and use our time and efforts to enable the equitable distribution of water

Zip: Holding It Altogether

Hello there!

I’m your humble zip, holding things together as you get on with your day.

I’m but two rows of perfectly lined-up metal or plastic teeth waiting to meet. I’ve been tested quite a few times before I’m fitted with your clothes, bags, pouches, and other belongings.

I’ve travelled the world stitched to your essentials. A jacket zipped against the cold, a dress fastened by someone for someone, and a suitcase packed and zipped (secured) before a journey. I hear you curse when I get stuck or rejoice when I slide smoothly on trousers, a bag, or a dress.

I’ve been tugged in haste or yanked in frustration, or you’ve almost died of embarrassment when you realise that I’ve been left undone.

After considerable use, I may get worn out. My teeth are misaligned, or my track comes loose. Then you choose to discard and replace me or repair me. Such is life.

So the next time you tug my little head, remember, I’m holding on for you, one tooth at a time, giving you comfort and confidence and preventing your world from being split wide open.

I'm participating in the Blogchatter A2Z challenge 2026

Youth: A bright, beautiful and learning season.

 Youth

 

It’s me, 'youth,' visiting you. I see that you’re not doing too badly even after I’ve left. Good for you.

My earliest memories are of living with the cherub that you were. I was your first cry, your first steps, your babble, and scraped knees. I lived in your curiosity and your chatter.

Then I grow into an adolescent. I’m rebellious and difficult to control. Emotions rage within me—pride, anger, delight, and embarrassment. I’m always searching for an identity of my own. It’s me, youth at my difficult best during the adolescent years.

I’m also fast, bright, and energetic. It's when I live in you that you may make mistakes and be given some life lessons. On the whole, I’m meant to be lived and enjoyed.

All too soon, I slip through your fingers. One day I’m there, and the next I’m gone. I’m just cherished memories, nostalgia, or stories you tell.

You may desperately try to cling to me, but I say, “Age gracefully." There’s a beauty and charm to ageing, too. Don’t use too many of the potions, creams, and dyes.

Remember, I don’t disappear from your lives completely. You can keep my spirit alive. Laugh loudly, be silly, dream wildly, and do stuff to stay alive in all ways that matter. 

I'm yours to revisit when life feels too overwhelming.

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2026. 

X-ray: Revealing the Unseen Truth

 

 

Hello!

We’ve met on a few occasions. Hope you are well.

I’m your X-ray machine, stationed in hospitals and diagnostic centers. I’m a silent observer, seeing and revealing to human eyes what human eyes are unable to see and reveal.

I’m a web of wires, connections, plates, and invisible light. I may appear cold, clinical, and metallic to you, but I bring clarity and healing.

Every day, I watch people walk in. Some are in pain, others anxious yet hopeful, some utterly nervous, and a few are trying to be brave. If I could, I would tell them that knowing is always better than not knowing. I’m just a machine. I cannot speak.

As they stand before me, I do what I was made to do. I capture the irregularities; sometimes there are none. I capture that, too, and reveal it all to the doctors. I ask you to be still to get an accurate picture.

Bones, lungs, joints.I see them all.  Nothing misses me. I don’t judge or comment. I simply state the facts.

I’ve been helping people ever since I was stationed in hospitals and diagnostic centres. I bring relief, "Nothing to worry about," or I reveal the issue, and then the treatment commences.

So the next time that you stand before me, don’t be frightened. I may be just a tool, but I stand by you in times of distress and discomfort, helping you heal.  

I'm participating in the Blogchatter A2Z challenge 2026