Wordsmith at work

A picture is worth a thousand words. When the above picture went viral, it received brickbats and bouquets.   At face value, the picture is nothing but heartwarming. The children are as happy can be.  The real smartphone eludes them, but they make the best use of what they have and find happiness in whatever comes their way, even if it is a slipper. We, adults, spend our lives hankering for more...bigger, better, fancier...it goes on and on.  Making the most of what you have is what happiness is really about.

My diary From a corner in the closet  All sad and teary, would say to me: Where have you been? We haven't met lately. At twenty you wrote aplenty I knew your secret crushes And what brought on your blushes I knew what made you happy What made you sad I knew when you were mad Your dreams and aspirations Your longings and frustrations   Every night you poured your heart out to me.  What's this I see you engrossed in?  Twitter, Facebook, Instagram  This virtual world I simply don't understand My head is spinning, my heart is breaking Spare a thought for me Tell me you still love me. 

I loved you  Ever since I was a child My soulmate through the years You've helped me through my fears.  Knowledge I  receive Much more than I can ever perceive You take me to distant lands To farms and brooks And shimmering sands. Dusty tome or brand new  On train and plane At home Or when it rains You are my companion  Again and again. .

Walking through a field of gold It is the sunflower that I behold A golden-green delight  She stretches out to the sun so bright. This stately beauty  Has so much to give Oil and seeds  To help us live. Your winning ways Make my day  You are dear sunflower So pretty, positive, generous  and gay!

Getting used to living life in a 'lockdown' took a while but once I accepted the idea, I have happily fallen into a routine which will be hard to break post lockdown.  Waking up to the sounds of birdsong,I head to the kitchen to start on my morning routine which includes drinking two glasses of lemon infused warm water. Sipping gently, I mentally run through the 'to - do' list for the day. The drink of water is followed by half-an -hour of breathing exercises and stretches and then I am ready to take on anything.  This lockdown has hardly proved to be a holiday. There's just so much to do.Right from taking out the garbage to cooking, it is a packed day. Do I miss my maid? Initially I did but help from the husband and sons have made life easier.  The sons wake up at different times and generally prepare their own breakfast. Dosa, poha or sattu pancakes have become our staples. After breakfast,  I keep my date with the broom and dustpan.Once the house is cleaned, ...

The monster is here Filling us with dread and fear He is taking life and limb Hardly sparing kith or kin. We shall fight with all our might To drive him out of sight. Wash and clean You must not be seen Stay indoors Get busy with your chores. Pray for health It indeed is the greatest wealth. Stay safe, stay strong The virus will soon be gone. 

When the light of day softly fades away, When that flaming ball of fire is all set to retire, When children hasten home after play, When Raven and Sparrow fly home yonder, When bright city lights dispel the darkness of the night, When the star spangled skies are a delight to the eyes, When moon beams cast a silvery sheen. When work is done and the day’s race is run When we whisper a little prayer- Thank you dear God, for your love and care. Your blessings we seek everyday, everywhere !