Drenched from head to toe,
beads of sweat begin to show,
the heart beats faster with every breath
exhorting the limbs to fight the flow.
The sky bright and the shining sun,
clouds embellished at the horizon,
the chirping birds, the dancing trees
by a watery gloom were overrun.
The feet moved at a frenetic pace,
the arms extended wanting to raise,
the eyes open wide to catch glimpses of life
as the colour runs off the face.
And as the breath turns into a gasp,
the fists close tight in a bid to grasp,
the thread breaks and the ties are snapped,
from the lap of Life into Death's clasp.
The poems and verses that I have written over time. I do hope you enjoy them.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 04, 2010
The Big Bang
One fine day I was told
that the universe is finitely old.
That it was born in a flash,
spawned large clouds of dust and ash.
It was called the Big Bang
and it made a lot of noise.
For some strange reason, I was told,
a matter for everyone to rejoice.
Science called it a triumph
of human mind and intelligence.
The Church pointed to the Bible -
Genesis was divine interference.
I was however perplexed
‘coz there were doubts abound.
If everything emerged post the Bang,
then what before was there to be found?
Indeed if there was something before
from which came everything,
then who put it there, tell me,
or how did it come to being?
Was it a divine creation,
or matter that already existed -
joined together in a tight embrace,
forces of separation that resisted?
If nothing preceded the Bang,
then wherefrom did God appear?
What put Him there in the wilderness,
gave Him our responsibility to bear?
If everything existed as it is
and only modified its state,
then why, pray tell me, must we
this grand catastrophe celebrate?
And so the doubts remain -
agnostic and critical.
Ridiculed by science
and sentenced to burn in hell.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
A mirage or an illusion,
or just my imagination
of a light so distant
that exists for a moment
and quietly fades away.
Sometimes I feel I may
grab it, hold it, or clutch it,
extend my arm and touch it
to feel it's warmth soothing
and the joy it'd bring.
As hard as I try to reach,
"come to me", I beseech,
it mocks me and teases,
does what itself pleases
seeding a doubt within.
My optimism runs thin
and I wonder should I
push myself to try
to catch it and make it mine
it's glow and enchanting shine.
The light fades into dark
to reincarnate as a spark.
A world so surreal
a dream so real.
or just my imagination
of a light so distant
that exists for a moment
and quietly fades away.
Sometimes I feel I may
grab it, hold it, or clutch it,
extend my arm and touch it
to feel it's warmth soothing
and the joy it'd bring.
As hard as I try to reach,
"come to me", I beseech,
it mocks me and teases,
does what itself pleases
seeding a doubt within.
My optimism runs thin
and I wonder should I
push myself to try
to catch it and make it mine
it's glow and enchanting shine.
The light fades into dark
to reincarnate as a spark.
A world so surreal
a dream so real.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
ख़ुशी का ग़म
होठों में मुस्कराहट है
आँखों में घुली शरारत है
फिरता दुनिया के मेले में
अपनी तो ऐसी आदत है
रस्ते में हमसफ़र मिले
हँसते हँसते हम संग चले
फैलाते बरसाते सदा
खुशियाँ जितनी हमको मिले
लेकिन जो कोई झांकता
दिल की गहराई मापता
टूटा फूटा सा कोने में
टुकड़ा मिलता एक ख्वाब का
चुभता दिल की दीवारों पर
कर देता घाव दरारों पर
जलता भुनता है दिल मेरा
रखा जैसे अंगारों पर
उम्मीद यही कि हट जाए
ये दर्द कभी तो घट जाए
हर चाह तेरी हर ख्वाब तेरा
दिल से मेरे अब मिट जाए
ऐसे ही अब जी लेता हूँ
खुशियों से दिल भर लेता हूँ
और परदे में इन खुशियों के
अपने आंसूं पी लेता हूँ
आँखों में घुली शरारत है
फिरता दुनिया के मेले में
अपनी तो ऐसी आदत है
रस्ते में हमसफ़र मिले
हँसते हँसते हम संग चले
फैलाते बरसाते सदा
खुशियाँ जितनी हमको मिले
लेकिन जो कोई झांकता
दिल की गहराई मापता
टूटा फूटा सा कोने में
टुकड़ा मिलता एक ख्वाब का
चुभता दिल की दीवारों पर
कर देता घाव दरारों पर
जलता भुनता है दिल मेरा
रखा जैसे अंगारों पर
उम्मीद यही कि हट जाए
ये दर्द कभी तो घट जाए
हर चाह तेरी हर ख्वाब तेरा
दिल से मेरे अब मिट जाए
ऐसे ही अब जी लेता हूँ
खुशियों से दिल भर लेता हूँ
और परदे में इन खुशियों के
अपने आंसूं पी लेता हूँ
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rules are for fools
Drive on the left, they said,
and let others move ahead.
Be patient at the red light,
respect the pedestrians’ right.
Someone tell them please
to keep their own peace.
Why should I suffer the traffic
when I can break rules at ease?
And if that’s not enough
they say more crazy stuff.
Throw garbage in the pit,
don’t stain the walls with spit,
don’t ever litter on the road,
keep it always clean, I am told.
Why would I even look around
when there is plenty of ground
to throw my stuff on or litter.
And who cares I’m called a spitter!
Stand in the queue, they dictate,
stay patient until your turn and wait.
It will lead to chaos if one strayed
from the procedure well laid.
But what is a little inconvenience
if I get my work done at once.
The chaos, if any, is a small cost.
Either I win or everything is lost.
So, the moral of the story
in all its simple glory
is to forget what’s taught in schools,
break the rules at will
‘coz, my dear, rules are for fools.
and let others move ahead.
Be patient at the red light,
respect the pedestrians’ right.
Someone tell them please
to keep their own peace.
Why should I suffer the traffic
when I can break rules at ease?
And if that’s not enough
they say more crazy stuff.
Throw garbage in the pit,
don’t stain the walls with spit,
don’t ever litter on the road,
keep it always clean, I am told.
Why would I even look around
when there is plenty of ground
to throw my stuff on or litter.
And who cares I’m called a spitter!
Stand in the queue, they dictate,
stay patient until your turn and wait.
It will lead to chaos if one strayed
from the procedure well laid.
But what is a little inconvenience
if I get my work done at once.
The chaos, if any, is a small cost.
Either I win or everything is lost.
So, the moral of the story
in all its simple glory
is to forget what’s taught in schools,
break the rules at will
‘coz, my dear, rules are for fools.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
तमन्ना
सुहानी शाम के आँचल में
एक खूबसूरत से पल में
झुकी पलकों के परदों से स्वीकार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले
साँसों की महकती गर्मी से
होठों की सुलगती नरमी से
दिल के उजड़े उपवन में बहार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले
मीठी मीठी बातों में
लिए हाथ को हाथों में
शहद में घुली हंसी से इज़हार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले
जहां उसके नाम करूं
ज़िन्दगी तमाम करूं
मुझसे गर ज़िन्दगी में एक बार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले... ...झूठा ही सही
एक खूबसूरत से पल में
झुकी पलकों के परदों से स्वीकार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले
साँसों की महकती गर्मी से
होठों की सुलगती नरमी से
दिल के उजड़े उपवन में बहार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले
मीठी मीठी बातों में
लिए हाथ को हाथों में
शहद में घुली हंसी से इज़हार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले
जहां उसके नाम करूं
ज़िन्दगी तमाम करूं
मुझसे गर ज़िन्दगी में एक बार कर ले
पल भर के लिए कोई हमें प्यार कर ले... ...झूठा ही सही
Monday, November 30, 2009
मैं जानूं ना
कैसे घटायें कोई बताये वज़न जो बढ़ता जाए
खाते नहीं हम शक्कर मिठाई फिर भी फरक न पाएं
मैं जानूं ना ...आ..आ..आ..
मैं जानूं ना
ह्म्म्म....मिलता जो फिर ना झड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
बरसों तक ऐसे जुड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
मोटापा ऐसा मिला हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
सदियों तक न बिछड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ...ऊँ ..ऊँ...ऊँ... ऊँ...
आ..आ..आ..
गोलाई में देखो
मेरे जो जम गया..आ
निकलता नहीं है
क्या करूं..
ओ.. ओ.. ओ..
जाने क्यूँ ना जाए
क्यूँ सताए बेवजह
मैं दिन भर भी
कसरत जो करूँ
डायटिंग कर के भी
फास्टिंग कर के भी
डम्बबेल वो भारी से
लिफ्टिंग कर के भी
न पिघले
हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
खाते नहीं हम शक्कर मिठाई फिर भी फरक न पाएं
मैं जानूं ना ...आ..आ..आ..
मैं जानूं ना
ह्म्म्म....मिलता जो फिर ना झड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
बरसों तक ऐसे जुड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
मोटापा ऐसा मिला हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
सदियों तक न बिछड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ...ऊँ ..ऊँ...ऊँ... ऊँ...
कैसे घटायें कोई बताये वज़न जो बढ़ता जाए
खाते नहीं हम शक्कर मिठाई फिर भी फरक न पाएं
मैं जानूं ना ...आ..आ..आ..
मैं जानूं ना
आ..आ..आ..
गोलाई में देखो
मेरे जो जम गया..आ
निकलता नहीं है
क्या करूं..
ओ.. ओ.. ओ..
जाने क्यूँ ना जाए
क्यूँ सताए बेवजह
मैं दिन भर भी
कसरत जो करूँ
डायटिंग कर के भी
फास्टिंग कर के भी
डम्बबेल वो भारी से
लिफ्टिंग कर के भी
न पिघले
हमसे न जाने क्यूँ
सदियों तक न बिछड़े हमसे न जाने क्यूँ...ऊँ ..ऊँ...ऊँ... ऊँ...
कैसे घटायें कोई बताये वज़न जो बढ़ता जाए
खाते नहीं हम शक्कर मिठाई फिर भी फरक न पाएं
मैं जानूं ना ...आ..आ..आ..
मैं जानूं ना
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Confessions of an eligible bachelor
Let me be alone, let me be free.
Please don’t try to push me.
I am happy as I am without a worry.
I don’t understand what’s the hurry
to find a girl and marry now;
start a new life with her in tow.
I will do it when I want to.
It will happen without much ado.
But for now leave me in peace.
I only request you, please
to let me find one on my own,
to reap the fruits of what I’ve sown.
If I fail I will learn.
To you for help I will turn.
Or, maybe it is meant to be,
ordained by destiny,
that there be none for me;
no joy of matrimony.
But who am I to protest
what God for me thinks best.
I will gladly go by his rule –
Be it praises or ridicule.
But spare me the process
that causes me much distress.
I don’t want to be rejected;
feel unwanted and dejected.
I don’t want to reject anyone;
cause grief and lamentation.
So forgive me, dear Sir and Ma’am,
because this is not who I am.
Have mercy on this poor feller
for a few months, or perhaps a year,
let me be just me - an eligible bachelor.
Monday, June 15, 2009
office की कुर्सी
सरक भी जाए जो ज़मीन
हिल जाए दुनिया सही
अपने दिल के अन्दर ही
डर अपना समेटे रहो
चाहे कुछ भी हो लेकिन
तुम कुर्सी पर बैठे रहो
घर जल्दी क्यों जाओगे
क्या घर संसार निभाओगे
परिवार का ग़म मत करना
आनंद यही पर लेते रहो
चाहे कुछ भी हो लेकिन
तुम कुर्सी पर बैठे रहो
जीना यही व मरना है
तुम्हें काम ही करना है
जीवन के भवसागर में
नाव करम की खेते रहो
चाहे कुछ भी हो लेकिन
तुम कुर्सी पर बैठे रहो
नौकरी का यही सिद्धांत है
तेरे भाग में एकांत है
इसी में अपना मोक्ष जान के
चिता समझ तुम लेटे रहो
चाहे कुछ भी हो लेकिन
तुम कुर्सी पर बैठे रहो
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Resilience
you may defeat me
but only just
you might beat me
but only just
it may be setback
but only just
confidence may crack
but only just
i will be afraid
but only just
courage may fade
but only just
'coz i'll resist
and retaliate
to give up easily
is what I hate
So you beware
it's only a matter of time
before you realize
the victory will be mine
but only just
you might beat me
but only just
it may be setback
but only just
confidence may crack
but only just
i will be afraid
but only just
courage may fade
but only just
'coz i'll resist
and retaliate
to give up easily
is what I hate
So you beware
it's only a matter of time
before you realize
the victory will be mine
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Devotion
When you look for agreement,
I nod my head.
when you seem to disagree,
I discard whatever I said.
When you say I am right,
I joyously thump my chest,
but if you ever ask me,
I’d say you are the best.
I love your every idea,
and promise to live it.
When you ask for my services,
I am always ready to give it.
You are my almighty,
I forever take your name,
I know to survive in this world,
I have to play this game.
‘Coz you are my giver,
my provider of food,
but if I ever could,
I would leave you for good.
But you are my boss,
and I have to adore you.
Though I may never reveal it,
I truly abhor you.
I nod my head.
when you seem to disagree,
I discard whatever I said.
When you say I am right,
I joyously thump my chest,
but if you ever ask me,
I’d say you are the best.
I love your every idea,
and promise to live it.
When you ask for my services,
I am always ready to give it.
You are my almighty,
I forever take your name,
I know to survive in this world,
I have to play this game.
‘Coz you are my giver,
my provider of food,
but if I ever could,
I would leave you for good.
But you are my boss,
and I have to adore you.
Though I may never reveal it,
I truly abhor you.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Rat-race
As I joined the rat-race
running at a frantic pace
trampling the hapless few
Win was all I wanted to
until I one day found
trampled to the same ground
trapped under crushing weight
of one running to a similar fate
running at a frantic pace
trampling the hapless few
Win was all I wanted to
until I one day found
trampled to the same ground
trapped under crushing weight
of one running to a similar fate
Epitaph
Some days were stormy,
some days were benign.
Some were dark and gloomy,
some full of sunshine.
Soon all that's mine
would vanish without a sign.
But not am I to complain,
'coz all's well that ends up fine.
some days were benign.
Some were dark and gloomy,
some full of sunshine.
Soon all that's mine
would vanish without a sign.
But not am I to complain,
'coz all's well that ends up fine.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
आकांक्षा
है हँसी बिखराती
ख़ुशी बरसाती
दुःख के अन्धकार में रौशनी फैलाती
रूप सुनहरा
पर मैं देख ठहरा
उसकी आँखों का सागर गहरा
कोई बात छुपाता
मैं जान पाता
गर मैं बस इतना समझ पाता
कि है वो क्या
जो दर्द भरा
उसके दिल की किताब में लिखा
पर मैं बेअकल
पड़ा निर्बल
हर कोशिश के बाद भी विफल
खड़ा हूँ आज
सुन ले आवाज़
अब तू ही खोल दे सारे राज़
ऐ मेरे खुदा
अब तू ही बता
कि आखिर मेरी आकांक्षा है क्या?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
विश्वास - part 1
एक बार एक बेटी बोली
जाकर अपनी माता से
समझ न आये तुमसे पूछूँ
या पूछूँ विधाता से
पति स्वरूप में तुमने माता
ये कैसा उपहार दिया
जिसने जीवन का रस कोई
न ही सुख न प्यार दिया
नहीं कभी पूरी कर पाया
मेरी कोई आशा को
और न पाया समझ कभी वो
शादी की परिभाषा को
नहीं वो क्यों माँ ऐसे जैसे
प्रेमी मेरी सखियों के
यही सोच फिर गिर जाते हैं
आँसू मेरी अँखियों से
... to be continued
Sunday, September 28, 2008
तपस्या
जैसे धरती पर बाग़ तभी खिलता है
जब उसके सीने पर एक हल चलता है |
जिस तरह सोना बस वही निखरता है
अग्निपथ पर जो चलकर पिघलता है |
जैसे लोहा वही खड्ग बन पाता है
जो हथौडे की चोट पर पिटता है |
हीरे का चेहरा भी तभी चमकता है
जब एक चाकू की नोक पर कटता है |
जिस तरह अनाज वही रोटी बनता है
जो चक्की की भुजाओं में पिसता है |
वैसे ही मानव वही पाता सफलता है
जो कठिनाइयों की राह पर चलता है |
जब उसके सीने पर एक हल चलता है |
जिस तरह सोना बस वही निखरता है
अग्निपथ पर जो चलकर पिघलता है |
जैसे लोहा वही खड्ग बन पाता है
जो हथौडे की चोट पर पिटता है |
हीरे का चेहरा भी तभी चमकता है
जब एक चाकू की नोक पर कटता है |
जिस तरह अनाज वही रोटी बनता है
जो चक्की की भुजाओं में पिसता है |
वैसे ही मानव वही पाता सफलता है
जो कठिनाइयों की राह पर चलता है |
Monday, July 21, 2008
Psoriasis
It just comes suddenly
and doesn't seem to go,
the reason for its existence
no one seems to know.
It's dark and it's scaly,
horrifying and ugly,
but it finds itself a spot
and sits there smugly.
And as approaches winter,
the wind gets colder.
it grows bigger in size,
darker, bigger, bolder.
It's conspicuous always
making its presence felt,
Its annoyance persists
howsoever with it's dealt.
Much as one tries to kill,
destroy and obliterate,
it hangs on determinedly
and rapidly proliferates.
There appears no solution,
a problem without cure,
that all possible challenges
it resolutely endures.
Some may call it disease,
some call it a curse,
but one has to live with it
for better or for worse.
and doesn't seem to go,
the reason for its existence
no one seems to know.
It's dark and it's scaly,
horrifying and ugly,
but it finds itself a spot
and sits there smugly.
And as approaches winter,
the wind gets colder.
it grows bigger in size,
darker, bigger, bolder.
It's conspicuous always
making its presence felt,
Its annoyance persists
howsoever with it's dealt.
Much as one tries to kill,
destroy and obliterate,
it hangs on determinedly
and rapidly proliferates.
There appears no solution,
a problem without cure,
that all possible challenges
it resolutely endures.
Some may call it disease,
some call it a curse,
but one has to live with it
for better or for worse.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
अहंकार
वचन कटु घृणा भरे
शीलता नहीं व्यवहार में
अधीरता के वश में हो
स्वच्छता नहीं विचार में
प्रेम भावना दूर, पड़ा
द्वेष के अन्धकार में
जीवन का निर्माण किया
बस क्रोध के आधार पे
अकेला अपनों से भी दूर
पड़ जाता इस संसार में
मानव जो अपना जीवन
जीता है अहंकार में
शीलता नहीं व्यवहार में
अधीरता के वश में हो
स्वच्छता नहीं विचार में
प्रेम भावना दूर, पड़ा
द्वेष के अन्धकार में
जीवन का निर्माण किया
बस क्रोध के आधार पे
अकेला अपनों से भी दूर
पड़ जाता इस संसार में
मानव जो अपना जीवन
जीता है अहंकार में
Monday, May 12, 2008
संघर्ष
मार-पीट लातें-मुक्का
भरी भीड़ में खाते धक्का
कभी यहाँ सरक कभी वहाँ हिला
मैं स्तब्ध खड़ा हूँ भौचक्का
ईश्वर तेरी क्या माया है
ये आज समझ में आया है
एक छोटे रेल के डब्बे में
सारा संसार समाया है
कुछ भी न मुझको सूझ रहा
मैं यही पहेली बूझ रहा
दरवाज़े पे क्यों लटक लटक
मानव मृत्यु से जूझ रहा
कैसी लीला तेरी भगवान्
निःशब्द देखता हूँ हैरान
हर दिन थोड़ा जीने को भी
थोड़ा थोड़ा मरता इंसान
भरी भीड़ में खाते धक्का
कभी यहाँ सरक कभी वहाँ हिला
मैं स्तब्ध खड़ा हूँ भौचक्का
ईश्वर तेरी क्या माया है
ये आज समझ में आया है
एक छोटे रेल के डब्बे में
सारा संसार समाया है
कुछ भी न मुझको सूझ रहा
मैं यही पहेली बूझ रहा
दरवाज़े पे क्यों लटक लटक
मानव मृत्यु से जूझ रहा
कैसी लीला तेरी भगवान्
निःशब्द देखता हूँ हैरान
हर दिन थोड़ा जीने को भी
थोड़ा थोड़ा मरता इंसान
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Little Beggar
As I stood by the road
munching on the snacks
I felt a tug on my arm
by a little child in rags
I determined to ignore it
and decided to look away
but avoid could not the pleading
as its constant gaze upon me lay
In me arose a surge of pity
as I turned to my friend
to elicit a kind word or such
in light of this dreadful trend
He didn’t seem too bothered
or just couldn’t care less
I wondered at his aloofness
with the society in this frightful mess
I rebuked him for his indifference
and he looked at me horrified
taken aback by the expression he cast
I inquired what his reaction implied
“My dear friend, I am sorry to say
that you don’t seem to have an idea
this social mess that you declare
is indeed part of a begging mafia”
“Professional beggars, babies on rent,
locations, commissions and promotion
drugs, exploitation and amputation
just to stir a rich man’s emotion”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t care
even if the child continues to stare
‘coz I would not in hell even
my money with a mafia share”
It was my turn to be horrified
but I could not help but wonder
by driving away one person in real need
would we not be making a blunder?
I turned to the begging child
its beseeching eyes moist and cold
my thoughts seeking to discover
horrid secrets that they might hold
munching on the snacks
I felt a tug on my arm
by a little child in rags
I determined to ignore it
and decided to look away
but avoid could not the pleading
as its constant gaze upon me lay
In me arose a surge of pity
as I turned to my friend
to elicit a kind word or such
in light of this dreadful trend
He didn’t seem too bothered
or just couldn’t care less
I wondered at his aloofness
with the society in this frightful mess
I rebuked him for his indifference
and he looked at me horrified
taken aback by the expression he cast
I inquired what his reaction implied
“My dear friend, I am sorry to say
that you don’t seem to have an idea
this social mess that you declare
is indeed part of a begging mafia”
“Professional beggars, babies on rent,
locations, commissions and promotion
drugs, exploitation and amputation
just to stir a rich man’s emotion”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t care
even if the child continues to stare
‘coz I would not in hell even
my money with a mafia share”
It was my turn to be horrified
but I could not help but wonder
by driving away one person in real need
would we not be making a blunder?
I turned to the begging child
its beseeching eyes moist and cold
my thoughts seeking to discover
horrid secrets that they might hold
My dialogue with God
This one day I came to a decision
to take up with God His logic and reason
I told myself enough was enough
it was time that He too had it rough
I took it upon me to take up His case
stand up and show Him that His rightful place
was not at the pedestal where He sat with glee
but amongst the dirty chairs where sat we
I rose up and asked Him why
He'd never ever even try
to show us the right from the wrong
and not let us walk towards the devil all along
"why would You let us be stupid and sad?
why would You let us go sinful and bad?
why would You not, like a father, guide?
why would You let us shamelessly submit to our pride?"
"if this is not what You're supposed to do
then I don't see why we should bow our heads to You.
Why should we in deference hold You high
when with Your own rules You do not comply"
He smiled a beautiful smile
and waited for a little while
then He lifted His eyes towards me
who had stood up and challenged His authority
"My child, you are right when you say
that you feel that I did betray.
But you see it is not entirely my doing
your own sins that you are now ruing"
"I did my duty and showed you the light
I did tell you the wrong from the right
but the path that you took you chose on your own
you chose ignorance when to you everything was known"
"You were lured by the devil to follow his signs
I tried to remind you of his evil designs
but you chose to pay me no heed
mesmerized by the golden charm of greed"
"And now you point fingers at me
when the devil has left you to misery.
but you overlook this in your anger and despair
that in the end you find yourself in my care"
I looked around and instantly did realize
I was at His abode under the care of His eyes
I cried out aloud in my naivete as I stood
He took me in His arms and hugged me as only a father would!
to take up with God His logic and reason
I told myself enough was enough
it was time that He too had it rough
I took it upon me to take up His case
stand up and show Him that His rightful place
was not at the pedestal where He sat with glee
but amongst the dirty chairs where sat we
I rose up and asked Him why
He'd never ever even try
to show us the right from the wrong
and not let us walk towards the devil all along
"why would You let us be stupid and sad?
why would You let us go sinful and bad?
why would You not, like a father, guide?
why would You let us shamelessly submit to our pride?"
"if this is not what You're supposed to do
then I don't see why we should bow our heads to You.
Why should we in deference hold You high
when with Your own rules You do not comply"
He smiled a beautiful smile
and waited for a little while
then He lifted His eyes towards me
who had stood up and challenged His authority
"My child, you are right when you say
that you feel that I did betray.
But you see it is not entirely my doing
your own sins that you are now ruing"
"I did my duty and showed you the light
I did tell you the wrong from the right
but the path that you took you chose on your own
you chose ignorance when to you everything was known"
"You were lured by the devil to follow his signs
I tried to remind you of his evil designs
but you chose to pay me no heed
mesmerized by the golden charm of greed"
"And now you point fingers at me
when the devil has left you to misery.
but you overlook this in your anger and despair
that in the end you find yourself in my care"
I looked around and instantly did realize
I was at His abode under the care of His eyes
I cried out aloud in my naivete as I stood
He took me in His arms and hugged me as only a father would!
Monday, April 21, 2008
मिलन घड़ी
भोर भयी फैला प्रकाश
मैं जगा लिए नयी एक आस
उठ गया आँख मलते मलते
यही सोचता था चलते चलते
आई होगी वो आज तो
दिखला दूंगा ये समाज को
हँसता था मुझपे जो कल तक
देखेगा उसकी एक झलक
कोई करता है मेरा ख़याल
करता है मेरी देख-भाल
शिकवा करता न गिला कोई
ऐसा मुझको भी मिला कोई
क्या आज वो मिलन घड़ी होगी
क्या वो उस पार खड़ी होगी
यूँ सोच विचार करते करते
सहमे सहमे डरते डरते
मैंने ईश्वर का नाम लिया
साँसों को और दिल थाम लिया
और फिर जो दरवाजा खुला…
मैं जगा लिए नयी एक आस
उठ गया आँख मलते मलते
यही सोचता था चलते चलते
आई होगी वो आज तो
दिखला दूंगा ये समाज को
हँसता था मुझपे जो कल तक
देखेगा उसकी एक झलक
कोई करता है मेरा ख़याल
करता है मेरी देख-भाल
शिकवा करता न गिला कोई
ऐसा मुझको भी मिला कोई
क्या आज वो मिलन घड़ी होगी
क्या वो उस पार खड़ी होगी
यूँ सोच विचार करते करते
सहमे सहमे डरते डरते
मैंने ईश्वर का नाम लिया
साँसों को और दिल थाम लिया
और फिर जो दरवाजा खुला…
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
उम्मीद
माना टूटा मेरा दिल है
सूनी दिल कि महफ़िल है
नामुमकिन नहीं ज़िन्दगी लेकिन
भले थोड़ी मुश्किल है
माना नहीं घर-बार है
ठोकरें भी लगातार हैं
नामुमकिन नहीं ठिकाना जब
आशियाना ये संसार है
माना नहीं कोई संग है
न ही जीवन में उमंग है
नामुमकिन नहीं खुशियाँ जब
गुलों में इतने रंग हैं
फिर जब पथरीली राह हो
ग़म में डूबी हर आह हो
मैं चलता रहूँ, बढ़ता रहूँ
क्यों दर्द की मुझे परवाह हो
सूनी दिल कि महफ़िल है
नामुमकिन नहीं ज़िन्दगी लेकिन
भले थोड़ी मुश्किल है
माना नहीं घर-बार है
ठोकरें भी लगातार हैं
नामुमकिन नहीं ठिकाना जब
आशियाना ये संसार है
माना नहीं कोई संग है
न ही जीवन में उमंग है
नामुमकिन नहीं खुशियाँ जब
गुलों में इतने रंग हैं
फिर जब पथरीली राह हो
ग़म में डूबी हर आह हो
मैं चलता रहूँ, बढ़ता रहूँ
क्यों दर्द की मुझे परवाह हो
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
भ्रमर
एक अनजान बगीचे में
पागल भ्रमर भ्रमण करता
मिलन सुन्दर कली का हो
बस यही आस क्षण क्षण करता
यौवन पंख उमंग सहित
उस प्रेमी ने उड़ान भरी
हर अंग अंग खिला फूलों का
खिल खिल कर मुस्कान भरी
आलिंगन पर उन पुष्पों का
न उसके मन को था भाया
प्रेम-वश था विवश भ्रमर के
दिल में इक सुन्दर काया
मदमस्त भ्रमर वो मन मेरा
तरसे है प्रेम कली पावन
रंग भर दे सुन्दरता जिसकी
मोहित कर दे मेरा जीवन
पागल भ्रमर भ्रमण करता
मिलन सुन्दर कली का हो
बस यही आस क्षण क्षण करता
यौवन पंख उमंग सहित
उस प्रेमी ने उड़ान भरी
हर अंग अंग खिला फूलों का
खिल खिल कर मुस्कान भरी
आलिंगन पर उन पुष्पों का
न उसके मन को था भाया
प्रेम-वश था विवश भ्रमर के
दिल में इक सुन्दर काया
मदमस्त भ्रमर वो मन मेरा
तरसे है प्रेम कली पावन
रंग भर दे सुन्दरता जिसकी
मोहित कर दे मेरा जीवन
Friday, May 04, 2007
The pain of separation
When the dawn breaks
the sun shines down
the wall of brightness
brings the darkness down
But I feel empty
that something is absent
I wonder why am not happy
in this wonderful moment
It was I who broke away
It was I who dismissed you
Is it strange that now I wonder
Is it strange that I miss you
the sun shines down
the wall of brightness
brings the darkness down
But I feel empty
that something is absent
I wonder why am not happy
in this wonderful moment
It was I who broke away
It was I who dismissed you
Is it strange that now I wonder
Is it strange that I miss you
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Life
As life got busier and busier,
the time cruised by,
and now I try to catch some moments,
some memories flashing by.
undeterred and adamant,
the stream flows on,
how I wish could stop it,
halt it, but it goes on.
and soon would go the moments
that I would have loved to cherish
those flowers fragrant, the rivers tranquil,
those wonderful relations that I relish.
As I stand at the end of the road
looking back, I say to myself,
the end I ran to never did exist,
the end was in the journey itself.
the time cruised by,
and now I try to catch some moments,
some memories flashing by.
undeterred and adamant,
the stream flows on,
how I wish could stop it,
halt it, but it goes on.
and soon would go the moments
that I would have loved to cherish
those flowers fragrant, the rivers tranquil,
those wonderful relations that I relish.
As I stand at the end of the road
looking back, I say to myself,
the end I ran to never did exist,
the end was in the journey itself.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Marriage
My heart racing fast
sweat on my forehead
My ears were oblivious
to what was being said.
I stood there stupefied
wondering what to do
what state of madness
this situation brought me to.
The nerves were a wreck
I wanted to run far away
I could not bear the burden
of responsibilities coming my way
Then she appeared before me
all demure and shy
A subdued smile on her lips
probably a tear in her eye
Her beauty was enchanting
and my heart skipped a beat
Her lips so full of life
her voice so sweet.
And suddenly the world changed
and I did not want to run away
I wanted to hold her, kiss her
and make love to her all day.
I could not live without her
that I came to know for sure
I could take on the world if she was with me
and suddenly I wasn't afraid any more.
sweat on my forehead
My ears were oblivious
to what was being said.
I stood there stupefied
wondering what to do
what state of madness
this situation brought me to.
The nerves were a wreck
I wanted to run far away
I could not bear the burden
of responsibilities coming my way
Then she appeared before me
all demure and shy
A subdued smile on her lips
probably a tear in her eye
Her beauty was enchanting
and my heart skipped a beat
Her lips so full of life
her voice so sweet.
And suddenly the world changed
and I did not want to run away
I wanted to hold her, kiss her
and make love to her all day.
I could not live without her
that I came to know for sure
I could take on the world if she was with me
and suddenly I wasn't afraid any more.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Night-out song
नींद आ रही है
मुझे नींद आ रही है
नींद आने से
थक जाने से
उबासी आ रही है
कल भी मैं न सोया
और आज भी सो न पाऊंगा
ऑफिस में रहूँगा
घर वापस जा न पाऊंगा
नाईट आऊट मारूं
काम से हारूं
उदासी छा रही है
नौकरी करते करते
मैं तो सोना ही भूल गया
अब ऐसे दिन बीते
खाना पीना भी भूल गया
दिल बहलाऊं
और समझाऊं
कमाई तो आ रही है
मुझे नींद आ रही है
नींद आने से
थक जाने से
उबासी आ रही है
कल भी मैं न सोया
और आज भी सो न पाऊंगा
ऑफिस में रहूँगा
घर वापस जा न पाऊंगा
नाईट आऊट मारूं
काम से हारूं
उदासी छा रही है
नौकरी करते करते
मैं तो सोना ही भूल गया
अब ऐसे दिन बीते
खाना पीना भी भूल गया
दिल बहलाऊं
और समझाऊं
कमाई तो आ रही है
Monday, February 14, 2005
ek choti si prem kahani
liye gilaas haath mein
dekhe nazar bachaaye
ladkee jab koi paas se
hay! matakti jaaye
hay! matakti jaaye
hum dil ko ye samjhaaye
dekh ke mujh ko ek baar
vo muskaati jaaye
vo muskaati jaaye
nazar humse takraayee
dekh ke uska roop rang
dil ne li angdaayi
dil ne li angdaayi
ek josh humpe chaaya
pyaar ki duniyaa mein
humne kadam badhaaya
humne kadam badhaaya
ki jaa ke haath milayen
dil ki baatein bol kar
usko gale lagaayen
bas itna hi tha sochaa
ki apni kismat phooti
dekh ke uska boyfriend
saari himmat chooti
saari himmat chooti
ki uski aisi kaaya
jaise manush shareer mein
ho khud bheem samaaya
socha chalo chhod de
hum nahin naadaan
dil ke badale jaan ko
hum na kare kurbaan
dekhe nazar bachaaye
ladkee jab koi paas se
hay! matakti jaaye
hay! matakti jaaye
hum dil ko ye samjhaaye
dekh ke mujh ko ek baar
vo muskaati jaaye
vo muskaati jaaye
nazar humse takraayee
dekh ke uska roop rang
dil ne li angdaayi
dil ne li angdaayi
ek josh humpe chaaya
pyaar ki duniyaa mein
humne kadam badhaaya
humne kadam badhaaya
ki jaa ke haath milayen
dil ki baatein bol kar
usko gale lagaayen
bas itna hi tha sochaa
ki apni kismat phooti
dekh ke uska boyfriend
saari himmat chooti
saari himmat chooti
ki uski aisi kaaya
jaise manush shareer mein
ho khud bheem samaaya
socha chalo chhod de
hum nahin naadaan
dil ke badale jaan ko
hum na kare kurbaan
bas yun hi...
abhi subah ka aalam tha ki abhi shaam dhal gayi
jane kab nazar ke saamne se zindagi nikal gayi
kaamyaabi chhoone ki jwala jo dil mein jagayi thi
sholo mein uski apnon ki yaadein jal gayi
sajaye the maine bhi sapno ke kai shandar mahal
khuli palak to khwabo ki duniya pighal gayi
manzile-kaamyaabi ki oar bhaag raha tha 'aks'
ki pairon ke neeche se zameen hi fisal gayi
jane kab nazar ke saamne se zindagi nikal gayi
kaamyaabi chhoone ki jwala jo dil mein jagayi thi
sholo mein uski apnon ki yaadein jal gayi
sajaye the maine bhi sapno ke kai shandar mahal
khuli palak to khwabo ki duniya pighal gayi
manzile-kaamyaabi ki oar bhaag raha tha 'aks'
ki pairon ke neeche se zameen hi fisal gayi
Iltija
kya khauf hai tumko humse
kis baat se katraate ho
hum dosti ka haath badhate hain
tum haath jhatak kar jate ho
kuch aur nahi hai chaaha humne
fir kyun humse sharmaate ho
na kha jaayenge tumko hum
jo itna tum ghabraate ho.
gar baate ye itni galat hai to
kaan pakad khada ho jaunga
par haske tum do baat kaho
to khushh bada ho jaunga
kis baat se katraate ho
hum dosti ka haath badhate hain
tum haath jhatak kar jate ho
kuch aur nahi hai chaaha humne
fir kyun humse sharmaate ho
na kha jaayenge tumko hum
jo itna tum ghabraate ho.
gar baate ye itni galat hai to
kaan pakad khada ho jaunga
par haske tum do baat kaho
to khushh bada ho jaunga
Manzil...
zindagi ki nayi raah leke hulchul aayi hai
mujhe nazar mere saamne manzil aayi hai
tanhaiyon mein dube the dil ke sab armaan
lehron pe kashti khwabon ki machal aayi hai
bhatak raha tha main kin anjaan rahon par
vo kaun jo sahi raah par le chal aayi hai
nakamiyon ke veeraano ka mujhpe saaya tha
raah mein jeet ki ik shama jal aayi hai
kya kahe 'aks' us khuda ki meherbaani ka
khud uske dar se (meri) kismat badal aayi hai
mujhe nazar mere saamne manzil aayi hai
tanhaiyon mein dube the dil ke sab armaan
lehron pe kashti khwabon ki machal aayi hai
bhatak raha tha main kin anjaan rahon par
vo kaun jo sahi raah par le chal aayi hai
nakamiyon ke veeraano ka mujhpe saaya tha
raah mein jeet ki ik shama jal aayi hai
kya kahe 'aks' us khuda ki meherbaani ka
khud uske dar se (meri) kismat badal aayi hai
An English Ghazal
once a lovely day, to write, we sat
from the morning to night, we sat.
that which could lay a sword to rest
with a pen of such might, we sat.
sleepy we feel lying on the couch
on a chair, bolt upright, we sat.
restless by nature that my mind is
holdin' our thoughts tight, we sat.
there ain't a respect for shayars here
Oh 'Aks', this despite, we sat.
:-)
from the morning to night, we sat.
that which could lay a sword to rest
with a pen of such might, we sat.
sleepy we feel lying on the couch
on a chair, bolt upright, we sat.
restless by nature that my mind is
holdin' our thoughts tight, we sat.
there ain't a respect for shayars here
Oh 'Aks', this despite, we sat.
:-)
home sweet home
jab shaam ka ghana saaya pada
rah mein liye suitcase khada
ek lift ki taak mein rah to taktey
kabhi aage to kabhi peeche jhaanktey
aankhon mein ek chamak si thi
hoton ki muskurahat bejhijhak si thi
na koi ticket na koi plan bada
suitcase mein jaane kya saamaan pada
bas utha liye jo aaya haath mein
jo dikha use le chala saath mein
ab to ghar jaa ke hi aaraam hoga
teen dino se pehle na koi kaam hoga
ye haath na ruke ye kadam na toote
aisa sunahara mauka na choote
nikal pada bina kuch soche
koi fikr nahi ki koi kya pooche
India-Australia ka koi match tha
dekhne walo ke man mein romanch tha
kintu use chhodne ka bhi koi gham na tha
ab itna sab sochne ka bhi dam na tha
ban gayi suhaani vo shaam thi
kaam ki bediyon se aazaadi ke naam thi
saath mere Ramji ka saath tha
mere sir par unka unka jo haath tha.
rah mein liye suitcase khada
ek lift ki taak mein rah to taktey
kabhi aage to kabhi peeche jhaanktey
aankhon mein ek chamak si thi
hoton ki muskurahat bejhijhak si thi
na koi ticket na koi plan bada
suitcase mein jaane kya saamaan pada
bas utha liye jo aaya haath mein
jo dikha use le chala saath mein
ab to ghar jaa ke hi aaraam hoga
teen dino se pehle na koi kaam hoga
ye haath na ruke ye kadam na toote
aisa sunahara mauka na choote
nikal pada bina kuch soche
koi fikr nahi ki koi kya pooche
India-Australia ka koi match tha
dekhne walo ke man mein romanch tha
kintu use chhodne ka bhi koi gham na tha
ab itna sab sochne ka bhi dam na tha
ban gayi suhaani vo shaam thi
kaam ki bediyon se aazaadi ke naam thi
saath mere Ramji ka saath tha
mere sir par unka unka jo haath tha.
I, Me and Myself
Ladies and Gentlemen, listen to me, I am serious,
I am one in a million, a born genius.
A charmer, person of vast intelligence,
a man of strong character, a man of substance.
I am strong, courageous, valiant and brave,
its me, for who all the girls crave.
I am supreme, the greatest and the best,
if you have any doubts, lay them to rest.
Devoid of any sins, I have a pure mind,
I am gentle, generous, polite and kind.
Never short of any manners, a man of civility,
I am modest, not egotist, complete with humility.
I bring joy and happiness, I am a gem of a man,
Bring smile on a sad face, I can.
I know this may have been funny, but hey,
one does not find men like me everyday.
I am one in a million, a born genius.
A charmer, person of vast intelligence,
a man of strong character, a man of substance.
I am strong, courageous, valiant and brave,
its me, for who all the girls crave.
I am supreme, the greatest and the best,
if you have any doubts, lay them to rest.
Devoid of any sins, I have a pure mind,
I am gentle, generous, polite and kind.
Never short of any manners, a man of civility,
I am modest, not egotist, complete with humility.
I bring joy and happiness, I am a gem of a man,
Bring smile on a sad face, I can.
I know this may have been funny, but hey,
one does not find men like me everyday.
Goodbye
When the clouds blush at the horizon,
When the night is invited by the setting sun,
The body fatigued with the day's workload,
I set off delightfully for my humble abode
When the night is invited by the setting sun,
The body fatigued with the day's workload,
I set off delightfully for my humble abode
Love and life
This is a story,
often left untold,
a story of love,
beautiful and bold.
She loved him,
and he loved her,
often they dreamt
of being together.
Her love was earnest,
from her heart's core,
she was the only one,
he ever did adore.
He was sincere,
and her love was true,
but what lay in other's heart,
neither knew.
Tricky as one may call,
the nature's law,
'coz what would come next,
none foresaw.
He proposed to her,
and she fell in doubt,
the turmoil within,
unshown without.
For she was in a dilemma,
and could not decide,
of whom, among the worthy,
would she be the bride.
Such is the nature's law,
such is her game,
the one she loved and the one who loved her,
were not the same.
often left untold,
a story of love,
beautiful and bold.
She loved him,
and he loved her,
often they dreamt
of being together.
Her love was earnest,
from her heart's core,
she was the only one,
he ever did adore.
He was sincere,
and her love was true,
but what lay in other's heart,
neither knew.
Tricky as one may call,
the nature's law,
'coz what would come next,
none foresaw.
He proposed to her,
and she fell in doubt,
the turmoil within,
unshown without.
For she was in a dilemma,
and could not decide,
of whom, among the worthy,
would she be the bride.
Such is the nature's law,
such is her game,
the one she loved and the one who loved her,
were not the same.
Rainfall
In the time of despair,
begins a new day,
with showers of love,
and colourful display.
Parched leaves holding on,
determined and desperate.
revel in the love of life,
care of nature great.
I look on at the marvel,
wonder in my eyes,
with a new vigour and brio,
I move ahead to meet what lies.
begins a new day,
with showers of love,
and colourful display.
Parched leaves holding on,
determined and desperate.
revel in the love of life,
care of nature great.
I look on at the marvel,
wonder in my eyes,
with a new vigour and brio,
I move ahead to meet what lies.
It happened one night...
The clanging windows and creaking door,
the rain outside, begins to pour,
and she walks in the darkness of night,
her hair dishevelled and eyes sore.
She doesn't speak, she doesn't cry,
she walks with a purpose in her eye,
a silent burning desire in her heart,
of revenge that her culprit must die.
With every passing moment, she creeps nearer,
the clouds scream in suspense and wonder,
then in the flash of light, he did appear,
And she walked, her steps drawing his death nearer.
Within a blink of an eye, the weapon was out,
the victim could not find a moment to shout,
the swishes, the swashes, the bangs and the splats,
and there in a pool of blood, the body laid out.
Across the silence, she hears one approach,
the weapon cast away instantly for fear of reproach,
"What happened dear, why the noise?"
"Oh nothing! I just killed a cockroach."
the rain outside, begins to pour,
and she walks in the darkness of night,
her hair dishevelled and eyes sore.
She doesn't speak, she doesn't cry,
she walks with a purpose in her eye,
a silent burning desire in her heart,
of revenge that her culprit must die.
With every passing moment, she creeps nearer,
the clouds scream in suspense and wonder,
then in the flash of light, he did appear,
And she walked, her steps drawing his death nearer.
Within a blink of an eye, the weapon was out,
the victim could not find a moment to shout,
the swishes, the swashes, the bangs and the splats,
and there in a pool of blood, the body laid out.
Across the silence, she hears one approach,
the weapon cast away instantly for fear of reproach,
"What happened dear, why the noise?"
"Oh nothing! I just killed a cockroach."
Time to leave...
With a smile on her face,
eyes filled with tear,
she has a long look at her son,
so lovely, so dear.
Try as she might
to refuse to believe,
she knows the time it is,
for her dear one to leave.
Why till yesterday was he
just a child under her care,
not a moment of separation,
from her, he could bear.
And now, he is leaving,
leaving her back, all alone.
Wake up, she might, from this dream,
she knew, he'd be gone.
With a hand on her heart,
she makes this sacrifice,
emotions overcome by grief,
watching him leave, the mother cries.
eyes filled with tear,
she has a long look at her son,
so lovely, so dear.
Try as she might
to refuse to believe,
she knows the time it is,
for her dear one to leave.
Why till yesterday was he
just a child under her care,
not a moment of separation,
from her, he could bear.
And now, he is leaving,
leaving her back, all alone.
Wake up, she might, from this dream,
she knew, he'd be gone.
With a hand on her heart,
she makes this sacrifice,
emotions overcome by grief,
watching him leave, the mother cries.
Introduction
All the poems on this blogs are written by me. They are all protected by copyright and any attempt to copy and reuse these poems are illegal.
However, you can send in your comments any time. They are always welcome.
However, you can send in your comments any time. They are always welcome.
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