Asian Literary Society

I am destiny’s offspring The child of universal energy Drawn towards the eastern sky as the pink dawn I hang on to the luminescent horizon like the shining Morning Star   My world lights up with the rising sun Hope fills my being as the glorious day makes an appearance A bird in flight carrying a twig flashes past the eye A reminder of my harbourage built on labor of love   A selfish wispy cloud steals the sunshine I know my day will be overcast by moving shadows Blessed by Phoebus, I will ascend above the tribulations And descend in the starlit alpenglow   To rise rejuvenated morn after morn  

  हर मौसम की अपनी ही बोली अपनी ही जुबानी है , जानी - पहचानी है प्रकृति फिर भी लगता है अनजानी है , मन मे हिलोरे उठ रहीं और यादों के तूफान उमड़ रहे प्रत्येक मानव के जीवन में मौसम से जुड़ी कोई न कोई कहानी है   गुलमोहर महके अमलतास फूले डाली डाली आम गदराया है कोयल ने मस्ती में डूब कर कहा गर्मी का मौसम आया है धरती की उर्वरा बड़ेगी सूरज की तपन का है बड़ा लाभ दोपहर में अमराई के नीचे चौसर का खेल जमाया है   बादल गरजे , सुखिया की कुटिया देखो थर - थर कांप रही इस बरस शायद गिर ही जाये मन में ऐसा भाँप रही नदी - नाले , पोखर - तालाब सभी लबालब भर गये जल से सबकी सुख मिले ये सोचकर सुखिया को न संताप रही   सर्दी के मौसम ने बड़े जोर - शोर से आतंक फैलाया है , खिड़किया दरवाजे बन्द करके सबने अपने आप को बचाया है , धूप में बनाया , धूप में ही खाया धूप में शरीर को उष्ण रखा रात में आग तापी , राजाई में घुस कर नींद को बुलाया है ,   हर्षातिरेक हो हदय मे...

  हे!  धरती के जन, ना फैलाओ प्रदूषण, अस्त व्यस्त हों जायेगा,ये पर्यावरण, ये जन जीवन  है सुन्दर छटा प्रकृति की, रूद्र रूप में आ जायेगी, पोसती है जो तुझे अभी इक माँ के जैसे, वो काल बन जायेगी  खेलते पलते जिसकी गोद में, उसे यूँ ना खोखला बनाओ ना इतना दूषित करो उसे, ना अमृत को ज़हर बनाओ  पशु,पक्षी,ये जानवर धरती,आकाश,ये पर्यावरण, ये सभी हमारे मित्र हैं , सृष्टि का सुन्दर सुचित्र हैं ना अपने फायदे के लिये ऐसे अनमोल मित्र गवाओ ना रुष्ट करो उन्हें ना अपना जीवन नरक बनाओ सुनो, क्रोध रस सिर्फ़ तुम्हारे पास ही नहीं प्रकृति माँ के पास भी है दुःख सहते-सहते अब वो आक्रोश,उफान मचाने को मज़बूर हो रही है इसीलिए अनुरोध सब जन से यही, करो सुरक्षा अपनी प्रकृति माँ की 

कुदरत की रची सृष्टि में मौसम बदलते रहते हैं  गर्म-सर्द,सूखे-गीले का अहसास कराते रहते हैं इन सब में मुझको ऋतुराज बसंत बहुत है भाता जब भी आता,सारी प्रकृति में इक नई उमंग भर जाता मन मेरा कहता,ए बसंत सुनो,तुम मुझे राग बसंत सुनाना पतझड़ से सूने जीवन की बगिया को महकाना कह देना तितलियों से फिर बाग में टहलने आयें अपना सुन्दर रूप दिखा कर सबका मन मोह ले जायें भवरों को करना आमंत्रित गुन-गुन गीत सुनायें किसी फूल का रस पियें और किसी के प्रेम-पाश में कैद हो जायें विनती पवनदेव तुम से, पीली सरसों को नचाना झूले पर जब झूलें सखियाँ हवा का वेग बढ़ाना धरा की हरी चादर पर हर ओर ओंस की मोतियों देतीं दिखाई, तुम्हारे आने से लगता ऐसे जैसे प्रेम ऋतु है आई नये नये कपोल फूटते नवजीवन का होता संचार उल्लास रचाते आते कितने इस ऋतु में मनभावन त्यौहार कोयल की मीठी बोली कानों में मीठा रस घोलती है बसंत ऋतु के मौसम में प्रकृति अपने सौन्दर्य के चरम रूप में डोलती है

मौसम फिर से आएगा, बहारों की खुमारी का। मौसम ये भी जाएगा, संक्रमण और महामारी का पतझड़ का ये रूखा सा अंदाज, माना कि कर जाएगा, कईयों को निढ़ाल। फिर ,दें जाएगा उम्र भर का मलाल। पर, ना खोना तुम अपना धिरज, क्योंकि किचड़ में ही खड़ा रह, खिलता रहा हैं, यहां नीरज। होगी फिर से हरियाली हर मुख पर, दूर होगी छटा, वक़्त की इस बदहाली की। वसंत फ़िर से खिलेगा, हर एक मन के आंगन में। फिर से नाचेगा, मन मयूर हो के सावन में। मौसम फिर से आएगा, बहारों की खुमारी का। मौसम ये भी जाएगा, संक्रमण और महामारी का। माना कि , अभी और इस तपिश में झूलसना है, माना कि, अभी और सब्र के बांध को बांधे रखना है। पर एक किरण रौशनी की, हम सबको, आपने हृदय में जलाए अब भी रखना है। क्योंकि, मौसम फिर से आएगा, बहारों की खुमारी का। मौसम ये भी जाएगा, संक्रमण और महामारी का।

So many dreams bottled up in a mind's jar Like baby butterflies Within the chrysalis Dormant and inactive Yearning to be liberated and free. But one dream I would never forgo Is my child to hold you in my arms To take your hands into mine To hear you cry and giggle. Innumerable dreams within dreams You came into this world To leave your sister into my arms That dream to watch you grow That unfulfilled dream I still cherish. 

A boulevard so deserted, though laden with fresh flowers And this unwholesome drizzle, my poise it overpowers The vacuum inside me, swigs the emptiness around I still cherish the rain and its pleasant lilting sound For it reminds me of a dream I hold so dear To hold my hand through the woods, I wish you were here. The dry maples on the vacant bench, arrest my teary gaze Dampened by the droplets, yet impassive as my face The turmoil inside me subdues their rustle intrinsic I still cherish the brindled leaves that make me go pink  For they remind me of a dream I hold so dear To sit beside me in the rain, I wish you were here. The boulevard, the bench, the blooms and leaves, things so ordinary and rife Spur the yearning for an aspiration, so special in my life The spaces between my fingers, the void that I own I do treasure this coveting, as I tread the pathway alone For it reminds me of a dream I hold so dear To embrace me through thick and thin, I wish you were here.

Somewhere along the way, as life progressed, The desire to learn and achieve, the excitement vanished. The responsibilities shackled my exhilaration, And the monotony of days trimmed my pinion.   The flightless me blankly stared at the heights, Standing on the grounds of reality glued so tight. When and where have I stopped dreaming? Even questions like this eloped and quit bothering.   Life wasn't bad, but it wasn't thriving either. Something was missing; I knew, but that hollow I kept concealed under the cover. Why today when I stand on the bed of the fallen petals under a tree, I feel envious of them; even for a short while, they lived full and free.   Today as the spring turns the earth into a palette of colors, I too, want to soak in the sun, shiver in the wind, and float in water, Washing away from the apathy under the fountain of my euphoria. A little glitter in the eyes will do, as the little will pave the way for more.   Let me not find the rationale this ti...

A noisy world often makes me forget the bliss of silence, With a heady approach, I give in to confusion, miss out on resilience. Insisting on my own truth, I hardly pay heed to the truths of others,  Forgetting that each has a truth to share, from Prince to pauper. Competition and comparison, two viles, only vex me to stoop low, Other's glory is not my glory, feel the cynical me, hollow. I decline to salute the real heroes of mundane life, Who with diligence, strive for lofty success, cornering strife. I am a more cautious professional than being familial, Setting aside the aesthetics, I tried more often the world, material. Dark and negative musings destroy me bit by bit, Bereft of positive vibes, I am jittery, ever ready to quit. An uncouth mind, so full of turmoil and turbulence, Surrounded by loved ones, I fail to experience love's opulence.  Hightime, I redress myself with correction and reevaluation,  Look up to God, to rise in me, to guide me for my resurrection....

  When darkness looms overhead, When dark dense clouds of desolation, Seem to threaten humanity, When every day seems a calamity, When we are facing devastation, We must remember that this too shall pass.   Every century a pandemic has occurred, We have survived two world wars, Human history is full of darkness and death, But indomitable is the human spirit, Wonderful is human valor, Which fights till the last breath, Let's not forget that this too shall pass.   When darkness looms overhead, A bright lamp of hope is enough, When circumstances are tough, We can't give up and surrender, We have to remember, That tomorrow might be better, That this too shall pass. Life goes on, in spite of tragedy, There is love and laughter In the midst of fears and tears, There will be a beautiful dawn hereafter.

Dwindled twilight! Blazing sun losing its sheen! Azure skies turning black! Colorful hues merging into one! Humongous clouds silhouetted against the horizon, When darkness loomed overhead it seemed a dead end. The vastness of sky overcast with shadows! Loud thunder cracking its whip hard! Lightning flashing and galloping off! Frenzied sky waltzing to the noisy cadence! Peeping stars through creeks beguiling spectators, Moon playing hide and seek spectacular. Birds huddled together in nests hidden! No showcase of twitters or chirp! Atmospheric vividness all blurred! Indicative of an impending frightful shower! The intermittent howling of some creatures, Nature’s unforgiving fury instills fear. Strong noisy winds shaking minds out of torpor! Mother Earth maintaining a stoic demeanor! Expectant eyes lookup for a cascading downpour! Awaiting the pearly rainfall permeate soothing petrichor! Few amongst us preparing to vivify the atmosphere, Brimming with eagerness to receive the celestial n...

  Quietude of mind silence of yonder, Solitude in my heart left me to wonder, Your presence in my life was so magical, Took my breath away nonetheless whimsical! Heard no utterances nor a soft murmur, A strong wave of emotions carried your fervor, Tight-lipped, tongue-tied to my cheeks, Silently listened to the flutter of leaves! Felt you snuggled close, could hear your cries, Unable to touch you! hold you! feelings reprise, Sensed a whisper, astounded sat there for a while, The sound of waves came crashing to the shoreline! As the moon descended to kiss the sea, Unhindered thoughts floated far off too deep, Your selfless love seemed permanent in its entirety, Rendered a heartbreak full of grief and apathy! Lurking in the dark, severed the bondages ruthlessly, Left me alone reminiscing memories endlessly, My heart is filled with euphoria on the thoughts of ecstasy! Promised to me to miss you till eternity!!

I paused mid-step in my tread as darkness loomed overhead  Always an optimist, I knew from this too I will be blithely led. Life had thrown me curved ball As was my want, I knew I could stonewall it. A pandemic had taken over the world, Despair and gloom had all over unfurled. There was no other option but to remain positive, Though to be safe, you had to test negative. All it took was one trip to the stores, For me to wind up behind the closed doors. The word quarantine had now entered our sphere To be alive and well, its rules we now had to adhere. Sanitise, Sanitise was all that I heard, Till it became the tale of the absurd. Washing my hands to prune-like appearance, I cursed the dreaded virus jolly good riddance. Fourteen days of worry and anxiety, Can easily ruin anyone’s sanity. Deciding to deal with it head-on, I battled with it and emerged stronger in days beyond.  Alone with my musings, life took an exceptional turn, Words bubbled out like liquid from an urn. My jott...

  When splurge of the day are passing in the void All happens in adverse to your choice, The morn hours prophesies that your effort may be futile, Just then miracle perches on your luck and you feel euphoria to rejoice.   You are in dubiety and not sure of your tests Your heart leaps in irregular beat signaling the probable defeat, Just then some wonder works and you surmount to success, Stepping in the marvel of euphoria that saves you from the retreat.   The ailing soul panting for some breath On the verge to be waived by life, But when healing is summoned by Godsend theurgy, The ecstatic shield of euphoria abets to thrive.   Euphoria has subtle implications and crop from nowhere To establish the verity that happy coincidence do occur, Their agile inceptions are empowered to change the direction of the wind, Instilling fresh optimism for anointment and impasses to conquer.  

  The path of penance wasn't full of flowers The realization and guilt were scraping the scars The dread and disquiet were so outclass Unfeigned atonement only might bring back the solace. For the past cannot be undone, nor can it be erased The decision to redress it, for it sure cannot be rephrased Though the fear of not being excused was emetic and vile Artless expiation only might bring back the smile. Wails and squeals kept echoing in the ears  With an urge to efface the smudges of tears The knees felt weak for the soul now bemoaned The pangs of agony that weren't hitherto owned Genuine repentance only would be the journey from con to the condoned. Since the penitence was real, the realizations were true Atonement over apology was the right thing to do For it is the only way to ease two beings in ever pounding pain One who had been swindled and the other who promises to never do it again.

  O! Dear wind, the carrier of fragrances When you roam here and pass through my fences Waiting for you; there is a field full of lavenders From head to toe donning their purple attire     Long back when you passed through here And brushed them gently and left a message A message for me to hold on a little longer From someone who was to return on blooming my lavenders   Still fresh in my mind, my first meeting with her Knocking shyly, she stood there at my door Holding in her hand a bouquet of fresh lavender The delicate redolence filled the air and settled deep in me somewhere.   The zeal for life danced and coalesced With the simplicity in her deep chestnut eyes Her shiny cheeks reflected the purple hue of the bloom Underneath, a pink blush spreading with the smile so placid   Just like that, at the moment, she became part of my life Though she left unannounced; I still decorate the whole field with lavender They dutifully bloom and wait for her to bring ...

  The sun rose in the orchard of sweet subtle fragrance Heart blossomed with the flowers of mauve in the distance Memories shone in the castle of thoughts And that to such a pitch of passion wrought Thoughts crowded of the day when the purple sky  hemmed with silver clouds Gazed upon the tranquil, fragrant, wild lavender field I saw her in trails of flowers blooming In all sounds of harmony, nature's sedative, so soothing Lavender field I strolled with thoughts of love and romance Her hair fluttered in the breeze, her eyes looked askance Yet her smile took me beyond all stress and strife My heart opened up to the essence of love and life She came in the breath of the wind, left the same way too The fresh floral notes that awakened my soul, left me in a rue Next spring, a cheery one, sent me into her eyes and heart In the same lavender field, we stood smiling, me joyous from the start Then several springs were passed, in our silent love we surpassed But one spring suddenly we w...

The city canvas where you flick fingers brain guided  Lines long and short, crisscross jumbled  Drawing of your deeds and what is deemed Erase and raise, fill colours in abundant  The city canvas with corners crumbled  Folds with crease dark and dusky plated  The city dazzles my fondest patches  Flying fringes of festivity that touches Vigorously adrenaline gushes from brushes Subliminal wave glides over the roads  Soars to skyscrapers, to skyline launches  The shrine city is bestowed with the hopes The city is insignia, an epicentre of an epic life   People pass on marking, embarking on the city.    

Should you chance upon this very secret verse, The scroll has deemed you worthy of its incredible force. With a promise on your lips that you shall not lose yourself, Follow each direction to brew this brilliant wealth. Take an earthen cauldron and set it on the flame, Pour an ounce of love, of any good brand name. Warm it uniformly, till it begins to bubble, Then add a dash of care and watch the potion double. Now chop away your worry and before you forget, You will need the salt from a few drops of your sweat! Let your hard work simmer, then add some belief, It shall color itself in the sunshine which is a great relief. Filter out the dregs of despondent memories And concentrate the drink with regaling stories. Such a simple recipe, to err there's little scope, Though you can surely do with a few more drops of hope. Savor every sip with a smile to the skies above, And always remember that it began with some love.