Asian Literary Society

  I was sitting amidst verdure solemnity, brooding over my quondam days, Circumambient mist at dawn mystified my presence and atmospheric state. I still ruminate that flagrant moment that had nesciently passed When my somnolent eyes of morn observed the haze perched on window glass. Unsullied droplets were trickling down the panes and blending with my somber mood, I saw your love message etched on the misty surface, but your contiguity was mute.   I still dread the grey illusive shroud that has fumigated my fate, And has devoured you in its abyss, where sunbeams flinch to penetrate. I am still in the delirium of that blurry dawn to be silhouetted by the ardent sun When the pearly gilded rays shall infiltrate through the dense imprecision Stealthily unfurling the mystery in its monochromatic dull sheath Revealing the muffled blues and silvery lavender And like the enamoring lights of fantasy tales, I shall find you in its shelter.   But instead, some stupefying display of ...

  A veil obscure  between stark reality and fragile illusionary  nest Envelopes in its chest tales of mystery  and human quest   Sometimes  it embodies in its enormous  bosom Many a storm, tempests and hurricane- man's emotional  prism   Sometimes it meanders through fear  and fright Waiting eagerly  for sunshine to bath in its gossamer  delight   Sometimes suspended on trees in angelic robes - a sweet swan Hues of purity and possibilities  heralding  a new dawn   Mist is play of Light and shadow splashed on canvas of life Oscillating  between  them we all dwell and  strife   The Morning  Mist  teaches not to be afraid of storms or hail In times of uncertainty sail the ship facing bravely without  fail   Connect with the inner self, explore the  hidden light there stored Magical divinity of secrets of the universe lies in the soul's fold. ...

With the footsteps of the winter approaching on tip-toe My passionate heart finds resonance, now going fast now slow Ever since my childhood, I have always felt a pull Towards cool misty mornings, so enchanting and beautiful Everything all around seems to wear an opaque garment What lies behind this hazy veil fills you with such wonderment The trees, the houses, the roads, the lamp posts all touched with a magic stick Play hide and seek, now visible,  now doing the vanishing trick As a kid, I used to love the steam coming out of my mouth When I let out my breath and saw it drift to the south Cycling my way to college on the misty winter morning With the hazy pathways, and dark mysteries its all corners adorning The progressing years in no way have diminished my crazy fancy The inscrutable misty charisma is as deep as in my infancy Now when I go for a relaxing walk on a morning wrapped in mist Those precious memories of yesteryears as a song-dance on my lip Oftentimes I  ask my...

Long before science could unravel the mysterious rhythms Of inscrutable nature and its diverse realms Human imagination has tried to capture its essence In its own ways in an attempt to make some sense Sun Rain Fire and grain all came to be worshipped Man for his survival tried to keep them pleased An old woman spinning a wheel we saw in the moon A shooting star in the sky made us seek some boon Today's knowledge these figments of fancy might belie But the ages old romance woven around them never seems to die Even though  a shooting star is a speck of dust I know On seeing one a wish from my heart still  does rise and flow If prayers and wishes can indeed cause some miracles How I wish sorrows and miseries should leave this earth forever! Only a single wish emanates from my tormented heart Purged of hatred and all wars, this world should become like heaven A garden of Eden where love and harmony flow like river water Murmuring and cascading ballads of peace sung now and hereaf...

For thousands of years, I have held within my bounds The flowing waters of the river and its secrets profound I have witnessed their varied mood swings for centuries Now merrily meandering now ravaging roaring breaking all boundaries Settlements coming up around me, civilizations blossoming and decaying, The saga of human growth and downfall, I have seen it all Under the whispering trees and their rustling leaves I have seen love bloom and blossom in the moonlit breeze There was a time when people came up to me for a leisurely stroll Or to go riding in a boat away from life's rigmarole I extended to all my warm and cordial hospitality Till the time  there came up the ugly face of man's  travesty My bosom littered with empty cans, poly bags and waste hurts me I am a mute sufferer, nature watching my pain silently The pandemic raging in recent history rendered my water clear My own self unpolluted and devoid of any litter Partially restored  my pristine glory of yesteryears...

कुछ मुस्कुराते फूल और  कुछ चुभते हुए कांटे हैं जो ज़िन्दगी की बगिया ने हम सब को बांटे हैं  आंसू न हों तो मुस्कान का कोई मोल ही न जाने  दोनों से ही बनते हैं जीवन के ताने बाने  दुःखों के बीच जब भी खुशियां नसीब होती हैं सूरज की रौशनी सी मुस्कान चमक उठती है ! मुस्कुराने की वजह सबकी होती  है अलग अलग कोई चाहे गाडी बंगला कोई सूखी रोटी में मस्त  किसान की मेहनत से  जब फसल लहलहाए मीठी सी मुस्कान उसके चेहरे पे छा जाए  भक्त अपने इष्ट से कोई मुराद जब पाए मनवा उसका ख़ुशी से तब झूम झूम जाए  कोई दिल जब प्रेम की बरखा में भीग जाए मुस्करा कर  ख़ुशी के वो गीत गुनगुनाए  नए जन्मे शिशु के कोमल स्पर्श को पाकर खिल उठे इक माँ का मुखड़ा पीड़ा सब भुला कर दौलत के बाजार में ये शै नहीं है बिकती भोले भाले चेहरों का श्रृंगार ये है करती  हर  किसी की चाह बस इक मुस्कुराता गुलशन  कॉंटों संग फूलों को पाना यही तो है जीवन !

  The velvety night wraps itself in the starry blanket bidding adieu Paving the way for the cold morning, bright Soaking in the universe in the mist of passion deep Morning mists silvery, shiny and graceful from welkin to the earth. Kisses the hills n' verdant green meadows on the countryside Romancing with the virgin buds and the flowers quenching their thirst. When the city is shrouded in the languid slumber, The sprayed water droplets from Paradise Basks the conscious in peace  Away from the constrained and stressful, monotonous routine. I lazily peep out of my window, venting away a deep breath. Holding on to the precious moments of heavenly love. Gazing in awe, admiring the morning mist in its cosmic play. These mists shall play hide and seek on windows sills  Until the sun rouses, overflowing with desires  To wrap them in its sunny armor.

Lying juxtaposed on the wet grass of joyous time, Singing to the beaming moon a romantic rhyme, Dulcet notes permeating in a mellifluous cadence, Blossoming vernal hues of a fresh bloomed thyme. Cozy warmth of the beloved spirits soaring high, Gazing up mesmerizingly at the moonlit sky, Looking at the shooting star spanning the sky, Made a wish of togetherness for the rest of the life. Predicaments of destiny had a different calling, The string of life got severed even before the bonding, Left me bereft with emotions sadly crying and wailing, Unacceptable emptiness devoid of all feelings. This time lying on the rough stone bench alone, Searching eyes for the broken star wallowing in low, Water droplets rolling down from the infinite expanse, Meditative mind focusing on the predestined ill plan. Boisterous thoughts running wild and infinite, Wistful yearning staring blank far and wide, With a remorseful heart and a heartfelt wish forever, Rest in Peace! O you are my only beloved dear!

Over the landscape slithered tendrils of the morning mist I ambled through it before the earth was sun-kissed There was magic 'n mystery in the chilly air For suddenly I beheld her, in a misty shape, standing there Amidst the blank blackness, she blossomed like a rose My vision was obscured as the wall of mist did interpose But for a few seconds, the mist did part I saw her smiling face when her silver veil she   cast From the softening silhouetted edge She brightened  like a blushing damsel emerging through the haze Like the mist, she came into my life, surrounded me in her arms I closed my eyes, awestruck and lost in her siren charms When I opened my eyes, like the scented breeze she vanished Slowly I returned to my senses, that so long was banished The cold fog gripped my heart, the cold mist strangled me Impalpable ' n impervious like the morning mist, why had she to be? Suddenly came the rain singing many a haunting strain of joy and dole A feeling of sadness and lon...

एक आपकी मुस्कान जीवन में बहार भर देती है बुझे बुझे से चेहरे में जीवन भर देती है! एक आपकी मुस्कान जज्बातों में प्यार भर देती है थके थके कदमों में हौसले भर देती है! एक आपकी मुस्कान जीवन मेंआशा का संचार भर देती है उजड़े उजड़े चमन में बहार भर देती है! एक आपकी मुस्कान खामोशी में शोर भर देती है मेरी जिंदगी की किताब में कहानियां भर देती है एक आपकी मुस्कान मेरे मकान में घर भर देती है मेरे होने की वजह सिर्फ मुस्कान है आपकी ये वजह भर देती है मुझमें जीने का हौसला!

O' crossing the gloom of dark solitary night, Misty morning welcomes new day so bright, Aha! A magical spell drops on earth from above, Tiny silvery drops dropping down bathed in love!   O’ embracing flora and fauna with its mellow caress, Draping meadows, fields, lands, beaches and grass, Glittering like a precious diamond and pearl, With its magical wand it brings majestic miracle!   O’ Singing a melody dancing on petals and flowers, It brims hearts and soul dropping as love shower, So serene, so calm, it creates a temple of peace, Enriches barren lives which are screaming in solace!   O’ so transparent, glistening and pure are these tiny drops, Spreading a message so divine full of new hopes, Without any partiality loving and accepting everything, Even falling down from so above, not afraid of anything!   O’ beautifying whole universe with its silvery shimmer, Misty morning paints a canvas with myriads of colors, A bountiful blessing of mother nature and Lord, Che...

“Asia Forum-Chapter 10 VIETNAM” which is an offshoot of Asian Literary Society and Journal of Asian Art, Culture and Literature (JAACL) took place on September 9th, 2021 at 1900 hours IST and 2030 hours ICT on the virtual forum of Asian Literary Society Facebook Page.   The event involves a presentation of the Vietnamese Literature and Language by the distinguished writers and eminent professors of Vietnamese language and Vietnamese Literature, Culture and Language - Dặng Thân, Prof. Bich-Ngoc Turner, Dr. Nguyen Thien Nam, and Kieu Bich Hau   The session begins with a welcome note by Mr. Manoj Krishnan, the Founder of the Asian Literary Society and Editor-in-Chief of JAACL. Thereafter, the session was moderated by Dr. Bishakha Sarma, Linguist, and Administrator of Asian Literary Society. The phenomenal author of Vietnam Đ ặ ng Th â n while discussing his collection of Essays which conveys “ the aesthetics of vulgarity ” and “ parody in literary criticism ” says - “ T...

कोई  मिल  गया  कोई  खो गया संसार में हाय  रब्बा  देखो  क्या  हो  गया  प्यार  में !  सौदा-ए-दिल में  वो  बिक गया  बाज़ार में दिल हार के  दिल जीत  वो  गया  प्यार में ! मुस्कान सजाये  लबों  पर  गुनगुनाता रहा ज़िंदगी  गैरों  के कर वो गया  अधिकार में ! देखा जो उसको  चाँद की  मुस्कान खिली   ये  बंदा   लो अब  डूब वो गया  मझधार में ! राह-ए-इश्क़ में  फ़तह शिकस्त  होती नहीं फ़लसफ़ा-ए-इश्क़ बतला वो गया  प्यार में ! दर्द था लरज़ता उसकी मुस्कान में यक़ीनन बेचैन  जब  भी  था  वो  हुआ   इंतज़ार  में ! कितनी हसीं कितनी दिलकश  मुस्कान है ये पाकीज़ा अहसासों के आ जो गया संसार में ! अश्क़ों से  भीगी  मुस्कान  होठों  पर  लिए वो  बीज दर्द  का  मलय  बो  गया  प्यार में !      

“I love her the most, and so she does, I think” He said to his friend, caressing the diamond ring Lost in his thoughts, donning a smile With roses for her, he drove an extra mile It was the day to bid a final adieu To distant desires; and for wishes to come true He reached the café with a bunch of rosettes Waiting to kneel, he turned on the faucets To shower his love, for all his life Ready to ask, “Will you be my wife?” There she was, across the road Under the sun, her flesh glowed She rushed to him, to fall in his arms Ignoring the signals and traffic alarm Swoosh….screech….rumble…kablam, Before his eyes, she fell apart He stood still; with a ring, roses, and a broken heart. He visited her grave every day, it was destiny’s art With a ring, roses, and a question… for life “Hey! I am dying to know, Will you be my wife?”  

When the Sun sank at the horizon Sprinkling the golden hue On waters so blue Another day wizened   Time walks at its own pace Never changes it speed Unlike the two allies Bearing the scattered weed     The night crawls and day hovers Promise remains intact Even after years of walking together They hardly know the fact   Never-ending togetherness In peace and in storm They walk on either side Their love is effortless   Hide and seek amid the tides To meet or to greet A love story flows between The riverbanks on either side!      

न बनने दो आधार किसी को तुम अपनी मुस्कान का छुपा लो सारे अपने ग़म तुम इक प्यारी सी मुस्कान से दर्द बहुत हैं इस जीवन में जो दूर न होंगे रोने से विश्वास गर हो तो  होंठों पर रखो हमेशा  आशा भरी मीठी मुस्कान मोल नहीं है कुछ भी इसका पर है दुनिया में सबसे अनमोल गहनों से जो न निखरे सुंदरता चेहरे की ओढ़ लो चुनरिया छोटी सी मुस्कान की थोड़ा तुम हँस लो और  थोड़ा दुनिया को हँसा लो जीवन की रीति यही अपनालो न खुद रूठो न औरों को रूठने दो खूब हँसो कभी खिलखिलाकर  कभी थोड़ी मुस्कान बिखेर दो दुखों की स्याह काली रात में  चांदनी फैला दो प्यारी सी मुस्कान से

The pink petals of love, She gently scattered, In the river of her life, And when they floated away, New pink petals she gathered. She was Friday's child, She was so loving and giving, Never thinking about herself, Always there for others, so caring, Love was the purpose of her life. Love made her being meaningful, Her pink petals made her cheerful, Whatever the sorrows, the pain, the troubles, She was always tenderly smiling, Candles of love, she was lighting. She was so sweet, so inspiring, People buzzed around her like bees, She was the shade of banyan trees, Her pink petals of love were so soothing, Like the beautiful aura of spring. A thousand attended her funeral, She lived on in the hearts of her friends, She was gone, but her memory was eternal, A perfect example of a successful life.

  Soaking in the quietude at the riverbank, Cradled in some endearing past memories, Conversing with my waltzing reflection, In embellished pleasurable thoughts deep diving. Mountains silhouetted at the far end standing tall, Gazed up at the azure sky spanning across, Aesthetically strewn clouds of artistic shapes and forms, Piercing sun rays through the crevices peeping Tom! The empty boats snuggling too close, Reminiscing memories of a ride with the oars, The exuberant fishes popping up a visual delight, On the waves enjoying a wholesome ride! A sudden surge in the waves, Splashed water on my face! Felt a hand on my shoulders, Could make out in the reflection! Oh gosh! not a soul to be seen around, A shocking figment of my imagination, Unputdownable thoughts swerved back to the present, Catapulted pebbles creating ripples in the current!

Below flowed quickly the clear water, above sat the monk on the riverbank Watching the dazzling Western sky, as beyond the horizon the sun sank Red, orange, pink, and gold turned the evening sky into a painted canvas Playfully the rays danced off the shimmering surfaces of the river, so gracious Sitting alone he was thinking of meditating in a place so serene and calm Suddenly someone tiptoed to the bank and into the river she did jump The monk dived into the river with frantic haste How could he let a human life go to such a waste? He reached down, caught hold of the outstretched hand, pulled her up Laid her down on the bank saving her from the river rough The lassie opened her eyes and said," I'm a fallen flower, fallen from grace Begrimed 'n bemired, I have no place to hide my face". He said, "My child, silently sit on the bank for some time and watch the deep murmuring river Though struggling through twists and turns, it flows forever Make your life like a ri...

Yes, I am the riverbank and I stem the incessant flow of watercourse Trying to parry the habitation from being deluged by its tidal force. I am the harbor where anchors the water vessels And also the stuporous spectator of the umpteen commuters, Who are inclined to reach me ferrying across the river level.   I am the witness of copious instances Those that emanate and decease on my verdant strand. I witnessed the anxious wife, who adieus with grieved eyes Her man, who sets sail on a prolonged voyage with his merchandise. I find the atrophied travelers or the aimless wayfarers Who congregate to repose under my shady arbor. I eavesdrop in the inquisition, trying to be amused in silence, Listening to the exchange of saga of their trivial subsistence.   I also know the demented vagrant who lost her mental state in dejection, For her beloved had forlorn her on my littoral, never again to claim in possession. Often so, when night befalls, the bohemians shelter in my mushy supple o...

After they met each other, they dump their ground. Feet in the air,  stories of celestial affair in the sphere abound. With dollops of creamy vanilla clouds they sail. And when tar clouds like minnows make a series of trails. Their heart billowed with ecstasy. They become rain's euphony. Like a cupid's arrow, when comets swoon They shimmer with the clusters of stars and the moon. And one day in the wee hours of twilight. Crestfallen, dispiritedly descended, ending their vainglory flight. Relationship bogged down by too many expectations, fatigued by mundane chores. Now they dreaded to recount extraterrestrial yore. As they discern the truth, one may live in the marquess sky. But task and issues are similar like commoners,  earthy. There is no universe, just empty barren space. Mere mortals are hypnotized by mirages and mazes. The stars and the moon is full of craters, spaces full of black holes. All figments of the imagination and all that glitters are not gold. All about...

 All those petty squabbles between you and me Now I cherish in silence with glee. How you beat me up when I snatch your marbles, chalks, and slate. My eyes rested always on your plate. As I thought you always get a large piece of cake. One day my heartache, when I saw maa, gave you an almond flake. And I thought you were maa's, blue-eyed boy. And you presumed, for papa, I am the source of joy. And one day just before the sunrise You gave me a heartfelt  surprise As you cried when without looking back wearing a lot of bangles and Mehendi, I tossed gently a handful of rice. You cried louder, when a lady murmurs, that I end the ties. We drifted apart, now we call each other once a week. Mostly we talk about our respective families' flairs and feats. But the heart is still  close to each other, only  there is a physical  distance We celebrate our fraternal affection in silence.  Every year  I send you a sacred thread, a bond of love, and you send me goodie...

Eons ago, at the start of monsoon showers. When her playground was filled with verdant colors. She witnessed the end of her jocund childhood. Now memories of carefree days float in her heart like driftwood. One damp evening saw the onset of her monthlies. And she was immediately whisked away by a few irrational elderlies. As an inane custom to  sleep on the floor on a mattress  For four days alone, sans her mother who called her princess... Later she realized it is not only  her stories and agony  she bears It is the story of many of her peers. Her period cramp don't give her pain and  woes As much as the prejudices and superstition give her throes. Now like charity begins at home, she liberated herself.  Pledge to emancipated from stereotype, credulous spells. That she will not let her princess go through all the melodrama. The feeling of impure, untouchable, and emotional trauma. Instead, she shall explain to her princess that it is fine to bleed. Every m...