Asian Literary Society

The clouds will sail towards their destinations. The pellucid lake will be caught their reflections.   The cattle will graze in the meadows. Crickets and grasshoppers will retreat with the chirpings of sparrows.   The sun will pierce through the lofty mountain peaks and  cliffs Looking like a sparkling diamond ring.    On the lawns, there will be new flowers. And in the twilight, some will wither   But as always, the colorful fair will go on. With every pristine new dawn.   At times moon disappears from the skies. But the sky above never ceases to shine and the land below is always lit by the fireflies.   Clusters of stars from galaxies shine in the absence of the moon. Occasionally meteors swoon.   One day I shall stop playing my Jal Taranga, on the myriad  bowls filled with water Which I played by striking the edge with the beaters.   My kindred kith life will no doubt pause but will not stop. Time is a healer, they have to move o...

After autumn fall, when night jasmine adorned the paths along with bulbs of lilies. When the wind rustles with the leaves, crumpled and crunchies. Wafting fragrance to faraway valleys.   She appears to swaddle in a thick veil. And the blazing star loves her strength and the way she prevails. He loves her more, when she asserts, she is not delicate or frail.   And they play hide and seek. He pierced through her veil and stealthily sneaks. But gradually turn pale with every dawn and weather turning bleak.   He likes tough contenders. And when Santa Claus comes with goodies in his sleigh and reindeer. He declares a complete surrender.   Bowing down to somebody as a token of appreciation, giving space, uplifting others doesn't make anyone inferior. It in fact raises one's stature and makes one superior. For philanthropic heart, everyone is dearer   And when Robin sings with sakura  blossoming in the sanctuaries She  melts in love and retreats, with  s...

Lacy, delicate and ornate snowflake, The hypnotizing silhouette, mysteriously forming, Is made by loving creator’s hand, Yet, no two are alike like humans.   Appearing on earth like it’s her stage, She is in command, in her playful swirl, Taking her dance in the wintry air, Ah! Such dainty in her crystalline form.   Reflecting the brightest light of the sun, Despite the icy wind, she vows to glow, Appealing, thus, timid souls like me, To be courageous, and stay real beauty.   In human life and its design, she is comforting, Both in nature and life, where good and evil overlap, Where nothing, therefore, happens fortuitously, Perfection emanates from such mingling.   She is too fragile and too short-lived, Yet, such daedal artistry in her tiny frame, Think not, therefore, you’re ineligible and inefficient, There’s a greater reward through challenges hard.

I forge my identity  with snowflakes Pious and pure, innocent  and innate Icy draughts soothe me Suspended on the tree leafs I wear white robes I traverse uncharted azure skies  Perch on tall and titanic  trees  Mists beckon and hypnotize me Wrapped in a glittering  white sheet I rejoice at Mother Nature's  feat Snowy castle of an enigma, I meditate to meet my essence eternal  Colossal  murmuring trees, leaves, and twigs  Silently  I converse with them, partaking their affection  In my journey  to the interior, they are my constant companions  In my effusive being are concealed Seeds that would sprout roots that would  grow in spring Heralding transformation  A new beginning!

Cascading softly from the Heavens above Like silent blessings nestled in a prayer Each a wondrous crystal formed perfectly by divinity The trees hold wide their branches for resting space The earth opens its arms to welcome each flurry flake   A symbol of purity, a harbinger of beatitude A metaphor for selfless giving, an allegory illustrating magnanimity    Drawn towards children peeping from windows Snuggle up on window sills To form tiny milky mounds   New dawn waits to arrive Turning pink with excitement To unveil the season of merriment that will bring unveiled joy As footprints of younglings Shall adorn the white carpet to shape fluffy balls   Snowmen with carrot noses and stick arms Adorned with old hats and mufflers Will smile in crooked smiles Laughter unrestrained shall reach up to the blue skies Empyrean will assign benedictions divine!

Colors, canvas, easel and brushes. Gentle strokes of splendid lushes. Eyes twinkle and heart while slushes. Opaline enigma from palette when gushes.   Me and my diary of this soul. Makes me complete, makes me whole.   Tempo, timbre, melody and form. Tune, harmony, pitch fairest norm. Sincere, virtuous way to perform. Changes the world and raises a storm.   Me and my diary of this soul. Makes me complete, makes me whole.   Message, viewpoint, rhythm and rhyme. Poesy consummates to be sublime. Discovering and flourishing for quite sometime. Getting submerged in this mystical hymn.   Me and my diary of this soul. Makes me complete, makes me whole.   Opening, aura, style and essence. Embraces often blissful lessons. Probabilities diverge in absolute presence. Essential notion with ethnic credence.   Me and my diary of this soul. Makes me complete, makes me whole.   Distance posed well to traverse. With painting, music, poetry and verse. Sink gently an...

  O’ a magical spell drops on earth from above, Tiny silvery flake dropping down bathed in love, Embracing flora and fauna with its mellow caress, Draping meadows, fields, lands, beaches, and grass!   O’ it glitters like a precious diamond and pearl, With its magical wand it brings majestic miracle, A compassionate companion of solitary dawn and night, With its pure white shimmer mesmerizes at first sight!   O’ it sings a melody dancing on petals and flowers, 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’ dancing and rejoicing in mother earth’s lap without fear, It beautifies whole universe with its silvery shimmer, Without any partiality it loves and accepts everything, Even falling down from so above, not afraid of anything!   O’ snowflake from where do you come, nobody knows, But you are adored by everyone, it is very sure, Aha! You are a wonderful crea...

  O’ I write my life’s diary which is unique and amazing, Composed of pages hiding my emotions and feelings, It’s a strong bond between me and my conscious, Where everything without fear I can express!   Some pages reflect the image of strong women within me, Some pages narrate the tender heart belonging to me, Some pages paint a canvas with colors of joy and fun, Some are torn like the withered leaves of autumn!   O’ in few of the pages, my glory is scribbled, In a few of them there is the saga of my failure, Few words touch the soul reflecting my good deeds, Few leave me in guilt reminding the mistakes which I did!   In some pages, I have been represented as an actor, Wearing a fake mask bringing a smile to others, Turning the pages, you will find another secret, Where I was betrayed by my own people!   Some questions unanswered still a puzzle to solve, Some are complaining my pains to my lord! It’s like the mirror reflecting my own reflection, Reading again a...

As the sleep gripped on me hard Wandering in the bygone world steadfast Dew drenched trees, snow-capped peaks Left me enthused unfurling my dreams Cool breeze brushed past the subconscious mind Barely could hear the leaves rustling gently behind Feel the pristine purity of nature not maligned Embracing with wide open arms  to make it mine Fearless of the pandemic apprehensions or pain In a celebratory mode dancing in the pearly rain A new world unearthed post a rebirth Experience moments of joy full of mirth Vanishing all signs of agony and despair No heart-wrenching tragedies nor cries anywhere Childlike laughter echoing in the atmosphere All creatures breathing the fresh fragrant air Sun shone bright behind the mountains high Golden hue coloring the dewy trees bright Twittering birds perched at treetops merrily Ringing soft bells in my ears cheerily Ding dong!ding dong! I woke up groggy Out of deep slumber mind still foggy Rainy drops had wetted the doorway soggy Dragged my feet ...

  I was traversing through unblemished white lanes, With my mighty blue weapon to engrave each lamina with my fervid impetuosity. Yes, it's my diary where every page is an alliance of love and peace, I made with myself after a tug of war betwixt my self-belief and carnal perversity.   A perpetual practice to exude my inner turbulence in privacy, To share every clandestine detail with a buddy so reliable. It travels every alley with me whether it's gloomy or luminous, Registering the streaming episodes in its lucid surface with an avouch so dependable.   My diary knows me the best for it has the saga of every pain I've endured Also the fulvous smudges, the remains of savory droplets from my eyes It also knows my rapturous whiles carried to me by waft of emphatic zephyr All rippling moments of ebbs and tides gambling in gentle surprise.   Me and my diary are the most intimate mates in solitude, Laughing, crying, consoling, being momentarily euphoric or cringing in anti...

When the dawning Sun rises up in the skies, When the mildews settle upon the delicate petals, When the skies paint themselves with vivid patterns and colors, When nature blooms through the womb of the tiniest seed, When heavily pregnant clouds shower purity upon Earth, When the fragrance of petrichor waft through my senses, When the lands cover themselves with a green blanket, When snow-covered peaks glitter in the golden rays, When the ice melts down to rivers of purity, When melting water kisses the cheeks of majestic mountains, When baby buds bloom into a fragrant beauties of colors, When I awaken to sounds of chirps, squeaks, and buzz, When rainbows paint the skies in their glory of bliss, When the gentle breeze caresses my soft tender skin, When the oceans display the enchanting reefs hidden within, When the mystic mountains beckon me to explore the heights, When the foreboding forests absorb me deeper into the abyss, When the horizons canoodle the boundaries of land and skies, Wh...

The best gateway into my fantasy world, Is my overactive imagination, Which helps me to write poetry, And constantly rejuvenates my poetic passion. The child in me keeps alive my fantasy, Even today Santa Claus seems a real story, Even today I dream of Cinderella and SnowWhite, And I hope to see spiderman dressed in his tights. When I want to escape reality, And enter the world of fantasy, I switch on my television, And watch adventure films which are my passion. Another way into the fantasy land, Are wonderful books which carry me to wonderland, I travel to a hundred countries, And forget all my troubles and worries. When the reality of death and disease Destroy my mental peace, I escape into my fantasy world, And wait for my fancy to be stirred. I think in the midst of this pandemic, I need my fantasies, fantastic, Where I can find solace and happiness, And my fantasies will disperse the horrific darkness.

The mundane chores of everyday life, Are duties that bind us to perform until the afterlife. The challenges that get thrown out at us, Lasts as lessons that remain etched to uplift us. The unsolved mysteries of yesteryears, Remain a secret for us to ponder over the cheers and fears. The bittersweet memories of our distant past, Offers us a chance to rework at life until it lasts. The luxuries and pleasures that we take pride in, Are temporary fixtures to blow up our 'EGO'es within. The people that (seem to) offer us a lifetime company, Remain with us only on a temporary journey. CHANGE remains our biggest constant, Making and marking its presence felt at every moment. Change Your I'm busy, stressed, depressed, unwell, tired or fearful To I'm easy,  relaxed, happy, healthy, fresh and powerful. For life goes on, life goes on... Until we are gone and even after we are gone.

वो लम्हा आया भी, बस एक लम्हें के लिए,  जिसका सदियों से मैंने इंतेज़ार किया..  आँखों में उसी की तस्वीर बसाये कब से,  मोहब्बत में सारी हदों को मैंने पार किया..!   वो एहसास भी क्या अज़ब एहसास था..  बिन छुए ही तेरी छुअन को महसूस किया..  ख़ुशियाँ तुझे देकर सारी ग़म अपने नाम किया.  मोहब्ब्त में सारी हदों को मैंने पार किया..   कुछ तो निभा लिए रोते हुए वादें हमने  कुछ हँसते हुए रास्तें में ही छोड़ दिया. . ख़ुदा से और कुछ नहीं माँगा था बस तेरे अलावे,  वो भी लम्हें आज मुठ्ठी खोल वक़्त के आगे छोड़ दिया..  वो लम्हें, इश्क़,क्या सासों को भी आज तोड़ दिया..!  ख़्वाब में खोई मीठी सी नीदें, बारिश की वो रंगीन बूँदें  प्यार के आइनों में संवरना, चाँदनी का छतों पे उतरना  चाहतों की हँसी सिलसिले, वो शिक़वे-गीले..  बीते हुए लम्हों की हर एक शाम तेरे नाम किया..  वो लम्हें जो कब से दिल के कोने में क़ैद कर रखे थे  मोहब्ब्त में आज हर एक चीज़ नीलाम किया..!! 

वो लम्हें जो दिल में घर कर गये दस्तक हर बार देकर हर्षित कर गये... ख्यालों में यादें करवट लेती है सुनो ना! तुमसे फिर ये कहती है... क्या तुमने ऐसा महसूस किया है?? जैसा मैं महसूस कर आनंदित हूँ... फिर उसमें सिमट ही गये हो तुम... धुंधला हर ओर ही सब दिखता सामने क्या है समझ ना आता... अपने पैरों पर जैसे नज़र टिक गयी तब हाथों ने जो राह दिखायी... ठंडी दूब पर मैं शांत बैठ गयी कोहरे की चादर से लिपट गयी... महसूस करने लगी अपनी धड़कन जी लेना चाहता उस पल को मन... स्वयं को पहचाना जो पहली बार  ये सुकून अच्छी लगी पहली बार... पढ़ती खुद को दुनिया से हो अंजान स्वीकार है मुझे अपनी अलग पहचान...

The three of them had partied with ‘shots’ till the time for departure and clambered on at the last minute The swaying rhythm of the carriage along with the after-effects of alcohol soon took over and two of them drifted off into deep slumber. Not very fond of intoxicants, Arun had had a few pegs just to ‘be cool and felt queasy. To clear his head, he went over to the door to catch the cool night breeze. What a beautiful night it was! He craned his neck for a better look. Before he realized what was happening, he lost his balance and fell headlong into the deep darkness below. He tumbled on till he came to rest on fairly even ground covered with dry grass. Praise the Lord, he was alive! Not knowing what to do, he began walking along the track towards the direction of the departing rail till he saw lights at a distance. He could clearly see the train standing there but just before he reached close, it let out a loud whistle and slithered away out of his reach. Desperate, he ...

You are the one I dream all night, And like a sun in the morning bright; You kiss me up and fill my soul, With your elixir; a divine bowl, And I keep gazing at your face, Oblivious of the mundane race. You are the one I adore the most, The tranquil breeze thru' my coast. You invigorate my slumberous soul, And boost me face all odds to the goal. And I keep savouring the days with you, Forever happy beneath the blue. You are the one whose aroma fills My soul; like a bunch of daffodils,  Beneath the floating clouds all sky. And from you I learn to fly; As those childhood fairy tales, I seek for you across the dales. You are the one I wait for ages, But alas! Your fizzog adorns the pages. There's the book o'er my table, A book of fairies; vibrant fables. You are the queen of my lush dreamland, O Helina! Tis time now! Come hold my hand.

Tossing and turning on the berth groggy, Covered my face with a warm blanket furry. Completely unaware of what was in store? Shut my eyes to sleep and snore! A talk dark man clad in a long overcoat; Seated opposite maintaining a calm demeanor, Nondescript features outside the window peeping, Eyes moving frantic as if keenly searching. Suddenly a group of alert men walked in, Looked like commandos in civil clothing! Spread around randomly to go unnoticed quietly, Talking less though gesticulating mildly. Trying to keep a close vigil awaiting the moment, The train jerked to a screeching halt into the station. They positioned to pounce on him hurriedly, Oblivious of the situation he held me suddenly! Felt the hard gun nozzle against my temple, Streaks of sweat on my cheeks trickled. Caught off guard with a hard push from behind, Fell on the floor in the blanket entwined. Hastily the men neutralized the man! Was a dreaded terrorist aboard the train. A memorable train journey never to forge...

Like the perpetual depth of the ocean Like the colossal of the cosmos interwoven My heart contains syllables unuttered Secrets resting there under the opaque cover   With every breath that I take, it is getting buried Deeper and deeper merging with my soul Your name is something I recite every moment But make sure it remains behind my sealed lips   Like the dried petals of a rose in my book You remain in every corner and nook Of my throbbing heart spreading your fragrance Bringing more life to me with your mere presence   The moments that I created with you Make my heartbeat and your velvety voice When it echoes in my heart, feels so holy and virtuous Yet from the eyes of the world, it has to be kept veiled   It is in the silence of that secret We meet each other, laugh, and cry together Rollback the memories to catch a glimpse of the past You are my part and live with me in the secrets of my heart!  

Bhola and Lakshmi had got their railway tickets booked in the sleeper class. It was after five years that they were going home to celebrate Chatth Pooja in their hometown in Bihar with their family. With little Pooja in her arms, Lakshmi climbed up the stairs of the train compartment with aching arms and a bleeding heart with Bhola lugging in an old suitcase and a tattered kit bag from behind her. As they both figured out their seats, they tried to settle themselves looking forward to meeting their family the next day. Lakshmi’s eyes had become dry and sore after that dastardly incident five years ago. Not a day passed without crying. ************************* How happily they had gone to the fair in Ghaziabad where Bhola had got a new job in a garment factory. Sumit, their six-year-old son was insisting ongoing on the giant wheel. As they bought tickets for the ride, and were about to enter the gate, there was a ruckus and loud voices. A gunshot was heard and people starte...

Though I was in love and wanted to confess My heart refused to concur with the brain and made a ruckus. My brain and heart were constantly at wars, Secrets that my heart kept, the brain would spill it all. Somehow gathered courage and poured my feelings, In a letter, all that my heart was concealing. I then tucked the letter in my purse, sealed with a kiss To give this to my love, in person I wished.  I lay on the bed that night, tossing and turning, Until I could see the sun burning. I convinced my heart to confess My heart ultimately said a big yes.  Dressed in my favourite blue, I stepped out My heart raced again raising, doubt. Surrender your fear I, told my dear heart, Embrace love and a beautiful new start. My brain and heart joined hands finally, It wasn’t a dream, but, was happening actually. The secret of my heart is out and revealed Our lips came close and got softly sealed.

Donning a resplendent glisten in the eyes, Infectiously magnetic and a broad radiant smile, Exuberant expressions set to conquer the world, Desirable and a passionate a dreamer he turned! The previous night was laden with an awakening dream, Thoughts were detangled in a fresh new realm, Decluttered mind prodded with silent utterances, Resurrecting new aspirations with no hindrances! Awoke to a bright new morning, The amazing wonders of nature inhaling, Igniting within a new ray of hope, Ready to tighten the loose ends of life’s rope! Heart full of gratitude and a contended soul, With a burning desire to reach his goal, Encamped with the feeling of undying optimism, Crushing the mountains of fear-filled negativism! Was moving on the pathway to meet his soulmate, Myriad hues of colorful petals strewn on the way, A potpourri of emotions bundled up together, To embrace with delight what life had to offer!

The holiday season is here again, All of us want to have fun and step out, Everyone is tired of being imprisoned at home, We want to travel and get about. But the virus too has again mutated, Leaving us angry and frustrated, People are becoming careless, reckless, Nations are feeling extremely helpless. We want our carefree life back again, Enjoying and travelling without pain, We want to visit the far off mountains, seashores, Dreaming of beautiful destinations and freedom from chores. Oh God! Give us our holiday season, To celebrate give us a good reason, Let humankind rejoice for a while, Let us feel the breeze and sunshine and smile. I yearn for the holidays of my childhood, When aunts and uncles and cousins got together, And all of us felt light-hearted and joyful, And believed that the fun would continue forever. Will we ever feel carefree again? Can our days ever be without pain? Can this burden of worries disappear? Can we ever have a holiday without fear?