Grandma always said her wealth of a lifetime lay in the trunk, but it can be opened only after she dies. The family found a piece of paper in it after her funeral – “Ignite hope in people. It keeps you going.” Was it the mystery that ensured she was well-cared for? Hidden treasure? (280 … Continue reading Hidden treasure
A kid prances around in the innocent belief that the world is beautiful. Leaves and flowers gently caress her, as she wraps her body around the tree trunk. She looks at her frail and withering body now, and looks around. These memories were left here with the trees. The trunk stands steady and sturdy in … Continue reading Ageing
“You’ve had enough time to prove yourself, but you have only disappointed so far.” “You underestimate the time it takes to reach the top.” “Can you put a number to it?” “Tell me if you can. Manoeuvring one’s way up, when there are no steps or ladders in place is a task. Flying is an … Continue reading It takes time to plan
House of Glass is the newest shop on the street. Nobody has seen the owners, but reflections make people dizzy as they enter the shop. Different shapes and expressions of my face surprise me – are these hidden aspects of my personality? Is the idea of a different identity being imposed on me? Is there … Continue reading House of Glass
“Kids can’t understand your philosophy. Please don’t pollute their minds.” The school Principal is upset with me. A notice is circulated, re-emphasizing that politics and religion not be discussed in classrooms. Classrooms? There is a huge field out there, where I influence students. I’m their fave, friendly mentor. The administration has no clue about my … Continue reading Long-term plan
She quit the family business to start something of her own. It’s not an easy task. She had always worked in a well-defined structure. The absolute freedom she has now, excites as well as unnerves her. “I saw the angel in the marble, and carved till I set him free”, famously said Michelangelo of his … Continue reading Fire within
The elevator stopped on the thirteenth floor with a lurch. It was time to say goodbye to a dream. He would then cook a spartan meal, work on his part-time writing assignments and fall asleep with sheer fatigue on a tattered mattress. He planned to buy clean sheets and a pillow with this extra income next … Continue reading Cinderella
Get off the turtle, if you want to move ahead in life. I am moving constantly. The speed is imperceptible to you. Moving to where? I’ll be outta here, before the water reaches my neck. Do your arithmetic right. The tank fills up at a faster rate. I start leaking after that, and some of … Continue reading You’re impossible
“You don’t look like someone who has waded through college years. But your grade sheets speak a different language.” “Grade sheets speak the assessor’s language. It is not a measure of my ability.” “Son, you will either be a great scientist or literary genius, or ….” “Or?” “You will trudge your way through corporate life. … Continue reading Experience speaks
“Why can’t you just mind your own business?” “I’m doing exactly that.” “By peeping over the fence?” “I need inputs from the other side to change colors.” Sigh! The business of some people…. https://patriciasplace.me/2019/09/11/in-other-words-spy/
Creative Experiments and More 