A Point of No Return

Person standing on rocky mountain peak with upper body dissolving into blue and black particles.

The spirituality of climbing up a mountain often overpowers the physical discomfort. I touch earth, yet am detached from the plains I have grown up on. I inch closer to the sky, and am compelled to shed rooted parts of myself that limited my view. I see the world in a totally different light. I … Continue reading A Point of No Return

Sanctity

“This is not disrespect for the institution, its past history or credibility”. The audience listened with bated breath. “The platform gains or loses sanctity with the speaker’s intent, and the platform has been defiled by someone’s act.” “You are making a grave allegation, son! And such words need to be backed up with sufficient and … Continue reading Sanctity

There was No Alternative

We built a structure with great care where each brick represented us. It had space for all our sanity, freedom and nationalism. We called it democracy. Somehow, a section of the population was getting uncomfortable as there was no space for large thrones and executioners. Some people watched them out of curiosity and got hypnotized … Continue reading There was No Alternative

Funeral Planning

It took a lifetime to build a coffin and inscribe a language on it. I’m not sure if the future will be able to decipher it. But this is my version of my personal history as I'd like others to see it. Others are free to add their own versions. I will have no control … Continue reading Funeral Planning

Pulled Back

Anna felt like a free person, walking barefoot on the sand. The waves washed her feet and the footprints she left behind in time. Then, suddenly, a high tide of memories would encapsulate her in the existence she left behind. She had lived in terror. She feared that at any moment someone would yell at … Continue reading Pulled Back

Impending

Life is movement, but life is not always progress. We do slip back and catch up. What was unfathomable for me is life coming to a grinding halt, and it’s not death. These gasps, these moments of stillness, were not accounted for in my life goals. A change of geography and culture taught me how … Continue reading Impending

Migration

Is there a de-addiction program for people to detach from a residence, city, country or partner? I will miss the traffic jams, the caution against fraudsters, the extreme climate, the great food, and, not to mention, the easy camaraderie with strangers. A new place offers career growth and wealth opportunities, but the cold climes will … Continue reading Migration

Writing

I’m scared. I’m also in awe of myself, though it sounds immodest. Where do these words come from? They scar the screen like lava flowing out of a volcano. They wash all that has been inscribed for ages, like a tsunami from the depths of the ocean. They burn down all scripts and uproot the … Continue reading Writing

Seeds of change

Where did the seed come from? What are the pains and joys that it inherits, nurtures and transfers? The future gathers in vine, bush, and tree: Persimmon, walnut, loquat, fig, and grape, oblivious to its heritage. It gathers experience and impressions and takes them as the ultimate truth. Genes are bearers of history that determine … Continue reading Seeds of change

Nocturnal Horror

My mother tells me I narrowly escaped death during birth. The hospital's power supply inexplicably switched off, and the doctors panicked. When the lights came on, they had a baby in their hands, blinking to adjust to the bright theatre lights. They declared me a miracle. But it did nothing to prevent future woes. I … Continue reading Nocturnal Horror