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
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
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
“Man cannot replicate or compete with nature”. “Mankind often overpowers nature, for both good and bad.” “I don’t see any good in what you say”. Veronica smiled. She could never win over her sister Valerie with logic. Yet, they relied on each other for emotional support. “Val, look at it this way. I never learnt … Continue reading Two sides of a Coin
Aren’t you surprised to find me shivering in the backyard, when cherry blossoms adorn the season outside? My breath is icy when windows open to welcome fresh air, and kitchens smell of seasonal delicacies. As a seed, I was shot out the back end of a blue jay when, heedless, she flew over the meadow. … Continue reading Acorn that I am
You’re on a mission to spread your message, enslave thought processes and make people do what you want them to do. The population is unaware of what they are subjected to. Your weapons come in the guise of an identity crisis, religious fervour, conspiracy theories and constructed fear. There will be moments when you feel … Continue reading Motivation
He has a presence despite his shabby appearance. Maybe we are drawn to his ferocious eyes, looking for a challenge. One feels compelled to keep a distance. The boundary lines are invisible but sharp. He surprises us with a mellow voice, “Can you help me in finding this address?” “Are you from the police?” “No.” … Continue reading Transit mode
The train stops, and it’s not a station. It’s a mechanical fault which will take time to fix. Passengers jump out for an impromptu picnic in the flower gardens near the track. Am I not lucky to have taken a train today? The boss’s secretary said flight tickets are getting expensive, and we need to … Continue reading Smell the flowers
Dawn is the most peaceful part of the day, and I choose to be out – walking on a path strewn with autumn leaves or snow or spring flowers. All carry different messages for my day ahead. Crazy me – I pick up a leaf and write a poem on it with the permanent marker … Continue reading Mediums have a voice, not words
