Once in a lifetime

Traveler standing in a sea cave overlooking the ocean; text reads “ONCE IN A LIFETIME.”

once in a lifetimeyou will turn back and lookat the footprints of bleeding feetwith volcanoes threatening to burstinside you; and you will know it has beena long way. It is time to chuck it alllike a traveller does, in absence of return faresettle down in the shade, to be cooland invisible once in a lifetimethe … Continue reading Once in a lifetime

Reputation

The scion’s arrest was a major scandal in the township. Joan Gilt’s son was running a drug business inside the hotel his mother built after so much struggle in life. He pleaded innocence with tears in his eyes and his mother’s name on his lips as a shield. The police officer interrogating him said, “You … Continue reading Reputation

Ruins

The cobwebs start susurrating before I put the bag down and open the grilled doors to a neglected past. Everything that once adorned the house has been taken away – the linen, the crockery, the cushions and carpets - leaving behind ruins of the original owner’s expectations. The locker and almirahs were found to be … Continue reading Ruins

The Machine That Could Scan My 50,000 Daily Thoughts

Glowing brain diagram labeled deadlines, project idea, anxiety, memories, love, and future

I'd like to build a machine that could scan the roughly 50,000 thoughts that cross my mind every day. And I guess one or more of the 50000 will help me design it. How many of my thoughts are mundane, everyday matters? And how many are brilliant enough, with a spark to change the world? … Continue reading The Machine That Could Scan My 50,000 Daily Thoughts

Storytelling

Collage reading “FRAGMENTED TRUTH,” “TRUST,” “LIES DISSOLVE,” “STORIES TOLD,” “HONESTY IS EVERYTHING,” “TRUTH REMAINS,” “Pixelated memories,” “FRAGMENTED STORIES,” “THE REAL YOU,” “THE SHADOWS,” “DARKNESS & LIGHT,” and “PIXELATED STORIES & HONEST SHADOWS.”

I wincemy truth is underplayedmy honesty suspectedfor I happen to bea storyteller stories are pixelated truthfragments of thoughtsfloating through humanity And if my words are shadows on the wall,is it deception—or the only way to touch the light? OLN #413

Reena’s Xploration Challenge #443

Welcome to yet another week of a weekly routine! PROMPT #443 This week, I would like you to focus on the MUNDANE and make it sound as boring or as interesting or as value-adding as you want. Would you give it up if you can? Is it the baseline for your existence? Do you see … Continue reading Reena’s Xploration Challenge #443

From Ivory Towers to Melting Realities

Businessman leaning on balcony railing watching colleagues hurry on sidewalk

Discover the fable of an Indian CEO in a multinational corporation whose ivory tower was made of wax—an allegory for leadership illusions.

Calendar Efficiency

Calendar showing October 2024 with October 20 circled and a decorated anniversary cake with marigold flowers

I love chocolate truffle cake-yet I drive a knifedeep into its hearttill it bleeds brownand mouths droolto taste the latest version the names spelt in sugardo not always evokesweet memories-mindlesslyI pierce creamy layersin search of a sensationon the tongueephemeral; yet desirable I count the engagementon social media postsannual ritualsof remembranceall those emojiswith folded hands and … Continue reading Calendar Efficiency

Out of Order

Tiny slivers of historical evidence cannot withstand the scrutiny of critics and the superimposition of meaning by those in power. Books are written, rewritten, translated, interpreted and destroyed till approved textbook versions take their place. Children memorise those not out of curiosity, but to pass exams. They have been programmed anyway, unwittingly and unconsciously. The … Continue reading Out of Order