Who were those characters with dated looks and an outdated fashion sense? Their feet with toes turned backwards tell me who they are. I politely request that they return to their graves. I wake up in a different era. Mornings are challenging with many tasks to execute before 9 am. It’s not the time to … Continue reading Circles
I have watched three generations and envy sisters who can be 4 am friends for each other at any stage in life. I don’t have a sister, so I made a feeble attempt to connect with a cousin. I had to beat a quick retreat as our mindsets did not match. She would keep reiterating … Continue reading Emotionally Secure
The Sun shines with greater intensity outside. My insides are churned by reading and writing Women’s Day posts. I feel compelled to reflect deeper on things I’ve already known, experienced and discussed? Does it give fresh insights? Words dance to the beat of March madness, and assume different forms on the screen, in the head … Continue reading Pink Sakuras
I grew up in the highly humid city of Bombay, or Mumbai, as it is known now. The stickiness on the skin was not welcome, and I can’t recall how we survived without air conditioners in childhood. But being on the seashore was always a pleasure. Later, I returned to the city for two spells … Continue reading Humid minds
As a local writers’ group member, I have the pleasure of frequenting a unique coffee joint known as Pagdandi Café. 'Pagdandi 'translates to 'pathway' in Hindi, a fitting description for this charming establishment. Pagdandi Café is a delightful blend of a bookshop and a coffee shop. Strategically placed at right angles to create an inviting … Continue reading Cosying Up
I hear the whispers from a moonlit terrace party but cannot fathom what they are discussing. Young and old all dance the night out to welcome the New Year. I change the calendar but do not foresee changed schedules and a hidden agenda. They have imposed new rules, but everyone is silent about the lurking … Continue reading Burning Haibun
I don’t know why I thought of Trishanku today - the mythological man who wanted to visit Heaven physically but was stopped by the spiritual realm. If I were Trishanku, what would I choose in this zero-gravity situation? Like a celestial being, a saucer comes flying and encircles me with its airy, invisible tentacles. “Let … Continue reading Quirk of Fate
The sweeper looks surprised when I say, “Treat the dried leaves with the same respect you give the dead.” I hear the leaves crying out in anger when trampled by insensitive feet. The widowed branches are unsure if they want to mourn the departure of the old or welcome the new arrival. Seasons always put … Continue reading Seasons
The equinox always baffles me. It announces the beginning of a new season by declaring that black and white, good and evil, day and night, will always coexist in equal measure. The two sides play games, chasing and overtaking one another, creating illusions of victory and defeat and drawing minds to jump to conclusions. Ultimately, … Continue reading Autumnal Equinox
I wouldn’t say I like grey's undecidedness, but black and white are non-existent—illusions created by the absorption or reflection of light. I feel golden, bathed in sunlight, and ancient under a silver moon. But blue? Is that connected to midnight blue or the blue sky on a bright day? The latter makes me feel expansive, … Continue reading Uncontaminated
Creative Experiments and More 