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

Two sides of a Coin

“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

Acorn that I am

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

Whose life is a picnic?

The birds haven’t come yet, and we stand disconnected from the world. We stand weighed down by the burden of a bird utility, and I’m sure my knees will start bleeding soon. You are no Atlas, so give up the idea of shrugging. It’s an incredible life out here, uninterrupted by the vagaries of the … Continue reading Whose life is a picnic?

Motivation

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

ReInvention

It feels like a stampede – tired feet crushing the sidewalks in search of something they cannot find. As dusk gathers, the unspoken question in jaded thoughts is, “Are they condemned to keep walking in the dark?” She thought of Sisyphus. Did he have a choice to break the code and let the boulder go … Continue reading ReInvention

Personification

Personification is distinct from personal recognition. One is a mere image, the other a true understanding. When you personify, you translate my essence into an image that you have of me and eulogise or worship me. You have placed aquatic creatures that do not belong here, and I can sense their discomfort. You drew stars … Continue reading Personification