From Real to Reel

Real life incidents have caught the fancy
Of writers and directors alike,
They have ventured to bring forth
True stories of grit and strife.

So the brave Neerja saves passengers
And succumbs to terrorists' bullets in the air,
While Aligarh portrays forbidden love,
A man's loneliness and despair.

Thousands of Indians stranded
Are air-lifted from a country war-torn,
Their efforts are applauded,
The Indian Government has timely action shown,

A high profile murder of a teen
That sent the nation in complete shock,
Forms the basis of the film 'Talwar'
The judicial system is there for all to mock.

Special 26, Baby and Shahid
Were all based on a story true,
These films touched a chord,
Aroused patriotic fervour in peoples hearts anew.

The story of Raman Raghav
A deranged serial killer is in the make,
So is Sarabjit Singh's heart-rending story
Where the whole truth is at stake.

Biopics are another favourite,
They tell us about a persons life story,
Pan Sing Tomar and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Told of an athlete's grit and glory.

Dangal and Dhoni are in the pipeline,
A wrestler and cricketer they showcase,
We will learn about their trials and tribulations,
About how they their obstacles face.

These biopics and real-life incidents
They make us look up at them in awe,
These stories flashed on the silver screen
Bring in the crowds, they are a huge draw!

At least these real life heroes
Are someone we can look up to,
When we need some idols and ideals,
Of which there are a dwindling few.

These films are surely better,
Than the total filmy stuff,
At least we know these are real heroes,
Who have lived a life rough.

Their stories are true to life
They make us feel inspired,
They are thought-provoking,
And can bring the change desired.

The Paradox of Our Times.

(Just watched a beautiful,though-provoking video by Jay Shetty ,where he talks about the paradoxes of our times and of how changing the world begins with us.
I have included some of those points in this poem.)

Times are changing and how,
Everyone seems to be in a hurry now,
All are in a rush,somewhere to go,
Where they're heading, they just don't know.

Technology has made tremendous strides,
But the line has become stronger that divides,
Although we are closer to those who live afar,
We have distanced ourselves from those who close are.

With those across the seas we can communicate,
But for a few words with our family, we hesitate,
We have wider freeways that can take us far,
And narrower viewpoints that relationships mar.

We have too much money, more than what we need,
Yet we yearn for more, to satisfy our greed.
With Facebook,Whatsapp and Skype, the world seems smaller,
But the demons of loneliness and depression have just grown taller.

We have more degrees, on which we have great pride,
But what we lack is common sense ,which is our true guide.
We have more knowledge, but less judgement,
We are quick to criticise ,but fail to compliment.

We have so many experts, but lesser solutions,
Our world has similar problems, but divided nations.
We have guided missiles, and misguided men,
We know the evils of war, yet we kill our brethren.

We have higher incomes, but lower morals,
We have lost our souls, in our desire for laurels.
I , Me, Myself ,is our single most thought,
The larger good of  humanity, about it we know not.

This paradox of our times is here to stay,
Till each one decides to mend their selfish way.
Let us learn to live in peace, think of the common good,
Live to make the world better place, it's high time ,we should!

Vasudeva Kutumbakam!
The World is our family!

Open House-2016

We welcome you all here,
Grandparents and parents dear,
With our talents and skills new found,
Hope you feel proud as you look around.

What we did throughout the year,
We showcase for our parents and peer,
Street play,action song and skit,
We are sure all these will be a hit!

Play Grammar games and name the state,
Guess these correctly as prizes await,
Charts,travelogues and models galore,
All these bring our talents to the fore.

Hope you appreciate all that you see,
It will make us and our teachers jump up with glee!!!

Board Exams!

The academic year has come to an end,
Testing times are here,
After days and nights of study,
Board exams bring forth fear!

Will I remember,
Will I write,
Will I do well,
Or turn blank in fright?

My parents are worried,
I am as tense as I can be,
The results are awaited,
To my future it holds the key.

But wait, what if I am unable,
To achieve a high score?
Will I be a disgrace?
Won't my parents love me any more?

'Cause this is just one,
Of the many tests in life I face,
Life comes with opportunities,
In time they will surface.

My percentage is just a  number,
Not something to judge me by,
I know I am worth much more,
If only you let me try.

For in the end what matters,
When we face life each day,
Is our confidence and dedication,
That shapes us on our way.

So if you do well, that's really good,
But even if you don't, don't fret,
Just keep moving ahead in life,
Be positive, and your life is set!

Make Way, PLEASE!

Through traffic jams,
I try to make way,
unheeding they just zoom past,
I need to get ahead fast.
my sirens,and lights,
conveniently ignored.
Make way, please!

You may be late,
at least you reach,
but if I am late,
a life is at stake,
have a heart,
let me pass.
Make way, please!

Be thankful the ones I carry,
Are not your dear ones,
but all the same,
he needs to get there,
look into their eyes,
see their hope and despair.
Make way, please!

Have empathy,
feel their pain,
they just want to reach,
where help is at hand,
you can reach late,
at least you will reach alive.
Make way, please!

"I Have No Time"

I called her for a morning walk,
It's good to be fit I said,
"I have no time,"said she,
As she slept longer on her bed.

I gave her a book,an interesting read,
"Readers are leaders", I said,
"I have no time,"said she,
As an endless session of gossip she led.

Let's play with our kids,it's a beautiful day,
'Cause that's how we bond, you know?
"I have no time,"was her retort,
As she watched re-runs of her favourite show.

Try a new hobby, something new to do,
It's good to reinvent and learn,
"I have no time,"she said once again,
As she read about a stars break-up with concern.

No time for health, no time to bond,
No time to read, improve or grow,
When you keep saying,"I have no time"
Your lack of zest for life you show.

A Reason To Rhyme

I love to read , and I often write too,
Words flow easy, as if on a cue.
I am a fan of romance, it touches a chord deep,
It just reinforces the fact ,that it's love that I seek.
I try to write better, because I know I am not that good,
I take inspiration from other writers, and I wish like them I just could.

I have read many a poem, and it makes me wonder why,
I can't seem to write a verse without rhyming words (though I try)
Many a times, I make up my mind,
To write something in which a rhyme you won't find,
But try as I might, the rhymes just flow,
And lo and behold, it rhymes before I even know!

I wonder what the others feel, when they see my mediocre work,
Do they snigger and say,"She thinks she is a writer,Oh,what a jerk!"
Like I already said, I know I am not that good,
But I also know that if I love to write, without a doubt, I should.
'Cause I write not for glory, I write to say what I feel,
I write about things around me and emotions with which I deal.

Writing gives me wings, it grants me peace of mind,
It declutters my thoughts processes, and helps me unwind.
Writing is my solace, when I feel lonely at heart,
It is my true companion, with whom I cannot part.
So I will keep writing, it gives my feelings a vent,
When I pour my words on paper, I know it was a day well-spent!

India Loses Another Son

He was a true fighter,

Though he joined anew,

Three years in the para military,

And he achieved what only a few could do.

Pawan Kumar from Haryana,

Was born on Army Day,

Only son of his parents,

His memories are here to stay.

A brave ,intrepid officer,

Who showed maturity beyond his years,

"I could not be prouder" says Rajbir Kumar

"My only son I gave my nation", he says hiding tears.

On that fateful day

To duty's call he did rise,

Against all odds he strived

Yet, to enemy bullets he dies.

Brave sons like these 

Fight for their beloved nation,

While selfish political leaders

Cause unrest and agitation.

What we lack is patriotism,

True love for our motherland,

We fight within our country,

Our soldiers sacrifices we don't understand.

Live in peace and harmony

True spirit of our nation we must maintain,

India has lost many of her sons

Let not their sacrifices go in vain.

Mother' Earth's Cold Embrace.

At the world's highest battle field,
Indian soldiers bid their farewell last,
This was no battle against any enemy
It was nature's fury, that untold gloom cast.

Ten of the brave Madras regiment deployed
At the Siachen glacier 20,000 feet high,
Lay buried under the sudden avalanche
Thirty-five feet under a cold,white shroud to die.

The gallant armed forces,
They left no stone unturned,
Armed with a search crew and sniffer dogs,
With the buried brave hearts they returned.

Alas, nine of them had bid goodbye,
And the tenth too breathed his last,
Cause when faced with nature's wrath,
Indian or Pakistani, the casualties they just fall fast.

The inhospitable terrain of Siachen
Has always been the cause of death,
Nearly 2000 soldiers have breathed their last,
Not by enemy fire, but climatic conditions they have met.

Efforts to demilitarize Siachen region,
Did come up to the fore,
But lack of perseverance and political will
Has pushed that idea back some more.

Hope it is soon that both countries know
The calamities soldiers face,
We are throwing our brave jawans
Into Mother Earth's cold embrace.

JAIHIND!!!

The Man With The Lamp

The night was dark and dreary
But I just rode along
Enjoying the wind in my hair
And humming my favourite song.

The road was long and winding,
Not a soul I could see,
'Tis why I enjoy a bike ride,
A lone rider to be.

But wait a minute,"What's that?"
I see a moving light,
That glow comes slowly closer,
And soon it is closest in sight.

An old man with a lamp,
In the dark,lonely night,
I saw that he was sightless,
Though he held a lamp bright.

I could not stop myself
From asking the old man why,
Though he was blind as a bat
He still held a lamp high.

The wise old man was patient,
He touched me gently on my hand,
"Yes,my son,I cannot see,
The lamp is for you, now do you understand?"

I said not a word,
Held my head low in shame,
Here was a selfless man,
I have only myself to blame.

'Cause many a times, in the journey of life,
We fail to see those who guide us along,
We ridicule them ,and take them for granted,
It is they who goad us, and make us strong.

I Need You By My Side....

I need you by my side

When I have something to cheer,

I want you to know what went right,

My accomplishments I want you to hear.

I need you by my side

When I am in total distress,

With encouraging words from you,

I want you to relieve my stress.

I need you by my side

To share the little things that matter,

When I want to read out my new poem

Or just act crazy like a mad hatter!

I need you by my side

When I feel all alone,

Even in a crowd of people,

When in loneliness I moan.

I need you by my side

When I remember the good times we shared,

Those unforgettable countless moments

When you showed me you cared.

I need you by my side

Whether I am awake or asleep,

This heart of mine is so helpless

It has fallen in your love deep!

I need you by my side

And if you still ask me why,

All I say is you are the reason I live

Without you I will surely die.

The Gift of the Gab

Talking comes easy,
We all need to communicate,
Words can bring us closer,
And at times instil hate.

Some really know how to flatter,
Their words tell us all things nice,
But be wary of these treacherous few,
For their own gains they choose to entice.

Then there are the others,
Who don't feel the need to sugar-coat,
What they say is what they mean,
They are the ones who the truth support.

Some talk too much,
And they don't know when to stop,
Gossip and rant is all they do,
Through many topics they can skip n hop!

Then there are those who believe,
Words,like true friends, should be few,
What we say must convey meaning,
Our feelings and beliefs they should hold true.

'Think before you talk'
That should be in our mind set,
Once the wrong words are out,
All we can do is regret.

Our words can build bridges,
They can also unite minds,
But these very words can incite,
And turn peaceful people into fiends.

So use your words with caution,
See that what you say,
Does not hurt another person,
 And is not disrespectful in any way.

Appreciate others when you can
But if you just have to correct,
Do it positively with tact,
'Cause that's the only way to connect!

When Angels Tread on Earth......

There was no excitement,
When they held your miniature form,
All they wanted was a way out,
Unwanted you lay,to face every storm.

Among the heap of garbage,
Or in a temple or lane,
You were left as good as dead,
This could not be done by anyone sane!

Against all odds you lived,
You reached the hands of those who cared,
Though your flesh and blood forgot you,
With love and tenderness you were reared.

Now in the place where you are nurtured,
You eat, share and live with those like you,
Years pass by and then behold,
A new family adopts the chosen few.

Years come and years go,
I wonder what life holds for you,
Will you be within these walls forever,
Or Will you find a parents' love true?

Little kids are after all,
Little angels that tread on Earth,
The only difference that sets them apart,
Is these kids are disowned after their birth.

All of us raised in parents' love and care,
Are truly a blessed and fortunate lot,
So when we have experienced that sense of belonging,
Let's strive to do the same for those who have not.

If you look into their eyes,
You see the sparkle and delight,
How they crave for love and affection,
They light up when you are in sight.

It does not take much, to show that you care,
A small donation goes a long way,
Adoption will give them a new leash of life,
But even unbridled love will make their day!

If Wishes Were Horses.....

In this one life that we have,

There is much that we desire,

A house,a car,a good job,

To reach great heights we aspire.

Our wants have no end,

We just want the most to get,

We fail to see what we do have,

Our blessings we forget.

Yes,we need to dream big,

As then alone we grow,

But greed should not take over,

Our limits we should know.

When we crave for new shoes,

Let us not forget ,

There are those who have no feet,

Their needs need to be met.

We are the fortunate few,

Have so much more than the rest,

It is time to do something worthy,

Be there for them, stand the test.

As we go about life,

Trying to gain something more,

Do find time for others,

They need you too, like never before.

Love.....only love!

Love is an enigma,

It is like a dream,

We want it,covet it,

Though distant it may seem.

We all want love,

Someone to show they care,

Togetherness,bonding,

Knowing someone special is there.

That tender touch,

A hug and a kiss,

Sweet ,endless talks,

Company that we miss.

When together,

The world seems fine,

When far apart,

We wish for intervention divine.

Some are lucky,

They love and love they beget,

Others love but alas,

All they have is regret.

Love eludes some,

And they blame it on fate,

"What went wrong,

Why am I in this state?"

Where did I go wrong?

I loved with all my heart,

Where is that someone special,

Who will never stay apart?

I ask for nothing more,

'Tis true love that need,

Soul mate and companion,

With whom my life I will lead.

Love,only love,

Is it too much I ask?

My heart aches for that special one,

In who's love I want to bask.

Yes, I Am A Teacher!

I hold your little hands, and teach you to write,

Build your confidence and play games with delight.

Reading and listening skills constantly I hone,

Language and Math lessons never leave you alone.

To your curiosity and  wonder I lend a a gentle hand,

Your fears, your desires, I try to understand.

Through value-based lessons, I teach you what is right,

Encourage and propel you towards a future bright.

Social skills and healthy competition,

Knowledge about the world and our nation,

With dedication and passion I teach you all

And I am right beside you , lest you have a fall.

Manners and etiquette, Music and Art,

Sports , games and most importantly, compassion in your heart.

I teach you life lessons, within the classroom walls,

Guide you , goad you, inspire you, beyond duty’s call.

Yet, there are those,  who undermine my worth,

They say of good teachers, there is a dearth.

Teachers have no respect, or so they often say,

But I see love and respect in my kids eyes, each day.

Yes, I am a teacher, a very proud one I add,

I make other professions , of that I am glad.

Doctor, engineer, scientist or the CEO of a firm,

None would be possible without a teacher teaching a term.

Yes, I am a teacher, and  it’s great to see kids grow,

I lay the foundation of their future, in time they will know.

Till then I continue, to touch their lives each day,

Make a difference slowly, and brighten up their way.

Lost Treasures.

Innumerable narrow lanes,
Where tales of yore unfold,
Treasures long forgotten,
Some stories still untold.

There's a flurry in the morning
To get the goods all set,
Connoisseurs of ancient artefacts
Come and buy what they covet.

The shops are small and run-down,
The shoppers,they just don't care,
What that they want is a slice
Of the artistic,antique ware.

All look for a good bargain
Enticed by the old world charm,
Antiques mesmerise and beckon
Some prices cause alarm.

From clocks,radios and urns,
They have everything here,
Cameras, posters and carvings,
Some come cheap, some Oh so dear!

Armed with my camera
I capture all I see,
It is really fantastic,
Amidst these treasures to be!

It was an amazing experience
In Chor bazaar's narrow lane,
Transported back to past glory,
Inshallah, I will come here again!