Tempestuous or Tranquil?

There is a place

where I want to go -

that place where

the sea meets the sky.

From the shores it looks as if

the ocean is resting…

Its stillness and quiet

shines through and through.

But they say it’s not true.

The waters, I hear, is

tempestuous.

That stands to oppose the

tranquil scene

of which I’ve woven dreams.

Do I listen to my heart

and keep on going?

Or do I let the wise mind

dictate my move?

The Red Bird

The red bird lands

on the windowsill.

Shelter from the bursting

dark clouds, I presume.

He waddles on his

tiny feet,

hops on to the

nearest branch

and back.

All the while

his two keen eyes

look steadily in

and his curious chirps

sound as if he is

calling out to someone -

could it be you?

Does he miss you too?

Layers

Clouds! you exclaim.

How so magnificently

they crowd the sky!

The beauty in their layers!

The depth in their form!

Their ability to affect

our hearts and minds!

They mask the stars of the sky -

some call that a gloomy day

others await the imminent high.

You go on and tell me,

in your own poetic way,

all about the dark clouds

every time they pass by.

You are amazed and awed

by everything that clouds are.

 

Have you, then, also noticed

the clouds around me?

Do you know the meaning

behind the glistening tears

that crowd my eyes?

Are you able

to read the depth

of the tempest inside of me?

 

Would you tell me if you have?

 Would you guide me out of

this anguish, this pain

and unveil the real me?

Or would you rather pretend

not to see and ignore

the layers within me?

Time to stock up…

…so, I need recommendations.

The partner wanted a book to read during his upcoming journey. I ran around the house, picked the ones off my recommendation list and put the pile in front of him to choose. “But I asked you for a light, fun read. No heavy subjects, please” he declared. The only light reads I could come up with from my library were Harry Potter, a collection of Wodehouse’s works and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy.

Harry Potter – the partner wants to read the whole series together and he doesn’t suppose now is the right time for that. The one with the collection of Wodehouse’s works – the partner is a big Wodehouse fan (who isn’t?), but this one I have is a big book, not suitable to lug around during travel. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy – the partner has already read. There, everything was ruled out. I was back to square one – racking my brain trying to find something suitable. And I came up with nothing.

The partner settled to downloading an e-book (one of Wodehouse’s, but of course!). I started to grouse that I did so much work to handpick the books in front of him; he pointed out the fun I had during the process and stated that I shouldn’t be complaining. I agreed and retreated. And that was that.

Ever since this episode, though, the fact that I have no light, fun read handy has been bothering me. So, go on, please send in your recommendations for books in that category. I want to go to the bookstore next time with a list in hand focusing on this genre. Thank you!

Carry On Tuesday – Prompt #202

Hide and seek

the seasons play -

one day it’s Winter

and the next, Spring comes to stay.


Swaying with the caressing breeze

overnight, the trees bloom.

All that was brown and bare

is now in a lush green costume.


The buds, blushing in morning dew,

look like a child’s cheek red with joy.

Exquisitely they bloom before dusk

and adulthood they seem to enjoy.


Tell me, could it be magic

all this swift change of scene?

Is there someone with a wand

veiled behind the sky, the big screen?

______________________________

This is my entry for Carry On Tuesday – Prompt #202 – Could it be magic?

Boston

In the lulling shadow of your willows

I have lingered

on scorching sunny days.

To the arms of your winding roads

I have surrendered

after unruly times.

Resting in your breezy beach

I have found peace

for my disturbed mind.

Strolling near your icy river shore

I have understood

the purest form of joy.


The first time I visited

I remember I fell in love

with you, your sights, your sounds.

There’s been no looking back -

my fondness has only grown

with every blissful sound of glee,

with all that you’ve taught me.


When I heard you were hurt

I could hardly believe…

Tears gushed; thoughts rushed

to be close to you.

You stood strong through the pain

and with every passing second

your resilience and compassion gleamed.

Now you are coping, with grace,

showing all the power of determination.


Thank you, for being you, Boston.


Every time I hear your name

with pride in my heart, I say

My home you are

And will forever be.

An act of thoughtfulness

I went to an ice-cream store this afternoon to get a milkshake. There was a family of four in line before me – three generations of women – two little ones, their mother and their grandmother. And there was only one person at the counter helping customers. Which meant I had to wait until they were done placing, receiving and paying for their order. And wait I did.

I stood there browsing different options (although I knew exactly I wanted – chocolate shake, as always) and randomly eavesdropping in and out of the family’s discussion, especially the kids’, on what they were planning to get. Time seemed to pass slowly, but at last, after fifteen minutes or so, they were done and it was my turn.

Once my milkshake was ready, I went to the payment counter and took my wallet out. “You don’t have to pay for this” I was told. “Why?” I asked her, while playing different scenarios in my mind – is it on the house, is today one of those free scoop of ice-cream days at the store, etc. “They paid for you”, she pointed her finger towards where the happy family was seated. I smiled, thanked her and walked towards them.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.” I told them. “Well, you had to wait that long because of us, this is the least we could do” said the mother of the two girls. “You made my day!” I exclaimed. I expressed my gratitude to them again, for their consideration and kindness, and left.

The smile that appeared on my face then seems to be permanently stuck till now.

Such a refreshing incident this has been! I want to pay this forward. And, soon, I will.

Happy weekend, folks!