The Lonely Tree

The lonely tree on the  slope of hillock kept spreading its branches- I thought it was growing, because it looked so green, so full of life. But one fine day it was lying dead on the very slope it took birth  I wondered why? Why such green tree fell to the ground. I went up the slope and found the hollow trunk wrapped up in green climbers and creepers.

But why did it fall? It looked so full of life, extending its branches as if trying to touch the sky.
It remained a mystery to me. It was getting water, sunlight and the soil seemed to be fertile  so why did it fall? What made it's healthy trunk go hollow and weak?  The colorful climbers and creepers were making it look so beautiful.
I could not solve the mystery because I was inexperienced I and  had much to learn about the truth of life.
Today at aripe old age, having spent six decades on this planet I still sees that tree. I dream about that tree with my open eyes in broad day light.
That tree depicts reality, fact of life. Now I understand why it fell.
When climbers and creepers take support, they suck you dry from within. Now I understand the extending branches did not want to touch the sky  they were the extended arms asking for help.
They were saying help me, help me get rid of these unwelcome guests. But the world was oblivious to it's cry. After all it looked so lively and green.
Why do I speak of that tree now? Because with passing years I have gained loads of experience.
Why do I  speak of that tree now?
Because that tree is My Mother, Me, You or anyone else who lets these creepers take your support, grow, suck you dry and then when you die (age mentally,  emotionally and physically) leave you to rot for the want of understanding and support.
You allow them to suck the much needed Elixir of life without knowing the rot they have set in you. They grow around you,  and you look so contended and beautiful to world,  just like that tree. Neither you nor the world know what is to come.
NOW I lnow the happy go lucky tree was suffering. The moss had grown, cut off all sunlight and air , choking the tree. The tree had extended it's arms asking for help but the world was too busy to notice. The tree died of suffocation. The tree died for the lack of care, love and affection. The tree died for the lack of understanding.
Can I cut the creepers and be free? No I cannot. Why? Because they have made inroads within me  cutting them and getting rid of them is life threatening.
Is it my fault?  I asked the dead tree.
They are yet devouring me in death and slowly running away from me. They know in no time I will be of no good use to them so are running away to greener tree or may I say greener pasture. But I do ot care, let them be.
I wondered what now? The tree gave the answer again. Nothing  not a bit to worry.
I asked the tree can I cut the creepers and climbers?
Did I? It asked in return. If you cut it you will be cutting a part of you, if you uproot them and thus your heart will bleed  'cause they are rooted deep in your heart.
What then I asked?
The tree said:
Go to the the place I had fallen,
You had taken me for dead.
O! human that is the difference,
Between you and me,
You wallow in sorrow,
And
For  me it is,
Never say dead.
I may fallen but not defeated,
My soul lives,
I got up from ground and raise my head,
My spirit is indomitable.
Go where I lay on the ground, and see for yourself.
So I went,
Saw the tree lying on the ground,
With it's own green canopy,
Smiling at the world,
In victory
Teaching us a lesson,
No one can kill us,
But ourself.
That day I learnt my lesson from the tree,  that let the creepers leave you for dead. If I want to be happy I have to say:
I may be weak,
I may have fallen,
Not broken from within,
I may be alone,
But
Not dead.
It is upto us to be happy or sad.
I have made my choice to live like tree. What about you?

Conversation with river

It was, after almost 50 yrs I was in a, city I grew up 'Kanpur'. I went to my favorite point where we used to play in sand, eat freshly plucked muskmelon, watermelon and splash in the waves of river. I closed my eyes and sat there. But some thing was, amiss. No it cannot be the same river whose water we used to scoop to quench our thirst while playing. So I asked the river :

I :

What is thy name,

O mighty river,

Who flows so majestically,

And creat musical notes so pure.

I sit by your side,

Watching the confluence of nature,

And beauty created by mankind.

But do forgive me,

I forget your name,

I implore you,

Tell me what is Thy name.

She :

Call me Yamuna,

Call me Ganga,

Call me by any other name,

I am a river.

I may look black, blue, red or white,

I may be small,

I may be big,

Yet I am called River,

And that I think, is my name.

I:

Oh River I know,

I know you are a river,

But why are you so hesitant,

In divulging thy name?

You take offense at my failing memory?

But how can you forget,

I have grown old,
Sitting by your side.

My sight  is weakened,

My legs won't support me,

Yet I remember your majestic beauty,

I have enjoyed since my childhood,

I beg you,

Tell me what is thy name?

She:

O lady!
I remember once my children,
Tiny, small and big,

Used to live happily,

In me.

You all creatures,

Used to enjoy my bounties,

I was called the lifeline of you all.

Unlike you I do not grow old,

Yet like yours,

My memory also fails me,

The fishes are dying,

My banks are no longer the same,

All the happy noises are gone.

I feel suffocated,

I am dying,

For reason unknown to me.

Oh lady do you know the reason?

I also implore you,

To tell me,

Why I am dying?

My memory also fails me,

Ask others what is my name,

Find out and let me also know,

What's my name.

I:

I squished my nose,

Oh what a foul smell,

The banks are dirty,

And water soiled,
I opened my bleary eyes,
Oh who did this to my Ganga!

I hung my head in shame.

I got up eyes downcast,

Walked quietly away,

I did not have courage,

To tell her,

Her name.

Her cries,

Save me! save me!

Could be heard far away.

With folded hands,

I said;

O! Ganga Mighty Ganga,

Do me a favor one last time,

Forgive me,

My Ma! forgive me,

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

सत्य (Satya-The Truth Of Life)

इस जीवन के कुछ पल जी तो लूँ
फिर आजाना तू मुझको लेने,
ऐ मौत क्यों न तुझे दया आती,
ये वक्त नहीं है मरने का।

    क्यूँ फूल खिले बगिया में,
    वीरान उसे जब होना था,
    अब अपने भी पराये लगते हैं,
    तू रूक जरा उन्हें पहचान तो लूँ ,
    ये वक्त नहीं है मरने का।

कुछ रिश्ते हैं,
कुछ नाते हैं,
कुछ अपने और पराये हैं,
अब घर की चार दिवारें पूछती,
वो कौन जो तेरे अपने हैं,
वो कौन जो तेरे पराये हैं।
ऐ मौत मुझे कुछ और पल  जीने दे,
इन दीवारों को समझा दूं मैं,
ये वक्त नहीं है जाने का..।

    इक बीज था मैंने बोया,
    अंकुर से पेड़ बना वो,
    कितना सहलाया,
    कितना दुलराया,
    सोचा कभी छाँव मेरी बनेगा वो,
    पर इस उम्र कि तपती धूप में,
    उस छाँव को ढ़ूढ़ति फिरती हूँ,
    ऐ मौत जरा रुक,  रुक
    उस छाँव में जरा बैठ तो लूँ,
    ये वक्त नहीं है मरने का...।

जिस पेड़ को तूने पाला था,
हलराया था,
दुलराया था,
वह पेड़ तो ऊंचा हो चला,
उस पेड़ के नीचे छाँव नहीं,
बस कांटों की है भरमार वहाँ,
जिस पेड़ को तू ढ़ूढ़ती है,
वह पेड़ तेरे आंगन में कहाँ।

    उठ यहां कोई तेरा अपना न पराया है,
    यह देश भी तेरा बेगाना है,
    तेरी बगिया सदा आबाद रहे,
    इसी मनोभाव से तुझे लेने आया हूँ,
    अब देर न कर,
    तू चल, देर न कर,
    तुझे अपने, पराये दिखाता हूँ।

यह अटल सत्य है रे पगली,
यहां कोई किसीका अपना नहीं,
सब बेगाने हैं।

    मैं मानने को तैयार नहीं,
    भटके कदमों ने ढ़ूढ़ ही लिया,
    सोचा
    अब पेड़ की छाँव में बैठूंगी।

पग लड़खड़ाऐ,
आंखें भर आईं,
     डग मग डग मग लुड़की मैं,
     मौत ने मुझको थाम लिया,
     मौत ने मुझको थाम लिया।
             -----------------

Colorful Riots

The sky was clear, such pure blue color of sky reminded me of my childhood, when gazing at sky and imagining what lay beyond that pure blue used to be best time for fertile brain of we youngsters.

The roads were lined with thick vegetation of different shape, size of trees. My son took me to my dream land. Yes it was indeed as if I have landed into the dreamland of my childhood, only this time it was earth not sky.

It was the month of October and most of the people I saw or were clad in woolens and why not the wind had a sharp nip to it. But here was I with a sleeveless dress enjoying the cold wind caressing my arms, my cheeks and blowing away my hair.

It seemed that God had painted the earth with all colors it had in its pallet. Hues of yellow, red, brown, green…..!  it was riot of colors. I always let the child within to remain alive in a small corner of my heart, just for the occasion and place like this. I danced with joy seeing and being amidst the pure, natural beauty.

 

The sound of river flowing at a distance in the reserve forest, the rustling of leafs due to movement of small earthy creatures could be heard, the quietness and tranquility of the place was mesmerizing and infectious. I wished the time to stop, or at least slow down, so that I could feast my eyes till they refuse to remain open, and when they indeed close I dream only and only of the beautiful site I behold in my memory.

The tall trees were yellow with sprinkling of green to remind us that they were painted initially pure green, then Mother Nature wanted to add color so sprinkled them liberally with bright yellow. Some trees got envious and went to God to complain about not getting colorful treatment by Mother Nature. Come on! do not be so jealous, go back and let me check what can be done. Thus he gave Mother Nature pallet full of blue, red, purple, maroon, pink, white, crimson color. Go and be judicious to all trees, they are your beauty, savior and life. Be impartial and of course I expect you to be most artistic. Let no plant come again to me complaining.

One by one the colors were used and none of the plants were left untouched by them. After finishing the work, much exhausted Mother Nature went to rest a bit. This was the time I first saw the beauty of Fall colors. So bright, so welcoming, nature in its full glory.

 

We went around the forest reserve for almost one hour.

My love for camera and taking pictures for posterity sometimes irritates people with me, but that day I was not interested in taking photos as I wanted to soak in the nature and the fresh cool air around me. I wanted to one amongst them (Trees). Camera was a obstacle that day. (My son clicked the photos).

Almighty was happy and showering all warmth and love on the savior of life on earth “The Trees”. Beauty when goes to the head can bring the downfall. Now with everyone is appreciating the colorful beauty of plants, they got little high headed. Laughing at the creatures living on then or near then, swaying fiercely with their crowning glory, toppling the nests of birds (sometimes with their eggs or little ones in them), dropping their leafs on ground in hoards thus causing darkness to the creatures snuggling there.

The cost they paid? Well it was heavy cost they had to pay.

The warmth bestowed by God was no longer there, the colors started to fade and then the Mother Nature scowled upon them. The nature was in its dark, cold mood. Blue sky was covered with white, grey and black clouds.  

With the warmth and blessing of Mother Nature gone the trees could not sustain themselves. Leafs became dull brown, and the branches started shedding them in hoards. Leafs fell on ground and got trampled upon by humans and animals walking there. They cried, snuggled with each other but to no avail. They got crushed. They could not regain their lost beauty.

Rain and snow came from above and said “Soak in me and earth will soak you and get enriched”. The oneness with soil is the penance you must do. Thus the trees were denuded of their bright foliage. When they soaked in the water and snow and learned to love the lowest of the creature, their penance was completed.

The foliage returned to the trees with full glory of green, to through the same cycle again.

Every phase of this cycle is awesome. All the adjectives in lexicon are mere words for such a marvel of nature.

Come on Ma, we are waiting for over an hour for you. His hand on my shoulder brought me out of my trance.

Oh Uday I felt like a child in dream world and wanted to shout out of happiness.

Indeed you did and loudest. You were very happy Ma.

Yes son I was very happy and the memories bring smile to my face always.

Matrys

Listening to debate of Republic TV today, I felt sad and distressed that people like Owasi and Pramod Krishnan cannot understand that a militant and terrorist is not an Indian, thus is labeled by his/her religion. But Indian security forces, Army, Navy, Airforce personals are all Indians, thus not labeled by religion. They are taught to leave their religious, cast, creed outside before entering forces. They are Indians and only Indians.
It pains and angers me to see these people playing politics at the martyrdom of our heros.
I salute those who have sacrificed their lives, their families who will bear the loss through out their lives. Because of them we are safe and enjoying life.
Dear politicians please give them a gift this Valentine's day :
"Give due respect to matrys and do not politicize their martyrdom".
Jai Hind.

महकता हुआ इक हवा का झोंका

महकता हुआ इक हवा का झोंका आया,

खुशबू कितने फूलों की लाया,

पर मैं तो खडी रही हतस्तब्ध,

मैं भ्रमित हूँ या कोई झोंका हवा का आया?

खिलखिलाकर जब उसने याद दिलाया,

खुली आँखों से सोयी,

जैसे स्वपन हो कोई,

उसे अपने सन्मुख तब मैंने पाया।

कितनी मधुर थी वो संध्या की बेला,

जब उसने मुझे नानी कह कर बुलाया।

तुम्हारा लड़खड़ाते हुए भाग के आना,

नानू से नानी की शिकायत करना,

रसोई में ड़ब्बे बरतनों को खिलौंना बनाना,

खिलखिलाना भाग के गोदी में आना,

बहुत याद आता है ओ मेरी गुड़िया,

तेरा खिलखिलाना।

बहुत सलीके से रख्खा है घर अब,

नहीं कुछ इधर से उधर होती है अब,

आओ ना मिल कर खेलैंगे हम तुम,

घर को मैदान बनाएंगे हम तुम,

'मिकू किधर है' की पुकार लगाऊंगी मैं ,जब

मेरे पास भाग कर आओगी तुम,

खिलखिलाओगी तुम।

नानू नानी याद करते बहुत हैं,

अब जल्दी से आओ,

मिहिका वह हवा का झोंका पुनः ले के आओ।

पुनः ले के आओ, पुनः ले के आओ।

इंतजार करती हुई

तुम्हारी नानी।

When I Got Lost

I am so often told story of Bruno getting lost, when he left his mom’s side in a crowded mall. The idea of getting lost used to send shivers down my spine. But then destiny had decided for me to experience the feeling of getting lost and then coming home to my loved ones.

    I had gone for an outing with my family. Usually I am with young ones playing with them, but this fateful day I was in custody of the elders. Sometimes I was clutched firmly by hands and sometimes I would swing by the shoulder of the grand old man.

    Going around Washington DC, was such a pleasure. Oh! Such a beautiful place. It was sunny day, with slightly cold breeze. We all were so happy clicking photographs. We went around in leisure to see each and every memorial, garden, Hudson riverside walk and many other places. We were tired but happy. 

    Next day we visited the beautiful, amazing creation of nature “Luray Caverns” in Virgina. I was staring wide eyed, for I had never seen such a beauty of nature. I was urging to be picked up again and again so that i can have best view of different colored hanging of minerals. I was admonished not to jump so much else i would be out of energy very soon, and feel tired. I was told by the old man "You will be made to sit in car when we go treasure hunting in maze garden". 

    For me all of it was a double treat, because I was out of the house, away from windy, uncertain weather of Chicago and was visiting such amazing places. I was enjoying the sun more than any one else. 

     The old lady with us was not so happy with sun and always either drinking water or covering her head and face with hat and scarf. O my God! It is so hot here, I prefer Chicago, she would say again and again. We all would laugh aloud making her furious. Why come out sightseeing if you cannot bear sun and like only cold climate, or shaded places, I would think aloud and make funny faces at her. But she was such an enthusiast, that despite of bright sun, she would not stop playing with me or the big brother of mine whom she had always by her side.

     We were headed for the Smithsonian Air and Space museum Virgina. While car was being taken out of parking lot (which was almost 2 miles away) we decided to enjoy the cold breeze under the canopy of sprawling green tree.

     Oh my God! They just forgot to pick me up and just walked away toward the approaching car. I take a sigh of relief, when the grand old man (God bless him), remembers that all of them have walked away without me. He comes running to pick me up lovingly and admonishes me for leaving his side and running around the tree.

     The drive to Air and space museum was so much fun, great music was being played by the young lady and we all were laughing and cracking jokes. I could see the magnificent building of the museum, but this time I did not leave the side of my caring grandpa. I just hung to his shoulders, unmindful of people laughing at my monkey tricks of swinging from left to right.

     There were space ships, planes oldest to the latest. Oh! I wished I could climb on all of them. The old lady was excited like a small child. I loved when she ran from one place to another with a big smile on her face. I just wondered what was going in her mind. 

Her son was showing both the ladies all the exhibits, telling their history and all technical details to them. I listened for few minutes and then went ahead with the old man, because he was going to space section and I loved it more than anything else.

     When I could not see, he would lift me up to show the exhibits, every time pressing my right shoulder. I felt luckiest person on earth.

     I did not know what lay in store for me when I was taken to the rest room. Sitting on the table near wash basin I heard all funny sounds, and then it happened. I was waiting to be picked up but it was not done. I thought I have been abandoned, otherwise how the can the old man forget that I was on sitting on the table.

     I was shell shocked. I could not utter a word. I was crying silently. I reached for the hand of every visitor in rest room, but nobody bothered to pick me up. I sat there feeling lonely, tired and defeated.

     The clock stuck five. Announcement was being made to vacate the museum but I could not jump off the table. I was alone in empty museum.

     Then I heard some footfalls, somebody came in. I smiled happily thinking; after all I am neither forgotten nor abandoned. More funny sounds from the room started coming. Cleanliness done the man was about to lock the restroom, when by God grace he happened to brush by my stretched hands. He picked me up, cuddled me, took me outside and removed my jacket to cool me. He tried to find out whom I belonged to. But when he failed to so, he put me in a big room full of things I had never seen or heard of.         I was scared and cold, lonely, too lonely. I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry loudly, but not a sound would come out of me. I was dying for that big warm hug I always get.

     Next day I was sent to another big room far away from Virgina. I was not sure of my fate. I was crying silently and praying to Almighty to send me to my family.

     They were checking something in their computers, keeping me firmly by their side. They really cared for me, looked after me lovingly. I was hoping that they are looking for my address, which I being small could not tell them.

     Then a big smile was flashed by the pretty lady, who was clicking away the keys of computer with furious speed. I hoped she was furious at my family members for forgetting me. Careless people she would say.

     They dressed me in soft warm cloths, patted my face again and again and sent me in a car to some destination I did not recognize. I could just hear some mumbling in the other room.

     I was picked up and handed over to some other person. I was wondering now where am I being taken? Oh the hands holding me were so familiar, the broad grin on the face certainly belonged to my brother. Yes O! yes I was getting the biggest, warmest hug. I was now after a long journey, with my family.

     I was taken inside the house and the loud happy shriek the old lady gave was the sweetest sound to my ears. The young lady "Indira" was standing silently, watching the whole drama and smiling.

     Uday picked me up and said to the old man, his father, “Papa take it. Please keep it with you, use it to click photos of the places you visit”.

     Yes! I am Sony camera and this is my story of getting lost. Thanks to Smithsonian for all the efforts to trace my owner. I am back in my cozy place, in the cupboard I belong to. The old man smiles every time he sees me.

A note from the owners:

We had two more cameras, could afford to purchased one more, but the photos in the memory chip of this camera were precious to us. They were memory of our time spent in such educative, thrilling, wonderful places in and around Washington DC, with our children.

We thank Smithsonian, for such a wonderful gesture of returning our camera which we left in Air and Space museum. They did not charge us even for the expenses involved in postages etc. The packet with camera had a sweet note, thanking us for visiting the Air and Space museum. I will cherish this thoughtfulness, honesty and helpful nature of Smithsonian, throughout my life.

Thank you Smithsonian.