Spirit, art and life unfolded

  A discarded fragment of terracotta, transformed by a splash of vibrant red paint and a bold black sketch of a man's face, now boasts a striking new appearance, its former brokenness redeemed into a unique work of art.

 Gleeful sway like Sufis twirl No tears, no fears, grace unfurled

  A lush green setting unfolds with a vibrant tapestry of plants,  adorned with delicate Chickpea blue flowers, alongside a diverse array of other plants

  A vibrant Butterfly Pea vine with its striking blue flowers, resembling delicate butterflies, gracefully climbs amidst lush green, oval leaves. The surrounding garden has a rich mix of greenery and terracotta pots.

 A lush plant with broad, glossy green leaves thrives in a decorative terracotta pot, its intricate design featuring deliberate openings from which a smaller version of the same plant sprouts, creating a charming and unique display. Set against a backdrop of varied greenery and a large cement planter, this thoughtful design adds a touch of elegance and fascination to the surroundings.

  Back to those moments, I'm drawn again, Left behind, yet memories remain. Time hasn't taken me far, it seems, Delivering me back to those haunting dreams. What game is this, that emotions play? Breaching tears, nothing fades away. Nothing's final, nothing's taken for granted, A mystery to unlock, a story unrelented. I must return, to understand the past, To unravel the threads that forever last.

Stir me with thy melody, Cleanse and purify me like Ganga or Narmada's water. Leaning in the shade, I'm carried away, By the voice and the choice, that echoes each day. Oh, how I wish all that vexes me would recede into dust, Leaving only me, freed from all else, I trust. Finding solace in the haven, I ask, 'Which path did Shyam take?

Gulmohar, all awash with red blooms, Red color dominates the season's hues, Strong winds blow, with a reason, it seems, Sweeping away the beauty, like autumn's leaves. The ground, once red-carpeted, now lies bare, Swept into piles, and dumped, without a care. What a waste of beauty, yet still they thrive, Doing their best, to keep spirits alive. For in their revelry and bounty, we find delight, A joy that's contagious, and impossible to fight.

I may not be the one, I am not the one, Decrying the gifts of nature, unintentionally done. I was groomed in a culture of respect, yet often at odds, When nature's beauty was confronted, my heart felt the scars. We are nature's offspring, how can we offend, The very source that gives us life, till our very end? Over my dead body, I say, enough is enough, I see nature's emotions, crying, laughing, furious, and rough. Man has wreaked havoc, let's return to nature's embrace, Enjoy the fruits and blessings, in a wiser, gentler pace.

Two vivid pink Hibiscus flowers are in bloom. In the background, various flowers are blossoming alongside potted plants placed on a ledge, enhancing the lush, green environment. Time stands still with these pink-hued flowers showcasing life in its splendour.  Mandaras, flowing like cascades of pink, The landscape beaming and boisterous, Lips on display.

A lone yellow Allamanda stretches out on the twine, swaying in the wind, magnifying the morning glory. Its vibrant petals and delicate form create a striking contrast against the lush green foliage, adding a touch of sunshine to the garden's beauty.

Day in, day out, every passing moment, My thoughts reverently revolve around the inescapable, All my prayers seeking a quick, quiet reprieve, From the existential turmoil that besets us all, The final call that comes for saints and sinners alike, For scholars and the ignorant, a chance to redefine, Freedom from the unenchanting tangles that bind.

Featuring one beautiful pink and white Adenium flower with ruffled edges, commonly known as the Desert Rose. The petals are delicate and have a soft gradient from white in the center to light pink towards the edges. In the background, green leaves and additional similar flowers are visible. One white flower stands out, having smooth edges and no pink tint

Lost in deep thoughts, amidst a melancholic setting, She waits for her alcoholic husband's return from work, 'Why is my son not shining in studies?' she ponders, With problems as her only companions, no promise of a bright future in sight, Yet, she holds on to a stubborn will to overcome, 'Honge kamyab ek din' - She will succeed one day.

 An evening, barely after sunset's hue Pitter-patter raindrops, a melancholic tune anew In the old mansion, stories whisper through Relationships rattle, cracks begin to show Why do they form, how can they mend? No one's ready to repair, no friend to lend In this grand commotion, who do I thank? What will bring you down to your knees? The ego, insurmountable, until it sees Its own fragility, its own demise And humbles itself, with a sorrowful sigh

The clues lie there, to drive away the blues That seek to occupy all the space No one else can, you alone must face Silentium est aureum, in the long run You'll find peace, and your struggles will be done Finally, who's the winner? Silence, of course For in stillness, we find our greatest force.

Another day of contentment, atop the neredu tree, Relishing fruits, in pure ecstasy. Going by the tree, I pluck and eat, Ripe fruits only, no need to compete. Romance still reigns, on this day, July 10, 2024, in every way. No quarrels, no complaints, I'm free, Just enjoying the limited, serenely. When life itself is limited, why should I, Let discontentment spread, and never die?

There are few things after which nothing more remains desired: Love of mother, and Guidance of father, Wife's charm, Warmth of family, God's unseen presence, Nature's gifts, Kindness and gestures from those around, Smile of a child. You should know where to draw your boundary. This is enough, this is enough. Is it not enough in a life driven by desires unlimited?

 A new pomegranate plant has matured into a mother plant, abundant with flowers and unripe fruits. This year, it has finally revealed its splendour. I previously wondered if it would produce sweet and tasty fruits or, like the granny plant in the corner, yield fruits better suited for juicing, with their vibrant colour and flavor. Nature's wonders unfold right in my backyard.

  Adeniums, red and white, unite in spirit and directly communicate, reminding me of the beauty of life. The mix of good and bad, noble and ignoble, is all one. Ekam (the ultimate reality) teaches us to embrace unity and not distinguish, for in doing so, we can find happiness; otherwise, we may suffer more than necessary.

In the first photo, the hibiscus plant bears a single prominently displayed flower in the foreground. Bright pink flowers are slightly visible in the background, along with several buds ready to bloom. The plant looks healthy, with lush green leaves and vibrant pink flowers.   In the second photo, the hibiscus plant appears even more vibrant and flourishing. The same bright pink flowers are still present, but additional flowers have bloomed, indicating active growth. More buds are visible, suggesting that the plant continues to produce new blooms. The leaves remain lush and green, and the plant continues to occupy its prominent position in the garden. The overall appearance of the hibiscus is consistent with the first photo, with a few more flowers and buds indicating ongoing growth and vitality.

 Slave of moments, passing, shiny glow worms. I am here, somewhere, nowhere, a fleeting thought. Don't take me seriously, Now it sings in the abyss of devotion, next minute dances in garbage. In the play of raga dwesha, I am a commotion, Colors change, everything flows, Ganges or gutter, I know not. I am angry, don't mind me, for I am lost in the flow. Don't take me seriously, That ground was shaky, temptation prevailed, I bit the dust, humiliation, defeat, and longing unveiled. The elusive is dearer, irresistible, a siren's call. Don't take me seriously,

Aaye na balam, this endless wait For what is not, the distant dream that abounds In soothing symphonies, spraying sedation Obsessions that filled, thrilled, and never faded Stop wondering at life's cruel, mythical strife No worries, I walk towards a clear destiny Gathering storms and pebbles, I rest a while On this shore where oceans roar, and minds smile Why do they fear me? All mind's play, a jest Till I rest, and the charade ends, at last.

The mind subordinates all, mighty and small, To fleeting emotions, until another calls. Priorities shift, with each passing tide, As emotions ebb and flow, and preferences reside. A slave to moments, mastering the insane, I yearn to be a rock, unswayed by the brain. But is it possible, in this life engineered, To walk the shore, unmindful of the cries unheard?

Passing through another date, July 8, 2024, I'm lost in a myth of time I've crafted. Days roll by like tears, making no sense. When nothing makes sense, emotions overwhelm me. I play my role too well or too badly, wondering if I need validation at the end. Let me bide my time, and wind up unseen, The misty horizon stirs restlessness in me, Cutting bonds and freeing me. The charmer's song echoes in an unknown raga, A soothing melody only she understands, As I seek rest, and peace that's hard to find. Waiting for stories to unfold, and tales to be told, I seek the peace that only silence can hold.

 On July 7, 2024, I ventured to the old city early, where Fiaz took me to a bustling restaurant. The air was filled with the aroma of masala, and people were eagerly devouring paya and various types of rotis. Their hearty appetites and the morning rush astonished me. While I delight in such culinary experiences, I harbour a deep concern for hygiene standards. Nevertheless, I was persuaded to try the Kasturi tea, a delight for food enthusiasts. The old city offers a diverse range of restaurants, with varied options to suit different budgets. However, my concern for hygiene remains a consistent worry across many of these eateries.

  A tiny rock transformed into a reminder, featuring the word "Smile" in black on a warm, reddish-orange background. Decorative black lines radiate from the word, to add a touch of elegance. This small work of art, though trivial, brings joy and positivity wherever it's placed, serving as a poignant reminder to appreciate the moment and smile.

  Aloes, money plant, spider plant, and mandara entwined, On the window sill, a symphony divine. Green ears alone can hear the gentle tune, As comrades in harmony, they flourish in tune. No conflict, no strife, just peaceful coexistence, A testament to nature's grace and insistence. Live and let live, in perfect synchrony, A serene and verdant harmony.

I am here in a turbulent world You are there in the imagination's feast You are the panacea, the elixir to cure me of all ills Man has designed You in various forms While his own form went on changing, never arriving Back to the beginning, I am here in the blues You are there in many hues.

Days gone by, moments vanished in air, Times yet to be born, arriving with gentle care. Time, a testimony to memories past, Breathing quietly, observing from a hilltop at last. Dales and valleys stretch far and wide,                                                                                                     Mist and mystery shroud the other side. If only I knew how to travel through time's door, What would I do? The question echoes evermore. In idle moments, the mind explores and roams, Psychedelic dreams, a kaleidoscope of thoughts and homes.

 The image depicts a collection of six small, square tiles, each featuring unique and colourful designs: 1. Top Left Tile Displays colorful handprints with fingers painted in blue, yellow, and red. The text reads, "Hands forever shaping, sharing, shaking, blessing," emphasizing themes of creativity, connection, and generosity. The handprint imagery symbolizes human interaction and influence. 2. Top Middle Tile Features a single leaf painted in shades of yellow and green against a muted brown background. The leaf has realistic texture and detail, emphasizing the beauty of nature. 3. Top Right Tile Showcases a concentric circle pattern with dots and vibrant colors such as red, green, blue, and yellow, creating a psychedelic effect. 4. Bottom Left Tile Contains a tree silhouette against a background of red and gray. The text reads, "Listen to silence. It has much to say," suggesting a message about the value of quiet reflection and the wisdom found in stillness. 5. Bot...

 My cup, always empty, now misplaced, A treasured vessel, my heart's comfort and grace. Not a magic cup, yet essential to my soul, A constant companion, making life's journey whole. I didn't arrive with it, but acquired it along the way, Though memories of its origin have faded away. Without it, I feel lost, listless, and bereft, As if someone shattered it, leaving me to face the void and grief. Why else would I feel this ache, this sense of deprivation's sting?

Oh, Neredu, how can I thank you enough? Your purple splendour, a wonder to behold and relish. Such kindness and bounty, only nature can cherish, Making the season worthwhile, with minimal effort. I merely brought a plant from Kadiyam, and nature did the rest, Once a plant, now a tree, I dare to climb and savour the fruits on top. A testament to nature's generosity, truly the best. I bow to you with deep respect, heartfelt gratitude, and joyous glee, A humble acknowledgment of your wonders, wild, free, and carefree.

Dreamscape I don't want to escape All smooth and silky No retributions, no reprisals A witness, untainted you are No disquiet, no deficiencies, no fallacies If only dreams could be true

I had a dream where many familiar faces were present, Each engaged in their own endeavors, their actions fluent. I witnessed the unfolding events with a sense of detachment, No way to record them, yet their impact remains, a lingering impression. What value do these dreams hold, I wonder? Are they merely fleeting visions, or whispers of inner truth?

  As I greet the morning, a new page turns, Yesterday's tomorrow is out, a new chapter learns. But is it a harbinger of something new? I've never found anything new in a new year, or a birthday's renewal. The world is like a mirror's reflection, a town seen from within, (Dakshina Murthy Sloka) A illusion that appears outside, a suffering that pierces the skin. If everything is mere illusion, why these torments and pain? And who is the sufferer, in this dream a puppet show? In this ocean of life, I search for a shore, And who is the victim in this harrowing ocean of life?

In the realm of dreams, a kaleidoscope of faces appeared, A tapestry of moments, woven with silky smoothness, unfolded. Though the details now escape me, like sand between fingers, The essence remains, a whispered wisdom, a mysterious treasure. What worth do dreams hold? A language of the soul, perhaps, A symbolic journey through the labyrinth of our inner world. Though fleeting, their impact stays, a gentle breeze that stirs, A reminder to listen to the whispers of our innermost self.

Pure joy arises from a hidden sanctum, Unlinked to fleeting moments, worldly fulfillments. High above, beyond all confining craves, It soars like an arrow shot, without a target to claim. Just be there, my Lord, and lead me through, Separating the self from I, as I break through. Turfing out what held and reigned till now, I surrender, ready to pass through myths and reach reality's shore .

Tears in my years, years in my prayers, Prayers in my fears, fears in my storms. Storms in a teacup, cup in my hands, Hands in cuffs, cuffs and lashes, All in flashes, in dreams it passes.

Free from the pulls and bonds of this oppressive mind, I steer clear, guided by nobility of kind. Stability steadies me, on course I remain, Finding answers in the discourse, I sustain. Upheavals will continue, tremors will persist, Quakes will ache, but I won't desist. Noble will triumph, vicissitudes will recede, I'll proceed, unwavering, with heart and deed.

The Coleus plant is a marvel of nature, boasting vibrant, varied leaf patterns that evoke wonder. Broad, oval-shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges showcase predominantly green hues, accented by vibrant yellow-green variegation. This intricate pattern creates a rich, lush appearance, enhanced by the leaves' velvety texture. Oppositely arranged along the stem, the leaves contribute to the plant's full, bushy demeanour. In its pristine beauty, a leaf becomes a flower, capable of brightening even the dullest of surroundings. Losing oneself in the majesty of these greens can be a balm for weary spirits, reminding us of nature's profound ability to soothe and uplift.

Into these silent sessions, I merge and sink, Like the turtle withdrawing its limbs, fully within. Only the 'self' shines, a beacon of peace. The world outside melts away, as the whole becomes the hole, And all is absorbed into the soul. The noise crumbles, and only the essence rises. Grant me that essence, Venkatesa, my heart's deepest cry.

A single white jasmine flower, while others remain as buds waiting. With its star-shaped petals and sweet, rewarding fragrance, the glossy leaves are oval-shaped with a prominent central vein. The flower itself has slender, pointed petals radiating outwards. A delightful addition to our garden. Jasmine flowers not only add beauty but also fill the air with a lovely fragrance, making the garden a more inviting place.

Years in my eyes Woe is me Not anything to do with the givens of this life There is urge and surge Unknown is calling I can't hear or feel, then what else There is abundance of dissatisfaction Scarcity of trust Paucity of means Is this a story common to all or am I on a different trip?

This deepest cut, ever-deepening An unwelcome visitor, none can stop It gnaws, it preys A cry, a whimper in slow, mournful cadences Even when you yearn to forget, it won't relent A devil's pastime, a persistent plight The wind blows strong today, in intermittent sighs The morning dawned cool, pleasant, and calm But tiny mosquitoes and bees return When the wind subsides, the pain resumes A recurring theme, the wound deepens, never numb.

 Beyond me Beyond sea Behind the mountain Holy shrine, none visited, unworshipped Melodies stand still Fragrances dulled A well and a bell Who blew the conch shell? Shrill echoes fill eerily

Spirit is alive, Rest laid to rest. What is best is the quest, Lest the unceasing, ever perishing wants Meet the dust. In sombreness, they form the crust.

The Jilledu tree, with its light purple-tipped flowers, has been a constant companion since my childhood. I vividly remember the white fluid that oozed out when we broke its twigs or pulled its leaves, a phenomenon that both fascinated and intimidated us. While we avoided exploiting its medicinal properties, we couldn't help but be aware of them. These trees were an integral part of our terrain, a ubiquitous presence that shaped our memories, dreams, and ambitions. The Jilledu, along with the Tumma, were the silent witnesses to our childhood escapades, their presence a reminder of the joy and wonder of discovery that defined our early years.

The seasonal shedding of yellow flowers creates a stunning, vibrant carpet on roadsides, in parks, and across various places. This natural phenomenon transforms ordinary paths into picturesque scenes, inviting admiration and providing a delightful burst of colour to the surroundings. It's a simple yet captivating spectacle that brings joy and a sense of wonder to those who take a moment to appreciate it.

  A vibrant duo of white and pink adeniums thrive in a single pot, their beauty never faltering, regardless of the hour. Nearby, a repurposed tire hangs from the window pane, transformed into a charming planter. The overall scene is a delightful and engaging fusion of nature and creativity, offering a constant reminder of the serenity and joy that can be found in the most ordinary things.

This is an artwork featuring a painted leaf on a textured surface. The quote written on it, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower" by Albert Camus, emphasises the beauty found in the changing seasons. Vibrant yellow and green colours are used to make the leaf stand out vividly.

Who are my foes, Not allowing me to progress, Conniving to see my regress. All along the way, these 6 enemies thrived, Letting me feel worse and deprived. As my butterfly wings take me aloft, I feel rolling on the ground adrift. No one told me to be cautious, With these internal foes. They grew with me as my kin, They always win. In the playground of life, They have given me all the strife. The poem explores the struggle with internal enemies, symbolized by the fragile and transient nature of butterfly wings. The six internal foes - Kama, Krodha, and others - grow alongside us, much like kin, and can hinder our personal growth and development. Despite their ephemeral nature, these internal enemies can have a profound impact, stifling our potential and preventing us from becoming the best version of ourselves. The poem highlights the importance of acknowledging and overcoming these internal struggles to achieve true progress and self-realization.

In the early morning light, the garden stood as a testament to nature’s delicate balance. The vibrant leaves of a plant now bore the silent scars of an unseen assailant. Tiny, irregular holes punctuated the verdant expanse, as if an artist with a careless hand had peppered the canvas with errant brushstrokes. The culprit, a humble caterpillar, crept along the edge of a leaf, its minute jaws working tirelessly. This small creature, almost imperceptible, wrought its havoc with a quiet determination. The leaf's edges, once smooth and whole, now looked like the worn pages of an ancient manuscript, each nibble a forgotten story etched in the plant's flesh. The delicate lacework of damage was akin to the fine embroidery of an invisible hand. It was as if the garden, in all its glory, had been gently whispered upon by the breath of tiny marauders, each leaf telling a tale of survival and beauty interwoven with the inevitability of decay.

Nothing is late, nothing is wasted, nothing is lost I'm revisiting childhood in the 70s Eating neredu after being on the tree A satisfaction that puts aside all other marauding wants, desires Happy that I reduced them to few or none Seeking delight in small adventures Finding thrills in capturing beauties of nature on mobile And writing feelings down Do something when all that you want to do becomes impaled Small or big, no distinction When you walk away with a smile on your lips, that's the real deal Far out! I'm groovin' back to my childhood vibes, reliving the fab seventies. I'm diggin' the sweet taste of neredu, plucked straight from the tree, man. This simple pleasure is where it's at, blowin' all other desires away. I'm stoked about small adventures, snappin' pics of nature's trippy beauty with my camera, and puttin' my feelings into words, man. When all else seems like a bummer, I find my happy place in these small joys. No need fo...