Parenting

 

If you buy a dog

and expect someone else

to walk, to play with it 

and teach the tricks

Then, isn’t it unreasonable 

to ask unconditional love from it

Of course connection is love 

and it compounds with

the amount of time invested

~ 12 Jul 25

The Proof is in the Pudding

 

The little boy I knew

cared for all the bugs he knew

He would ask them to be handled safely

Though he’d see them later barely

He’d ask they not be hit

even the mosquitoes 

that gave him bad sores

He didn’t think twice

to cuddle me tight, or

press mine on to his face

He’d latch on to my back

without any reluctance

He’d ask for my hand 

before we slept

to squeeze his into mine

We’d play the nudge game

finding the patterns

and relaying them 

at the tips of our fingers

We’d go on and on, 

until sleep beseeched 

our tired end-of-day minds

These portals of playfulness 

were the proof of parenting

I thought so very proudly

Now, that he’s grown tall 

and gotten a teen mind

I miss the sweetness 

though the pudding is still mine

~ 12 Jul 25, 23 Jul 25

Attention

 

If you have managed to look at the same thing and notice one or two things differently, then you are paying attention. But then, it is not in a very critical or objective way; perhaps, more in a creative soft way. Like observing and thinking through your heart rather than through your brain. 

Case in Point: When driving back from the beach, the gigantic strong trees bearing the slender climbers that were swaying to the passing vehicles got me distracted to look up slightly. And then, I noticed how the entire Besant avenue had overarching trees that met atop, and crowding the air space so much that you hardly notice the blue sky.

~ 07 Jun 25

Adrift

 

How is it that things afloat on the sea, always move towards the north. It is the same with humans. We start at a point in the beach and end up further away, northside from where we left our belongings.

~ 07 Jun 25

Kid Dog

 

Stationed on the beach sand, 

the insecure kid-dog yelped 

desperately at its human parents 

who were out on the beach, 

wanting to enjoy the sea. 

Pets, especially dogs, are always lovable because of this innocent mutual emotion that is etched in them, till their last breath.

~ 07 Jun 25

Oracle

 

Every parent must become the ‘oracle’ (of Delphi or of Matrix fame, I mean) that their kids want to go to. 

Everyone needs an oracle or oracles. You will need to believe that they will have the answers. They can also be books, the god, or your own self.

~ 07 Jun 25

Friends and Parents

 

For them, 

They are partners in crime 

We are parents in crime

~ 22 Jul 25

Clarity

 

She spoke with such clarity; those words were like the thoughts she had written it down earlier, for herself, for no particular reason.

~ 22 Jul 25

Crow’s Nest

 

I have seen a crow’s nest, pretty much a bare one, but have never seen a crow resting in its nest. Given how hyperactive a crow usually is, at least in the daytime, I have hardly ever imagined a crow in its nest! Of course, I've seen a bird and the birdlings in paintings, with all the babies' mouths wide open. But nothing so far in real time. And obviously, I need to be living on trees to see the entire family, which is not going to happen any sooner.

So, I saw its highness today, when I was at the Anna Centenary library with my seat overlooking a moderately grown neem tree. It was indeed a spectacle to see the busy crow sit still. I was not too sure if there were any eggs in the nest. But yeah, the crow was trying hard to snuggle itself in its nest. And as expected, it disappeared into its busy world after a while. I had to wait for a really long time to get a pic of the crow in its home, and then had to give up! I guess, because it got too busy during lunch time… I meant for humankind. Funny me!

~02 Jun 25

Intelligence and Obedience

 

Me thinks: Intelligence cannot be bundled as common sense, unless the person has suffered, or been there. 

Context: We tell our kids so many things that we've learnt after we've suffered and that which has become common sense to us. But expecting them to take that as common sense and expecting godspeed is unfortunately unrealistic. The paradox is that this intelligence has still not become common sense to me!

Serendipity or coincidence: In today's A Word A Day series from Anu Garg, in the thought for the today, he's mentioned George Orwell (from the book 1984), because it was his birthday on 25Jun25: 

OBEDIENCE IS NOT ENOUGH. Unless he is suffering, how can you be sure that he is obeying your will and not his own?

~26June26

Namesake

 

Leaves in autumn:

Wonder who called it 'leaves'!

~ 26May25

Self-Enquiry

 

The wonders a bit of self-enquiry does, 

in the middle of one's falling and falling!

~ 25May25

Sleep Game

 

Feeling sleepy and tired for no particular reason need not be an indication of depression; it could be just anemia. And can be balanced by proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise. Here, exercise can be replaced by physical movement. And when it is done with some fun, like a sport, and with some purpose, it is a real game changer.

~ 25May25

Teeth

 

We've been given such small teeth and not being able to take proper care of it (even one at a time) indicates inattention, lack of mindfulness, and improper application of mind. So it's something to do with the mind. Now, extend it to the other body parts.

~25May25

Traffic Hype

 

Slow moving traffic 

is not worth the hype at all… 

especially, 

when you are on a two-wheeler, 

and you have somewhere to go 

something important to do

and have very little time.

~ 27 April 2025

Beware

 

No matter how much 

of an egomaniac you are,

The only person 

who can sideline you,

condescend you, 

wag his index finger at you, 

and make you cut a sorry face,

is the traffic policeman 

So, beware!

~ 27 Apr 2025

Earning and Spending

 

For what cause 

Are you getting and 

spending kaasu?

~ 18 Apr 2025

Parenting Bee

 

After parenting my two sons who are in their teens now, somehow, I feel that I only got it right the third time... when parenting my pet cat.

~ 18 Apr 2025

Relationship Advice

You may come across people who like the same things as you do. 

But don't be misled into taking that for being like-minded. 

It can lead to a lot of miscommunication.

~ 12 Apr 2025

Only You

 

I would

If I could

keep your names

as the title of all my poems

dear, bittersweet and petrichor!

~ 10 Apr, 2025