Category: poetry

Posted in Christian, Family and Society, Personal Musings, poetry, Stories Around the World

Through the Twines

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As far as impromptu plans go, the weekend saw the arrival of my brother-in law and family, for their annual family spring break. Knowing the grand plans for the garden, one of the first things my co-sister did was to hand over the dogwood sapling that she had brought for me. It was while reading up on the care of the sapling and requirements for growing a potted dogwood plant, that I had come across the legend of the dogwood tree.

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Highly popular in the yard but also grows in the wild, Cornus florida, the flowering dogwood is a species of flowering tree in the family Cornaceae. It is a deciduous tree with beautiful bract and bark structure. Yet when in full bloom, the beauty of the white blossoms each spring have an enchanting effect. As the legend goes, dogwood trees were initially large trees during the ancient years, such that the strong sturdy wood were used for building structures. It was believed that this tree provided the wooden cross used for the crucifixion. On this role, it was then both cursed and blessed. It was cursed to be small so that its’ wood would never be large enough and branches crooked and narrow to build anything sturdy from it; but blessed so as to produce beautiful flower for spring each year.

“The pale flowers of the dogwood outside this window are saints. The little yellow flowers that nobody notices on the edge of that road are saints looking up into the face of God.” Thomas Merton

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Other factors adding up to the legend are the white blossoms of the tree. Each flower has four petals, forming the shape of the cross with the middle having a tight grouping resembling the “crown of thorns”. The tip of each petal is dented, each nail dent bearing a pink or red staining, similar to a drop of blood.

With growing hybridization and tissue cultivation, there are many varieties of dogwood trees with pink flowering ones, purplish red bracts or variegated foliage. Regarding the potted dogwood tree, it mayn’t grow to be as big as the tree, but it requires an immense amount of care, regular pruning and plenty of water to make sure it stays on. While the pot this time holds a couple of blossoms, the year next can only show its’ beauty of the care it received. As far as the legend goes, this too could be just a couple of facts re-aligned to form a story. Yet to true or not, it is a beautiful creation of His, bringing out His Promise to man.

“To see a hillside white with dogwood bloom is to know a particular ecstasy of beauty, but to walk the gray Winter woods and find the buds which will resurrect that beauty in another May is to partake of continuity.” Hal Borland

The Dogwood Tree
by Anonymous

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven
And for Christ’s cross its timbers were chosen

Being distressed at the use of the wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Not ever again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so

Slender and twisted it shall always be
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.
The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown
And in the blossom’s center a thorny crown.

All who see it will think of Me,
Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be
A reflection to all of My agony.”

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Posted in Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry

Calm of the Earth

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“Patience, grasshopper,” said Maia. “Good things come to those who wait.”
“I always thought that was ‘Good things come to those who do the wave,'” said Simon. “No wonder I’ve been so confused all my life.”
Cassandra Clare

There is nothing more calming than watching colours burst through the earth, children kicking ball in the backyard and the barks of rambunctious pets joining in the midst. To note this event happening in own backyard is a thought pleasing to the mind and soul. Gardens have always been a part of my childhood. From the photographs of the toothless days in the lawn to the high school practice and science projects in the backyard, the backdrop for all the best friends meet and above all, the place to regain the spirit when one feels that things are in a downhill. Of all those memories, it is the latter that are most heartening. Little wonder why then, wanting my own splay of colours and green foliage was an immediate after settling in our new quarters.

“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.” Paulo Coelho

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Growing a garden from scratch is a test of patience, fortitude and hope. Juggling between settling in my new job, house and managing the chores along with starting off a brand new garden from few flowerpots along the gate involved quite a bit of work. As my target was primarily a flower garden, the lawn had to be squared off, followed by purchase of a few flowerpots and a couple of half-grown plants to get them to bloom for the summer. Then was to get the right packet of seeds, right compost mix and yes, to make sure the birds or insects didn’t get the seeds first. It took time. The bare network of the garden I had envisioned wasn’t ready until the next summer.

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” Aristotle

With spring in the air, watching the new shoots coming up through the ground, it gives an immense sense of satisfaction and hope that this summer would see another riot of colours, better than the year before. Like the garden, our lives too have plenty of shoots often read as hidden opportunities and the risks to be taken.

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Whether the latter were right or wrong, only time and hindsight would tell us. But to bear fruit, the benefits don’t come in a sequence. Like the seeds breaking into flowers, each chance of life may bear it’s beauty much later. The secret is to be prepared, of patient bearing, eagerness to labour and the realistic hope that things will get better eventually. As the garden teaches us, for every leaf that falls; new life is getting readied for the next season.

The Seed-Shop
Muriel Stuart

HERE in a quiet and dusty room they lie,
Faded as crumbled stone and shifting sand,
Forlorn as ashes, shrivelled, scentless, dry –
Meadows and gardens running through my hand.

Dead that shall quicken at the voice of spring,
Sleepers to wake beneath June’s tempest kiss;
Though birds pass over, unremembering,
And no bee find here roses that were his.

In this brown husk a dale of hawthorn dreams;
A cedar in this narrow cell is thrust
That shall drink deeply at a century’s streams;
These lilies shall make summer on my dust.

Here in their safe and simple house of death,
Sealed in their shells, a million roses leap;
Here I can stir a garden with my breath,
And in my hand a forest lies asleep.

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Posted in Christian, Musique, Personal Musings

Voice of Hope

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” (John 12:13)

While listening to the Scriptures being read out during the morning lauds, the verses always give a fresh burst of hope, promise and strength. Derived from the Hebrew “hoshi’a na,” (translated in Greek as “(h)osanna”) implied “to save” was viewed as a plea for help. It was an act of surrender for His Help when the potential impact of something that is about to happen or has happened is realized. When things go out of hand, we turn to His Saving Grace and His Mercy for help. Using “hosanna” as a cry of help, means that one deeply realizes that we need His Help and His Mercy for we are stretched beyond our limit.

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Psalms 118:26)

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Reading through the New Testament, the Scriptures say of the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem uses Hosanna as a proclamation of own faith. With faith comes hope of new beginning. When palm branches were placed in His Path, it marked the beginning of not just the tradition of Palm Sunday but the beginning of a new Salvation and the proclamation of the same. From deep fear, uncertainty and concern, we have shifted to complete hope, trust, confidence and acceptance of His Word and His Faith. Hosanna here means, adoration and praise as well as a cry of thanksgiving for the gift of His Salvation.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” (John 5:24)

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As the past few weeks or even months have shown us, each of us have been pleading for His Help, His Grace and His Comfort during this widespread pandemic. Along with our plea, is the gratitude for how far we have got through these difficult weeks. From being bestowed with blessings in many different forms, hopes being raised intermittent or close saves to being free of illness; these gifts no matter how small or little may seem to be, are signs of His Grace.

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:10)

Singing Hosanna from our homes and hearts should not just be cry for His Help, but also our cry of thanksgiving for His Help received and His Saving Grace. Though some of us may be still going through the lock-down phase, others bearing the effects of the illness, or of losses sustained; let us all bear in mind that His Strength would help us through.

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While things have been bad, we have and will survive, especially to sing His Praise. For our Faith and His Salvation will help us through these days of now, and that of the future as well.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” (John 5:24)

Hosanna

I see the King of Glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes, yeah
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We’re on our knees, we’re on our knees

Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna, Hosanna….

Excerpt from the song Hosanna by Hillsong Worship
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Brooke Ligertwood
Hosanna lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, Photography Art, poetry, Random Thoughts

Solace of “Doing Nothing”

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As a part of the management policy, employees are required to take at least twenty percent of their entire leaves (both annual and casual) each year. Which is why, three of my colleagues had to take their leaves, though they weren’t requiring any break from the regular. While one of them had enjoyed a short break with family at a getaway; with school for their kids, two of them were kind of stuck in their towns. Yet after their allotted leaves, on return, there was a positive spark in their eyes. To the often phrased query of “what did you do during your leave”, their response was thought-provoking, especially when the words were “we did nothing”.

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For some of us, the very act of doing nothing, may relate to sheer idleness. And as the famous adage goes, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.” Yet the day off, meaning a day of doing nothing, is primarily meant to be away from all the problem solving, completion of tasks or a break from the social life or business of the day. While there is comfort in the daily routine, every now and then each of us need time off, to just “not think”.

“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” Maya Angelou

None of us, are indispensable, specially as far as social and career life is considered. Amidst all this chaos, taking a breather is necessary for maintaining he inner balance. Sometimes, one doesn’t need to do or think, but just go with the flow and experience the calming effects of the life around us. The best holidays would be one where one learns to just appreciate the wind dance with the leaves, dance on the water, smell the dew as well as enjoy the breeze in the hammock. These quiet moments of doing nothing, help us face the turbulence that time may take us through later.

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Today I Am Doing Nothing

It’s a plan in itself,
Not an open invitation for suggestions
To go on long walks, or dancing,
Or paint-balling, or take a drive
Down to the beach.

It doesn’t mean I am free
To do one of the hundreds of tasks
You decide are more important,
In an attempt to fill my day
With a different kind of meaning.

Today I am doing nothing,
Because I have become lost,
In a world where doing something, anything
Is so expected of ourselves and each other
That simply doing nothing is viewed
As a waste of time.

We so rarely have opportunity
To have the conversations in our heads
That determine who we really are,
As we watch the moments floating past,
Lying under the stars.

Today I am doing nothing,
Please understand that what I desire,
Is silent doorbells, unknocked doors
And that the phone doesn’t ring
As I curl up by the fire.

– Nigel Finn

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Posted in Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Quotes

Not as the Speculation

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.” Toni Morrison

Preparations for the silver jubilee of the high school batch had begun well in advance, almost a year ahead. From inquiries among batch-mates about schedules, plans and venues to coordinating with the present school and alumni council, no stone was left unturned to reconnect with all members of the same batch year. Catching up to the present day, there was a couple of surprises in store for everyone. Besides the personal additions to the class, there were the professional landmarks and various talents that had come into play over the years; all which were way off the conjectures based on the know of the high school years.

“Those who have knowledge, don’t predict. Those who predict, don’t have knowledge.” Lao Tzu

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No matter how many suppositions one may presume, the reality may be something near the perceived or far off the mark. At times, it is more of the latter that makes one realize that at times perceived notions can be way out of the expected. As each of us had made our way into the world, shedding off the cloaks of the teenage years and entering into the young adult stage; not one of us would have been able to exactly predict the directions that we would turn. While for some of us, the final destination of the present day is close to the dream we had seen; for few others the present reality is way better than the future views held in the mind of those days.

“Life is no different than the weather. Not only is it unpredictable, but it shows us a new perspective of the world every day.” Suzy Kassem

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Whether the top scorer of the class reaches the pinnacle of success or the one with low grades runs his own company; towards the end of the day all those don’t matter. Neither does each of us have the power to completely judge or label one, neither does one like to labelled or judged. Whether the scorer of those days is successful today or not, it doesn’t affect the present day lives of most of us. As long as one is content from within, the true essence of life is then experienced. Though guess-work and suppositions may be nowhere near the reality, it doesn’t matter as long as each of us are happy in our own paths. And that is the true beauty of life, to feel and explore the dreams, aspiration and talents closest to the heart.

The heartthrob of the school, is a man grim and somber.
That lanky little girl, is now a weightlifter.
The topper of the class, is a happy homemaker.
Back bencher of the lot, is an entrepreneur.
The flamboyant fashionista, became a dreaded lawyer.
Oft ignored average Joe, turned a well known writer.
The one who failed math paper, is a fashion designer,
And one who often got to stand outside the class, is a respected army officer.
The reunion taught me how, people came with many layers, and tell me why should we never, judge a book by its cover.
–Anjali Sharma

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Posted in Daily, Personal Musings, poetry, Quotes

Step Back, Rest..Move Ahead

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A while back, with new addition of a sister-in-law to the family, the entire family tree, complete with two generations of grandparent siblings and their couples as well as the next generation of siblings, cousins and respective families, had decided for a family meet at one of the hilltop enclaves. While the journey was breath-taking, getting there was a series of “ups” and “downs”, similar to a roller coaster ride, albeit the loops and screaming. With the constant tug-of-war with time, we had yet again run short of time and navigating out of the city was a mess.

As we took turns, shifted gears and made our way, complete with kids, dog and other paraphernalia; it was the rests at the quintessential cafe’s and inns on the way that put us in a good mood the entire journey. Despite the nagging worry of whether we would be there, none of us forget to appreciate the view and the journey and take snapshot memories of the same. Finally we did get to the hilltop in time, with no regrets for the length of the journey or the hassles faced. The views accompanied by the moments of joy, laughter, peace and happiness made up, much more and beyond for the tedious drive up-hill.

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.” Erol Ozan

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Driving uphill or unknown roads and off-beaten paths is something that we often feel in a similar vein, in our daily life. One really doesn’t need to be aligned with the wheel, but even on foot it takes plenty of effort to go up and against the pull downwards. When the pull gets too strong, stopping for a while to rest makes a big difference. Each of us have our own set of winding roads. Though one mayn’t manage to navigate through on the first few tries, losing heart doesn’t get us anywhere. Instead rest to rejuvenate and recharge, gather the courage to reassess, reclaim own strengths and travel again along the same or slightly altered but right paths. Eventually one will get there when the mind, soul and spirit go hand in hand. The view from the road uphill around, above and below makes every arduous climb worth the effort. That is what the essence of the drive and life in totality, is all about.

“It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.” Henry Ward Beecher

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Up-Hill

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
– Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

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Posted in Life, poetry, Random Thoughts

To Rest, Free

Posted on by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

Weekends are precious. At times it is so because one tries to squeeze in the dues from the week before or catch up with family and friends who have been neglected for a while, or to catch up with own personal stuff. Though at times, weekends are more precious because it’s one of the days when one tries to simply do nothing. To a point, my husband and I try to fit the weekend in the last category. With the children kept busy till lunch; the post lunch session includes an hour or two of their favourite cartoons or movie, while as adults we resolve to just lie in the yard, free of any thoughts or plans.

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” John Lubbock

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Trying to stay “thought free” for a hour or half every weekend does wonders for the soul. To contemplate or think about nothing, while one is still alert is an art in itself. While an idle mind mayn’t be a bad workshop, to be free of thoughts for a while is on a totally different plane. Each of us have plenty of inner worries that often tend to surface when the hands stay still and the mind wanders. To still that wandering mind of worries takes effort and plenty of faith laced with hope.

“The most valuable thing we can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of room, not try to be or do anything whatever.” May Sarton

To rest and feel free is a wonderful gift to experience. To relax doesn’t require one to be kept busy or watch plenty of visuals. One of the best ways to de-stress would be just to lie in the hammock and watch the sunset or to close the eyes and feel the smell of dewy grass. All these provide rest for the psyche. Still those wandering unbidden thoughts and instead, just do nothing but lie still. Those moments of stillness are quite enough to rejuvenate one for the never ending chaos and cares of the current times.

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The House of Rest

I will build a house of rest,
Square the corners every one:
At each angle on his breast
Shall a cherub take the sun;
Rising, risen, sinking, down,
Weaving day’s unequal crown.

In the chambers, light as air,
Shall responsive footsteps fall:
Brother, sister, art thou there?
Hush! we need not jar nor call;
Need not turn to seek the face
Shut in rapture’s hiding-place.

Heavy load and mocking care
Shall from back and bosom part;
Thought shall reach the thrill of prayer,
Patience plan the dome of art.
None shall praise or merit claim,
Not a joy be called by name.

With a free, unmeasured tread
Shall we pace the cloisters through:
Rest, enfranchised, like the Dead;
Rest till Love be born anew.
Weary Thought shall take his time,
Free of task-work, loosed from rhyme.

No reproof shall grieve or chill;
Every sin doth stand confest;
None need murmur, ‘This was ill’:
Therefore do they grant us rest;
Contemplation making whole
Every ruin of the soul.

Pictures shall as softly look
As in distance shows delight;
Slowly shall each saintly book
Turn its pages in our sight;
Not the study’s wealth confuse,
Urging zeal to pale abuse.

Children through the windows peep,
Not reproachful, though our own;
Hushed the parent passion deep,
And the household’s eager tone.
One above, divine and true,
Makes us children like to you.

Measured bread shall build us up
At the hospitable board;
In Contentment’s golden cup
Is the guileless liquor poured.
May the beggar pledge the king
In that spirit gathering,

Oh! my house is far away;
Yet it sometimes shuts me in.
Imperfection mars each day
While the perfect works begin.
In the house of labor best
Can I build the house of rest.
-Julia Ward Howe

Source: She Wields a Pen: American Women Poets of the Nineteenth Century (University of Iowa Press, 1997)

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