How I wish..

 

Setting myself free on the last day of OctPoWriMo with a heart full of gratitude. This month had been full of healing and self-realization. Much soul-searching done this month. 

 Warriors of the light, while fighting the darkness that overshadows their being, learn to embrace themselves in totality.

The path to growth emerges through imperfections, the hidden treasures 

often put them on a remarkable journey.

Shadows are visible in the light. Let the light of truth shine to overcome the darkness. We all hold the dark spaces within us. 

As we allow the darkness to dissolve in light, we feel free, and lighter. 

Travel light..

-payal

                                                          Goa, 2020

How I wish I could write about spring

In this season where fall and winter meet.

Attaching images to the nature's string,

When bright dandelions grow in the street.

.

In this season where fall and winter meet,

A kingfisher arrived spreading its wings,

The bright dandelions grow in the street,

Faraway from the rooftop a bird sings.

.

A kingfisher arrived spreading its wings,

For the warmth of sunshine heart pines.

Faraway from the rooftop a bird sings.

Caught in memories of the grape vines.

.

For the warmth of sunshine heart pines.

Attaching images to the nature's string,

Caught in memories of the grape vines.

How I wish I could write about spring.

-payal

It's 31st Day of OctPoWriMo.

Pantoum

Continue with as many stanzas as you wish, but the ending stanzathen repeats the second and fourth lines of the previous stanza (as its first and third lines), and also repeats the third line of the first stanza, as its second line, and the first line of the first stanza as its fourth. So the first line of the poem is also the last.

Last stanza:

Line 2 of previous stanza

Line 3 of first stanza

Line 4 of previous stanza

Line 1 of first stanza

I am..

 

                                                        Goa, 2020

I am a wave,

that reaches the shore, tiding,

 and recedes to dissolve into oneness.

.

I am the ocean

with the buried 

treasures in my depth.

.

I am a speck of dust,

in this universe,

with a space of my own.

.

A little human,  a little God, 

a little restless, a little at peace. 

a dreamer,  and a doer, 

a little weird, a little wild

a little funny, a little broken

a little rigid, a little flexible

I am fragmented, I am whole.

I am improving

I am a work in progress

I am a new age woman.

-payal

30/10/2020

It's Day 30 of OctPoWriMo.

Wanderers

 

                                                           Goa, 2020

Wanderer of the dreamy land

Travelling through the reveries

Lost and found in the memories 

A vagabond in the woodland, 

Fill the cracks beside railway tracks

In the light rests sparkling on sand

Sun-kissed nomadic treasuries

Wanderers return to their land.

-payal

29/10/2020

It's day 29 of OctPoWriMo

The Octain, full name Octain Refrain, is a form of poetry developed by English poet Luke Prater in December 2010.

It comprises eight lines as two tercets and a couplet, either as octosyllables (counting eight syllables per line), or as iambic tetrameter, whichever is preferable. Trochaic tetrameter also acceptable. The latter yields a more propulsive rhythm, as opposed to iambs, which lilt.

As the name suggests, the first line is a refrain, repeated as the last (some variation of refrain acceptable). Rhyme-scheme as follows -

A-b-b

a-c/c-a

b-A

When a butterfly got trapped

 

                                                          Goa, 2020

An ordinary butterfly flapped its wings

and got stuck in the spider web.

Forgetting the power it held within

The tides strongly flowed and ebbed.

.

In false hopes it remained stuck

and held on tightly to the strings

Losing itself in the clutches of negativity 

Slowly it forgot it had wings.

.

From there it saw the flying birds,

the bees, butterflies and the colourful flowers

It felt trapped in the trail of thoughts,

Remembering the journey with rainy showers.

.

It prayed for freedom, and the courage

that would keep it on its path of life

It fought for its survival braving the storm

and wanted to just end the strife.

.

Just then the gardener arrived

to trim the  plants, and remove the weeds

It heard the butterfly calling his name,

The strangled butterfly, he quickly freed.

.

It thanked the gardener and took a flight,

From flower to flower in gratitude.

Recalling its struggles that made it strong,

Transformation happened with right attitude.

-payal

28/10/2020

A fable is a poetic story composed in verse or prose with a moral summed up at the end. Usually using animals as characters to teach a valuable lesson.

October

 

                                                    Goa, 2020

Transparent veil lifts between the two worlds

 The ancestral place still has its own charm

where the midnight sky shines with twinkling words

and poet's heart melts to keep winters warm.

.

The holy days begin, and world reform 

When the muse brighten up the hidden thoughts

October sets in beauty, life's transform

Fragrance of Parijaat the wind has brought.

.

Innocent laughter when moonlight performs.

Nature blesses while looking at leaf forms.

-payal

27/10/2020

It's day 27 of OctPoWriMo

The Decuain (pronounced deck•won), created by Shelley A. Cephas, is a short poem made up of 10 lines, which can be written on any subject. There are 10 syllables per line and the poem is written in iambic pentameter.

There are 3 set choices of rhyme scheme:

ababbcbcaa, ababbcbcbb, or ababbcbccc 

"Differences"

                                                       Goa, 2020

It's good to be different,

Doing your own thing,

Loving your life,

and living it.

Deep down, 

in the core 

of our being,

we are but the same.

.

How often do we trust our instincts? 

Does it even matter? 

Habits rarely change.

Just like you,

I understand life,

and live it,

according to

my conditioning.

Experiences sweet and sour,

different from yours,

have added to my life.

 .

 We are different, yet alike.

Poles apart,

enjoying the differences,

we meet somewhere,

at crossroads.

.

Why does it happen?

From an observer's point of view, 

Normal becomes abnormal?

When it comes to life, 

we live differently. 

Between the normal and abnormal

lies the difference of opinion.

.

Just like yours,

My life comes in myriad hues.

Situations differ!

-payal

26/10/2020

It's day 26 of OctPoWriMo

Heartfelt

                                                        Goa,2020

When words fall on paper, 

unrhymed, uncounted, 

free-flowing,

chaos dissolves, 

thoughts stretch 

beyond words,

expanding the possibilities 

of their proper execution,

in metaphorical existence.

Bounderies dissolve

and the poem takes shape,

as the muse wills.

At times,

while exercising 

poetic licence

Anarchy often turns 

into turmoil, disorder reigns.

There is beauty in counting steps. 

Else a poem becomes a prose.

Just like people,

not every poem touches the heart.

-payal

25/10/2020

It's day 25 of OctPoWriMo

Why not

     Goa, 2020

 

Hey,

Sit with me,

Tell me how you feel.

How difficult it is now

To put the words to action.

Don't give excuses,

Walk the talk.

Smile.

.

Hey, 

Do you know,

How do I do that?

Can I really do that?

These questions bug me at times.

I give it a try.

It happens.

Life.

.

Oh,

You know what,

I had little dreams 

Colours on my pallette scream

In my vision many times.

I make up my mind,

World open

Doors.

.

I 

Deeply sigh,

Taking leap of faith,

Procrastinating no more,

I get up and dust it all,

While breathing gently,

Taking steps,

Move.

.

Write

A blog post

With all that matters.

Taking pauses in between,

Trusting myself completely,

Daring to write down

How I feel.

Hope.

.

Ah!

Cleaning cache.

Opening laptop,

I get deadly reminders.

A few things to do right now.

Reread the stories.

Search the files,

Save.

.

You

My dear friend,

I want you to know,

My own survival stories,

For you to understand life,

Better perspectives

No blame game

Live.

-payal

24/10/2020

It's day 24 of OctPoWriMo.

The Joseph's Star, a poetry form created by Christina R Jussaume on 08/06/07 in memory of her Dad. This poem has no rhyme, and is written according to syllable counts. Syllables are 1, 3, 5, 7, 7, 5, 3, and 1. The poem may be written on any subject, be center aligned, has no stanza limit, and should have complete statements in each line.

Gratitude

 

                                                         Goa,2020

Treading slowly in the moment

To acknowledge the beauty of flowering trees

Trying to decipher the hidden omens

To live it fully and be at ease.

.

Reclaiming life lost in storm

Reviving the dreams kept in closet

Raindrops fall and the pearls transform

Rendering hope in nectar deposits.

.

Each morning begins with prayer.

Entrusting the energy that never lies,

Endearing moments full of grace

Enriching life with soothing ties.

.

Neatly shedding burden of the heart,

Now gratitude fills me like never before

New energy gives a new start

Naturally light seeps in through closed door.

-payal

23/10/2020

It's day 23 of OctPoWriMo 

Trolaan, created by Valerie Peterson Brown, is a poem consisting of 4 quatrains. Each quatrain begins with the same letter. The rhyme scheme is abab.a

Starting with the second stanza you use the second letter of the first line of the first stanza to write the second each line beginning with that letter.

On the third stanza you will use the second letter on the first line of the second stanza and write the third each line beginning with that letter.

On the fourth stanza you will use the second letter on the first line of the third stanza and write the fourth each line beginning with that letter.

Coincidences

                                                     Goa, 2020

Caravan began to move forming chain of thoughts

Over the time we sat connecting the dots

Intuitive senses developed somewhere in between

New perspectives emerged with experiences umpteen

Coming to the point from where it all arose.

Inkling of the dawn awakened the meadows.

Deep down the truth churns, following the gut,

Eternal joys to life never have a shortcut.

Neverending inspiration flows all around,

Countless images formed, deeply profound.

Effortlessly words flow as metaphors spin

Surprisingly the key to the lock lies within.

-payal

22/10/2020

My favourite form Acrostic for Day 22 of OctPoWriMo. 

Acrostic Poetry is where the first letter of each line spells a word, usually using the same words as in the title.

A slice of life

Small little stove, 

heated with a lighted candle, 

a delectable slice of sweetness

 cooked with little hands, 

amidst the dramatic play of characters,

the taste of it still lingers on.

Nothing tasted

as sweet as those pancakes,

 except love.

.

Bitter sour experiences 

tasted like the black powder

that exploded 

on the tip of the tongue.

.

Tantalizing taste 

of balanced ingredients 

in a bowl of happiness 

added a creamy texture to life.

-payal

21/10/2020

It's day 21 of OctPoWriMo and I've written a free verse today.

Lovescapes

                       Goa, 2020

I remember that evening,

with you when my heart wished to sing,

Warmth of touch when you held my hand,

It stirred and shook me from within.

Pure love, nothing to lose or win.

Moment slipped from hand like coarse sand,

On plush ground expectations meet,

Soft, furry rug beneath the feet,

Confusion subsides in love land. 

-payal

It is Day 20 of OctPoWriMo

The Nove Otto poetry form was created by Scott J. Alcorn. It is a nine-lined poem with 8 syllables per line (isosyllabic). The rhyme scheme is as follows: aacbbcddc.

Stories

                                                      Goa, 2020

Looking around and observing

Textures and patterns, rough and smooth.

Hopeful.

.

There is a lot more to be done

Free to feel anything right now

Cracked up.

.

Mostly at the receiving end,

Mindset changes from time to time,

She prays.

.

Stale, putrid experiences

Dark curtains tied up with a string,

Thoughts roar.

.

Sunlight seeps in through the glass doors,

Illuminating relations.

Blessings.

.

Two chairs wait for the evening,

Connections and vibrations felt,

Divine.

.

Intangible are the feelings

Bag full of artistic matter

Dripping.

.

Storytellers tell the stories

Camera lies on the table.

Carefree.

-payal

19/10/2020

It's Day 19 of OctPoWriMo

"Synchronicity" (The state or fact of being synchronous or simultaneous; synchronism. Coincidence of events that seem to be meaningfully related.). This form consists of eight three-line stanzas in a syllable pattern of 8/8/2. This poetry type has no rhyme and is written in the first person with a twist. The twist is to be revealed within the last two stanzas.

Reflect and heal

 Splash

The paints 

on canvas

Etching patterns

In meditative mood

Reflecting the true inner self

To reboot and to rejuvenate life

Draw random lines while concentrating on the breath

With calm, soothing music in the background.

Healing happens naturally

What was abstract, takes shape

Images formed

in new frame

of mind.

Pure.

-payal

It's Day 18 of OctPoWriMo. 

Into the wild

 

                                                          Goa, 2020

A few steps in wilderness,

Breaking through the dawn,

Cutting through the edges

Drenched in blood and sweat

Energetic world of exotic fragrance

Fantastically flow in through the bones

Gradually the colours fill the pores

Heart beats in rhythm

In the moment 

Just for instance

Kindling the flame in the

Land of blue orchids

Magic recreated creating wonders.

Nestling the tiny bits of nuggets

Opaque layers peeled off to the core,

Pleasant tiny green chrysanthemums

Quietly catch the attention

Restoring smiles, along the way.

Singing songs of love and life

Tapping to the tunes of the wild,

Umpteen verses written with raindrops

Virtuous and pure red roses

When blend with fragrant petrichor,

Xenoliths reveal the history 

Yarn spinned into a tale

Zen moments unfold with beautiful breath.

-payal

17/10/2020

It's Day 17 of OctPoWriMo.

An ABC poem is a poem where each line of the poem begins with a letter in the alphabet, starting with A and moving in order through Z. Each line focuses on building upon the central topic of the poem, creating a specific mood, feeling, or picture in the reader’s mind.

Real dreamscapes

   

                                                       Goa, 2020

Tapping in the energies of a strange world,

Where indigo birds fly in tangerine sky,

Where fishes float in stomach at dusk

and butterflies swim in watery eyes.

.

A piece of cloud reflect myriad hues

Magical moments unfold with scent of musk,

and butterflies swim in watery eyes,

Where fishes float in stomach at dusk.

.

Vermillion hues paint the moonlit night,

When world turns upside-down, and sighs,

Where fishes float in stomach at dusk

and butterflies swim in watery eyes.

.

Midnight rings the pink charm, 

Like a dream of a seed secured with husk,

and butterflies swim in watery eyes,

Where fishes float in stomach at dusk.

.

The day veiled with dark clouds subside,

Fresh perspectives emerge in the vast sky,

Where fishes float in stomach at dusk

and butterflies swim in watery eyes.

-payal

16/10/2020

This is my poem for Day 16 of OctPoWriMo.

The Mirrored Refrain is rhyming verse form constructed by Stephanie Repnyek.

The poem is formed by three or more quatrains where two lines within the quatrain are the "mirrored refrain" or alternating refrain.

The rhyme scheme is as follows: xaBA, xbAB, xaBA, xbAB, etc..

x represents the only lines that do not rhyme within the poem. A and B represent the refrain.

 

Tolerance

Goa, 2020

 Tolerance, with age, I'm struggling with it. It hits home, and piled up emotions, slowly and gradually come up to the surface. With forgiveness, I let them all go, step by step, and like a newborn step in a new world with acceptance and knowing the value of time, I ignore the matters that never really mattered, for my own happiness. Every breath is precious, and I wish to live in gratitude!

Tolerance, I look for it, with the alchemy of love, I find it in me, right here, from where I see. Not allowing the triggers to affect me, if internal damage happens, external forces can easily affect me. For I've learnt, huge vessels too can sink, no matter how luxurious they appear to be. 

 Enjoying the luxury of life, tolerance reflects in eyes, as I close them, and take a deep breath, connecting to the core of my being, where all the events are interconnected. Sometimes, it drips from the eyes, and at times it lovingly restores me, and I sing and dance.

 -payal

 15/10/2020

It's day 15 of OctPoWriMo. I've written a prose poetry.

 

The truth

 

                            Captured some bleeding hearts, Goa, 2020

On my path I wish to stay.

I am just a speck of dust,

Symbols within me float and sway.

.

Magical moments unfold throughout the day,

Live those moments, I must,

On my path I wish to stay.

.

I seek, I find, within me answers lay,

Built with unshakeable trust.

Symbols within me float and sway.

.

Strength I find in prayerful way,

Absolute and infinite fine shining crust,

On my path I wish to stay.

.

We are indeed made of clay,

With reason and fortitude, I adjust.

Symbols within me float and sway.

.

True to myself, I shall stay,

With universal guidance, and stardust.

On my path I wish to stay.

Symbols within me float and sway.

-payal

14/10/2020

It's Day 14 of OctPoWriMo.

A Villanelle is a nineteen-line poem consisting of a very specific rhyming scheme: aba aba aba aba aba abaa.

The first and the third lines in the first stanza are repeated in alternating order throughout the poem, and appear together in the last couplet (last two lines).

Break-free

 

                                              Goa skyscapes, 2020

Mind,

Wandering.

Wrapped in the chained thoughts,

little boxes of burden.

Tied

In shackles of own making.

Break-free, be ready,

Judge nothing,

Trust.     

-payal

13/10/2020

This is my post for day 13 of OctPoWriMo 

written in  oddquain butterfly format with

1-3-5-7-1-7-5-3-1 syllable pattern.

 

   

Twist and tango

 

                                        Art by Payal Agarwal, 2020

Trying to tango with tongue twisting tale,

trending take, twinning to the tune,

Time to travel, to timelessness

talking tones, turning to the truth,

trained thoughts, tell the tale, 

tend to team, twisted in this twisting tale.

Twisting and turning, 

trimming the tail.

-payal

12/10/2020

It's Day 12 of OctPoWriMo and I've written a tongue twister. 

Inspiration

 

                                                    Goa, 2020

                       1.

To find inspiration I go around,

Amazing nature plays the trick today,

My silent inspiring muse lost and found,

In pleasant weather, it is here to stay.

Now breathing freely, I talk to my muse,

It instills hope, and wash away the blues.

It reciprocates gently with a smile,

With all my heart, I stay there for awhile.

-payal

 11/10/2020

                          2.  

While losing the track of the thread,

Like leaves in autumn the trees shed,

I asked my muse, that was left unsaid,

This is what it truthfully said.

Look

Look around,

Look and observe the tiny details,

Look within yourself, divine will prevails.

Listen,

Listen to your heart,

What does it say, what do you see?

Let it flow into your creativity.

Surrender,

Surrender in the moment.

On your muse, your trust you lay,

Your muse will show you the way.

-payal

11/10/2020

It's Day 11 of OctPoWriMo. I tried both the forms. Part 1 is written in Rispetto, and part 2 in Didactic

A Rispetto, an Italian form of poetry, is a complete poem of two rhyme quatrains with strict meter. The meter is usually iambic tetrameter with a rhyme scheme of abab ccdd. A Heroic Rispetto is written in Iambic pentameter, usually featuring the same rhyme scheme.

Didactic Poetry is a form of poetry intended for instruction such as for knowledge or to teach.

Smoke

 

                                                                 Goa,2020

Bruising,

Fooling,

Burning,

Cooling,

Insensitive, bruising, fooling, games

Smell of smoke from burning, cooling, flames.

.

Longest

Wrongest

Strongest

Modest

This has been the longest, wrongest year.

We shall come out strongest, modest, dear.

Wounded and shattered

with shards of experiences,

Diverted from the path,

Falling into abyss,

Light found on the way,

Celebrating victory

over the demons,

that kept holding back,

Me, from myself.

Prayerful

Careful

Dareful

Thoughtful

Indulging in prayerful, careful ways.

Walking through the dareful, thoughtful, days.

Letting go of steam,

with forgiveness,

Smoke rises up in spirals,

finding new facets of

Life, and filling the space with love!

-payal

10/10/2020

It's Day 10 of OctPoWriMo, and I have written a free form with Tyburn in between.

Tyburn

A six line poem consisting of 2, 2, 2, 2, 9, 9 syllables.

The first four lines rhyme and are all descriptive words. The last two lines rhyme and incorporate the first, second, third, and fourth lines as the 5th through 8th syllables.

Ripples of thoughts

  

 Goa, 2020

 Thoughts create stories in the mind, 

Ripples form, one of its kind.

Unmatched words and acts for momentary gains,

Heart knows to endure and heal pain.

Pain made her stronger,

Stronger since she opened her eyes,

Eyes reflected  her soul,

Soul never believed in lies white.

Quality of thoughts govern the life,

Raising vibrations in moments of strife,

Change of perception helps when stuck in time

Reality might differ, freely we rhyme.

Rhyme and rhythm flows in heart.

Heartfelt words touch the core,

Core of being is serene and calm.

Calm is the feeling that picks us up.

.

Hearts hold the secrets deep,

 With faith we grow and take a leap,

The shining core, frame the solutions,

 Practical spirituality dissolves whimsical notions.

-payal

9/10/2020

Day 9 of OctPoWriMo

Loop Poetry is a poetry form created by Hellon. There are no restrictions on the number of stanzas nor on the syllable count for each line. In each stanza, the last word of the first line becomes the first word of line two, last word of line 2 becomes the first word of line 3, last word of line 3 becomes the first word of line 4. This is followed for each stanza. The rhyme scheme is abcb.

Variations:

1. Stanzas, writers choice on the number, no rhyming, the last word, first word scheme is maintained.

2. One long stanza, no limit on number of lines, no rhyming scheme, the last word, first word scheme is maintained.

3. Couplets mixed with 4 line stanzas, the last word, first word scheme is maintained in the stanzas. It can also be used in the couplets. Rhyme scheme is ab, cc, defg, hh, ii, jklm, nn, oo.

Breaking the boundaries

 

                                                   Goa,2020

Entrapped,

In a closed chamber

Overwhelming emotions

kept seeping in

through the closed doors.

.

The unusual trends

and patterns created 

and broken,

like those boundaries

that never existed 

in the space of time.

.

Filled with gratitude,

Improvising the ways 

Centred and connected 

Listening to consciousness,

Evolving through life,

The journey continues....

-payal

My poem for Day 8 of OctPoWriMo.

Mixed emotions

 

                        Thank you for the reminder, Deepti.

Memories of the days bygone,

A baggage of mixed emotions

Strange pain engulfed draped in chiffon,

Memories of the days bygone,

Learning to let go, or hold on   

Heart fails to feel,churning oceans.

Memories of the days bygone,

A baggage of mixed emotions.

-payal

A little late though. My day 7 entry for OctPoWriMo. Ok, yesterday was quite a challenging day, it was my birthday. Last year, I had cut the cake in hospital. Mom had a surgery, and was recovering. Mom's death this year in February took a toll, much of the time was spent remembering her. Thanks to my friend who sent a beautiful message. Wishes kept flowing the whole day long. Appreciating the extra efforts by family and some friends to make my day. In gratitude, I stay. 

Form for the day, Triolet. Make each line 8 syllables in length (4 metrical feet), written in iambic tetrameter (the more common way), or try it in pentameter (English version) where each line only has 10 syllables (5 metrical feet).

Simple desires

 

                            Goa, India, 2020

     

With my heart I wish to write,

Books full of life filled with light.

I wish to paint black and white dreams. 

On the canvas of time, hope beams. 

Refreshing long drives on a smooth road 

Breathing in fresh air boredom unload. 

It all comes alive dreamscapes built with feathers.

Happiness in hearts and pleasant weather.

Desiring acceptance of the new normal 

Staying at home becoming habitual. 

I have simple desires,

Oft I put them on fire.

Glazed outcome of burning passion

Flows in my nerves like sensation.

Travelling afar on wings of hope

Craving for freedom, fears elope

Love-filled world with sprinklers of cheerfulness.

Life created to live with artfulness.

Humility and patience in attitude.

Helps to move on with blessings and gratitude 

-payal

6/10/2020

Going simple for day 6 of OctPoWriMo. Still managed to write double Converse.

 The Con-Verse, created by Connie Marcum Wong, consists of three or more 2-line rhyming stanzas (couplets). The meter of this form is in syllabic verse.

Rhyme scheme: aa,bb,cc,dd,ee

Meter: 7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11

(Syllabic verse only counts the number of syllables in a line.)

This form consists of three or more couplets which ascend by one syllable up to and until you reach a syllabic count of eleven which would contain ten lines.

This process may be repeated for a longer verse. If repeated, you must begin your first couplet with the syllabic count of seven again and continue from there.                          

Clarity of thoughts

 

Stardust falls and sprinkles on entangled knots,

The grip loosens and give clarity of thoughts.

Amazing reflections in season of change,

Reflecting empowered vision in world strange.

Confined in the clutches of sensitive tales,

Walking on the edge of long nettlesome trails.

Finding tranquility in noise all around,

A moment of silence in my heart I found.

Walking in the nature feeling the cool breeze,

Vibrant colours all around, moments I seize.

Stardust falls and sprinkles on entangled knots

The grip loosens and give clarity of thoughts.

.

Amazing reflections in season of change,

Reflecting empowered vision in world strange.

Yellowed autumn leaves fell and scattered on ground,

Like scathed memories and notes in closet found.

Golden glow of inner truth word weaver weaves,

Like bright sunlight falling on Ashoka leaves.

Hope shines through baring heart,this season of fall,

Healing through serene, trustworthy nature's call.

Letting it all emerge from depth of the sea,

Enriching experiences filled with glee.

Stardust falls and sprinkles on entangled knots,

The grip loosens and give clarity of thoughts.

.

Confined in the clutches of sensitive tales,

Walking on the edge of long nettlesome trails.

Headed to the center, flowing like a river,

Intuitive senses slides like a sliver.

Crisp skyflakes like unattended memories,

Kept seeping through the glass prism of reveries.

While restoring sanity through forgiveness,

Transformation brought in feel of aliveness.

Painting canvas in innumerable hues,

Refreshes the senses, and wipes off the blues.

Stardust falls and sprinkles on entangled knots

The grip loosens and give clarity of thoughts.

-payal

5/10/2020

It's Day 5 of #OctPoWriMo and I have attempted shape poetry as well as Licentia rhyme form. 

The Licentia Rhyme Form, a poetic form created by Laura Lamarca, consists of at least 3 12-line stanzas with 11 syllables per line. Of course, the poem can be elongated adding on to the following rhyme scheme: aabbccddeeAA, BBffgghhiiAA, CCjjkkllmmAA

Moment of peace

 

                   Goa, 2020

Capturing the falling light
Capturing the moment
Moment full of grace
Moment full of choices
Choices that bring smiles
Choices affect our life
Life is full of promises
Life is full of learning
Learning to let go
Learning to live
Live in the moment
Live life fearlessly
Fearlessly create
Fearlessly keep moving
Moving with passion
Moving with faith
Faith keeps us going
Faith makes us stronger
Stronger world
Stronger self
Self care
Self love
Love life
Love nature
Nature awakens the senses
Nature heals
Heals the body
Heals the mind
Mind is mysterious
Mind is beautiful
Beautiful soul
Beautiful words
Words of wisdom
Words that touch
Touch gently
Touch the heart
Heart knows it all
Heart dreams
Dreams of better tomorrow
Dreams do come true
True to oneself
True to the core
Core of being
Core mantra
Mantra of happiness
Mantra of peace
Peace of mind
Peace is beautiful
Beautiful
Mind
-payal
4th Oct, 2020

My Day 4 offering for OctPoWriMo. Blitz being a wonderful form of poem, sets you on a journey into your own being.

The Blitz Poem, a poetry form created by Robert Keim.

This form of poetry is a stream of short phrases and images with repetition and rapid flow.

Begin with one short phrase, it can be a cliché. Begin the next line with another phrase that begins with the same first word as line 1. The first 48 lines should be short, but at least two words.

The third and fourth lines are phrases that begin with the last word of the 2nd phrase, the 5th and 6th lines begin with the last word of the 4th line, and so on, continuing, with each subsequent pair beginning with the last word of the line above them, which establishes a pattern of repetition.

Continue for 48 total lines with this pattern, And then the last two lines repeat the last word of line 48, then the last word of line 47.

The title must be only three words, with some sort of preposition or conjunction joining the first word from the third line to the first word from the 47th line, in that order.

There should be no punctuation. When reading a BLITZ, it is read very quickly, pausing only to breathe.

Beauty in chaos

Intuitive art by Payal Agarwal. Beauty in chaos. Charcoal and soft pastels. 20 

When times are chaotic,

thoughts fly to distant land 

on intuitive wings, 

in black and grey.

Oft feelings form 

a criss cross pattern.

Bridging the gap,

between words,

that seperated from origin,

through time, and distance,

a beautiful world

found in chaos,

add colours to life.

A piece of 

used, broken charcoal sighs.

Broken pieces can create wonders.

-payal

It's Day 3 of #OctPoWriMo and I've written a free verse.

Wordless tales

                            Goa, 2020

Silence engulfed, when words churned in the heart, 

Salty ripples in lakes drenched wordless screams.

Eyes spoke a million tales, lips just smiled,

Eons passed by, within the comfort zone.

.

Aroma of coffee filled blank spaces,

Music filled the room, in wait of few words,

Knocking at the doors of turbulent heart,

Footsteps of nostalgia calmed it down.

.

Words stuck in throat were choking the senses,

As faith emerged, slowly words found their voice.

It needs courage to speak, and to listen,

Holding hands, with understanding and love.

Writing these silent tales in love's embrace,

Words dripped from my pen out of comfort zone.

-payal

The Lannet is a form of sonnet.

The Lannet consists of 14 lines - presentation of such piece is to the poet’s preference. There is a strict syllable count of 10 per line. The Lannet has NO END-LINE RHYMING SCHEME. Only internal rhyme is allowed. There is no stipulance of Iambic form, pentameter or tetrameter for a Lannet.

It's day 2 of OctPoWriMo.

Shining your light

            Moon, star, and the lights 2020

Smile, and get rid of all the doubts,

Shine like a star in the dark night,

Hidden at times, behind the clouds,

Stories evolve, and come to light.

.

Caught in jars, kept on pedestal,

Fireflies on a rainy night,

Like washed leaves, and shining petals,

Stories evolve, and come to light.

.

Hope emerges, twinkling with glee,

Forming constellations, on a starry night,

Sitting in silence, worries flee,

Stories evolve, and come to light

.

Smile, and get rid of all the doubts,

Stories evolve, and come to light.

-payal

1/10/2020

Kyrielle Sonnet

A Kyrielle Sonnet consists of 14 lines (three rhyming quatrain stanzas and a non-rhyming couplet). Just like the traditional Kyrielle poem, the Kyrielle Sonnet also has a repeating line or phrase as a refrain (usually appearing as the last line of each stanza). Each line within the Kyrielle Sonnet consists of only eight syllables. French poetry forms have a tendency to link back to the beginning of the poem, so common practice is to use the first and last line of the first quatrain as the ending couplet. This would also re-enforce the refrain within the poem. Therefore, a good rhyming scheme for a Kyrielle Sonnet would be:

AabB, ccbB, ddbB, AB -or- AbaB, cbcB, dbdB, AB.

I am participating in OctPoWriMo 2020 and it's Day 1.

Random thoughts #Mondaymusings

 

handlettering 

instagram.com/texturedexpressions

Hey, I have something to say. Have you ever found yourself asking, “My intentions were good, then where did I go wrong? Why can’t people understand me?”There was a time when I used to ask myself this question, a lot.  All I could think of it was that I write,I express.  People understand, and grasp as per their understanding. Situations are not the same for everyone. When we value people, we start believing that others value us the same. Often it drives us insane. A little expectation is obvious when we love and trust, but we can’t depend on others for our happiness. Listen, we cannot and should not take anyone, or anything for granted.

How I wish, I could tell some people,” Love yourself enough to live your own life. Stop comparing your life with others. You have no idea of their struggles. You are breathing. You are alive. When you are living your own life, with acceptance, you are at peace. Take care of your health. Stay mindful, and make healthy choices”.

-payal

1/10/2020

linked to  #Mondaymusings at everydaygyaan

Grace #MondayMusings

It's a rainy day today. Parijaat blossoms are scattered all over on the sacred path. It feels like walking amidst nature on a blessed morning, into the greens of the heart where fresh perspectives emerge, and fills our life with joy.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes. With a calm mind, I go within, contemplate, and relax into my being. Clarity seeps in naturally, and the way lights up. My footsteps lead to my destination, by God's grace, where I am standing in the here and now.

I am writing on my blog after a long time. Thanks for staying connected. Linking to everydaygyaan. 

Sunday

It's Sunday again. It's the first time, I hear of a death, and I'm not bleeding tears. Am I in shock, or have my tears dried up? I ask myself, "Why is it?" Some answers are simple. Maybe I've evolved beyond life and death, as my Guru said once,"You have become a divine soul.You are now attuned." I couldn't believe. I know, I'm just a human. I feel a lot!

A few minutes ago, a friend shared a video, of a homeless lady, amongst the migrant workers, seventy years old, who lost her husband, beaten up by her son, whom she took care, and was thrown out of the home, wanting to go to another son, whom she knew would throw her out too, for her children thought that she was mad. I heard someone say, "Thank God, she has a new family." I felt like saying, "She's a mother! If it's convenient enough, to live with lost faith and love, I hope she survives in a new family, and the pain doesn't affect her."

 But I kept quiet. I knew, I'd be misundertood, amidst a bunch of people who were busy cracking jokes. .

 No, I am not that serious kind. I do crack jokes too. We're taught to write humour in a bad mood. My mother taught me, "There's a time, and place for everything." Maybe, she meant for death too, and she chose my place. It was Sunday, and I cried a lot! ~payal    

Love letters

                           
 . Now tell me, from where do I bring all that love to write love letters to "my imaginary you," and how do I write the replies when I don't even expect to hear from you. Do I even know you? . So, now tell me who are you? and you want me to be true? I don't have time to write letters Call me, I'll spare moments few. . What would you say, what would you hear, How do I know, Will you make it clear? . I don't write letters now a days It takes a second to make or break Relations happen in just a click Ego is high, and love at stake. . Oh yes! Love is overrated these days, Words might create misunderstandings Patience is lost, and expectations more, Then tell me how would I deal with it? . I don't want any mistake to repeat. Let's not write about vows, and promises to keep Best friends often topped the charts, Everything else took the back seat. . Maybe, some other day, some other time, If you write to me, I'll write to you. With trust and understanding, we'll build a relation new. Starting with dearest, and ending with love. But I doubt in this era, Would love rhyme with dove? Whom should I write love letters now? I wrote a few to him then. But, he is my husband in the now, And face of love has changed. . Ah! it looks better now, There's no cold war going on, Why should we write letters now? Era of letters has long gone. ~payal

P.S. Thanks to Nikhat for prompting us to write love letters along with the replies. Check out the other parts too. Gratitude.
*********
Teenage turmoil
"Hey, I designed this paper with the new set of pens that I bought specially for writing to you. I read your words again and again, and I can hear you speak from behind them. Everytime, I remember you, I pick up the letter and you start talking to me. I purchased a collection of poems, and one of them I offer to you. P.S. I found a girl, who stays next to my house! She's beautiful and true."

 written, erased, trashed, all that was meant to be said.

"Hey, Not again! Anyway, congrats! I hope your love story goes a long way! We'll party when we get to catch up! How is she? By the way, I saw this movie XYZee. So, what else is new at your end? I too read a poem that would blend."

 " Hi, Catching up with life. Every word smells of you. I wish you were here. She is fine. A little busy though. Yes, our poems rhyme."

 "Hi, I saw you that day in the market. Wanted to tell you, you know that guy, he proposed to me, and seems quite serious. What do I do, would you tell me?"

 Written, erased, trashed all that was meant to be said,
"Hey, follow your heart, it knows it right. P.S. I found another girl. Nothing really happened. Don't go."

 "I'll have to."
****************
 Years later..
 "Love often does that"

"Tell me how to address you? Tell me, why do I feel those butterflies in my stomach when I see you, and my heart beats faster when I hear your name? Tell me why do the mornings bring the fresh scent of your breath, and when the birds sing, I recall your name?"

"Love often does that. It picks you up and helps you rise. Well, being too much into someone makes you insane. I live in your heart, down the memory lane."

 "Tell me why when you held my hand, it was all calm and quiet? Tell me why when we met, a thought crossed my mind, and strange quest did arise? Tell me why all the answers we found suffice, and why that thought of first kiss brings a sweet smile?"

"Love often does that. Well, in togetherness the purpose of life is found, and everything falls in place. In absence of words, gestures speak. Let love overflow and let it heal."

"Tell me why in a negative situation, I miss you when the Sun rise? Why do your feelings for me I feel without looking in your eyes? Why do I initiate a conversation instead of heaving a sigh?" "Love often does that. Just like offering water to the sun, brings in positive vibes. Love, It just wants to see you smile."
 ~payal

"Love and hate" #NaPoWriMo #Day30

A few days ago,
 while scrolling the profile
 of a newly added friend,
who happens to be my neighbour,
 accidentally, my finger touched
the playnow button.
 Ah, these facebook games.
 You can also know
 how many people hate you.
 A little in shock with the count,
 as well as amused,
after taking the screenshot,
I clicked try again,
 and kept repeating
 till everyone loved me.
 Now, there was no hatred.
 Before I could share,
 I gave it a thought.
 What do people think of me?
What's there deep down in their hearts?
What would they think,
 what would they say,
 how will they react, if at all they see?
 But then, should it really matter to me?
 Self love is equally important.
 Reasons for hatred, kept floating in my mind.
Doesn't it all depends on me?
 It was all about my perception,
 my idea of love and hate,
 and the way I interact,
 with different people, differently.
 When you stop pleasing people,
 and live a life of your own,
too many people start hating you.
 Haters are those lovers,
 who want to be like you.
 So, Love me, or hate me,
I shall just continue
 BEING ME. ~payal

"Life" #NaPoWriMo #Day29

It's been more than two months,
I couldn't find courage
 to enter the room,
 where you stayed,
almost isolated,
for your own safety,
 for a month
after open heart surgery.
 I saw you recovering.
 We lived, we laughed,
 we played together,
 for a few months,
 We saw those days
 full of positivity,
and then you left
all of a sudden, silently.....
A welcome note
stuck on the door,
is still there.
 Home carries your essence.
The aroma of garam masala,
 made in your guidance
still add flavour to the meals.
 Your words, mantras, life lessons,
I have saved them in my memory.
 Mom, how I miss the stories
 you told for every
 single thing we said.
 Presence and absence,
 How do we understand this?
You are present in our hearts,
From our home you are absent.
Memories still linger on....
 In pauses between breath,
 One moment you are alive,
Another you are dead. ~payal
#tsl 

"Reminders" #NaPoWriMo #Day28

I wished to write a flowery tale
Tale with beauty surrounded by green
Green that soothes and calms the mind
Mind that is engrossed in deep thinking.
Thinking of flowers, butterflies, and bees
Bees that suck nectar and also stings
Stings remembered as swollen reminders
 Reminders of nature, of every being.
 Being in the moment, when I begin to feel
 Feel the feelings while catching notes
Notes that float in the cottony clouds
 Clouds that now come down as rains.
 Rains that drenched the Tulsi flowers
Flowers that bloomed and dried again.
Again, in the midst of summers heat
Heat that burns the soul blue
 Blue as words churned from sea
 Sea that exists within every being. ~payal
#TSL #fb 

The queen of hills #NaPoWriMo #Day27

Walk on the roads,
 steep slopes, shops,
 statues, murals,
 view of the valley,
the sunset sky,
the lady sitting there,
wrapped in shawl
with a pleasing smile
 in front of fire, roasting maize.
Memories just rush in,
 and wrap me in its warmth.

 These are the days,
when I visit the queen of hills,
In the foothills
of the Himalayan range,
that holds the magnificence
of mother nature in her curves. .

 Just a glance, calms the mind,
with a soothing feel, nurtures
and replenish the soul. .

The chilled drops, cold air,
 scattered maple leaves
on the ground,
Red, yellow, green,
Ah! Such is the beauty of the roads.
 The black railings with roses embossed,
 add up to the scene. .

Ropeways take us to the Gun hill
where our favourite spot awaits,
aroma of tea and pakoras
 fill up the place.

Wild Dahlias on the hills,
blooms and sways.
The Deodar, and Pines
 mesmerize
 all along the way.

 It makes me wonder,
 How the same place
 gives a different feeling
 each time.

 It rained that day,
Under the umbrella,
 You and I,
 and our beautiful dream.
We came back relaxed,
and rejuvenated
 though I missed meeting
 Ruskin Bond everytime. ~payal   

"Echo" #NaPoWriMo #Day26

"Places you can find love,
it sits around lurking in places."
 a signboard read,
 as I crossed the hurdles.

As I sat on my window sill,
A sparrow came and sat nearby.
A strange quest in my mind occurred
queries soared in the blue sky.

The sparrow listened to my monologue,
Agreeing with its chirps in between,
"Places like the piercing darkness,
that grows deep under the skin?"

"Yes, it feels like you are confined
in a prison of molten bars,
Falling into oblivion, submerged,
in a river, counting invisible scars."

Seeking those places to find love,
Closing my eyes, driving the indigo,
 the sparrow came along on my journey,
 I planned alone though.

The twists and turns, the narrow roads,
 Deep dense forests, and waterfalls,
to reach that place where love resides,
I made my way, I crossed it all.

Intuitively, the mind map guided,
and I reached the place that was dark,
Shadows surrounded, I gathered pearls,
Courageously, I crossed that mark.

There I saw the dawn, in silence,
and then gleefully called my name,
The mountains, valleys, greens, and blues,
Echoed back, I was never the same.

The sparrow chirped,
I opened my eyes,
We then exchanged,
a few sighs.
 ~payal

"Window" #NaPoWriMo #Day25

Window opens the poet's heart,
 and the poet's heart get its wings.
It flies far, in search of nuggets,
crossing the hurdles, it gently sings.
It gathers the soil, silt, and rocks
 flowers, thorns, and misty dust,
 It blends, merges, and purifies,
Thoughts and words it must.
 Filling it all with expressions,
 It gently reaches the mind,
Poet then puts it on paper
and covers the window with blind. ~payal

"Window" #NaPoWriMo #Day25 #1

 "Wind" in window
 blows my mind.
"Wow" in window
cheers my heart.
 "Widow" in window
 reminds me of her pain,
"Now" in window,
 Drops of rain. ~payal 

"Muster Chef" #NaPoWriMo #Day24

I hooked at him
 with a straight face
 and sad, I have to rite a poem
 Full on hoomar..
I say to the Musterchef at play
He cooked at me,
 and laughed out loud
 say in
 Hooman life is hoo-man-gas these days.
 No work, and no play,
Only coo sins from far away.
He dished it rite
and blue my mind
top ping with hoomar
the fool day. ~payal

 I somehow managed to come up with some humour. Much needed in today's time. Grateful that husband just wants me to keep going during NaPoWriMo, and reach the finish line.
Yesterday, being a little rough day for me, with his support I managed to write. Today he gave me the starting line. Gratitude!

"Mirror" #NaPoWriMo #Day23

I stood in front of the mirror,
face pale, smile missing,
 eyes contained oceans.

 I sat in front of him,
 His words reflected me
in the most desirable tones.
Mirrors never lie.

In his words
 I gained strength.
 In his words
 I found myself.

 Taking a deep breath,
 again, I looked in the mirror,
understanding the chaos,
 and smiled,
 feeling more confident,
more loved,
more at peace.
Yes, mirrors don't lie.
~payal

Happy Earth Day! #NaPoWriMo #Day22

Man, a piece of art,
Carry baggage of past,
 ignores the present,
 and worries about future,
 finding himself incomplete,
 It's his nature.
He often forgets
 he is one with the nature.
 He contains it all..
 the passionate fire,
 the breath of invisible air,
 the solid earth,
 the flowing water,
 and the infinite ether.
 He's complete
 in all the sense.
 He forgets bit by bit,
 his life fades,
 his existence dissolves
 in the elements.
 Gradually
what he do and say,
 the story of his journey,
 is left behind as legacy.
 Right here, in the now. ~payal 

"Prayers" #NaPoWriMo #Day21

 Sacred encounter
 with the consciousness
 once gave a clue,
that the God lives within..
 me and you.

 Engrossed in our thoughts,
At times, silence speaks,
The universe listens.

 Sometimes, words uttered
 with all our heart
 becomes a prayer.

 With love and faith,
acceptance seeps in,
 He keeps us in his care,
 A life in gratitude,
is a life in prayer. ~payal  

"Where art thou?" #NaPoWriMo #Day20

 A swarm of busy bees
Never hovered around
 my poetic flowers,
 I smile and wonder,
Where are you now?
Readers O' readers
where art thou?

 I try to write
with all my heart
But words abandon me.
Where are you now?
Readers, O' readers
 where art thou?

 Peeling the layers
of heartfelt existence,
 I wish to connect,
Where are you now,
Readers O' readers
Where art thou?
 Poem goes into oblivion,
at the end of the day,
 In absence of genuine readers
who are here to stay.
Where are you now,
 Readers O' readers
where art thou?
 .
My heart fills with gratitude
 For those who are here,
 to show they read,
 with their like, love, comments
 I try to be sensible now.
 Tell me O' readers
 Where art thou? ~payal

"We are all mad here." #NaPoWriMo #Day19

 I read a few tales, and went to sleep,
Locked down in these corona times,
The Cheshire cat appeared in my dreams,
 and gifted me some rhymes.
Far from the maddening crowd,
 safe in my house, on my mat,
No pied piper can take me out
Said the little pesky rat.
 "Was he quarantined?"
 "The answer my friend is blowing in the wind."

Locked down in my home,
 Nowhere to go.
Frightening darkness
stark, deep, thoughts,
got stuck at the door
There and then,
The Raven came,
 "Nevermore".
"Tell me", asked the pesky rat,
"Where can we go?"
 He kept quiet and looked around.
"The answer my friend is blowing in the wind."
 Just then they spotted
 the Cheshire cat,
who in his tone uttered,
 "If you don't know where to go,
does it really matter?"
Stay at home, have cheesy food, and cranky talks
 but no Long journeys, and silent walks.
 The rat squeeked again,
"When will it end?"
 and looked up with trust.
"People don't like going back, 
even when they must."
 Saying this the Cheshire cat
was nowhere to be seen,
 "The answer my friend is blowing in the wind." Sitting on the chair,
admiring the flowers,
 It all seemed like a fairy tale.
 looking at the greens around,
Intrigued, they made their sound.
 "When will we meet"?
 "Let's go within."
You have wings to fly O' Raven,
"It's maddening, when will we be free?"
 The pesky rat questioned again,
"In this world, we're all mad here"
The Cheshire cat reappeared sane.
Will it all be as it was,
 Or will it all go down the drain,
They found it was time to introspect,
The Raven kept saying,
 "The answer my friend is blowing in the wind."

"Blue butterfly" #NaPoWriMo #Day18

       A blue-butterfly came from far away land
After smelling the flowers, it sat on the palm
Then flew past the majestic shells in the sand, Embalming sight kept the calm.
 Carrying the sky-flakes in her wings
 It brought along the joy of spring.
 Blooming flowers, and dreams anew
 Enchanting was this butterfly blue.
 Unmatched, raw feelings rose,
 Unmixed, pure, with spring in feet,
 Seasons changed, in hearts so close,
 Watching with love, was a visual treat.
 Intricate patterns, delicate flakes,
Gave wings to my imagination,
A blue butterfly crossed the lakes
to reach the desired destination. .
 As the wheel of time turned,
Thoughts transformed in a distant land
With the blue butterfly, I learned
Life, it's just like wonderland. ~payal  

"Forgiveness" #NaPoWriMo #Day17

Forgive..
with an open heart, 
and receive joy and happiness
 that is bestowed upon you
 in abundance.

 Forgive...
 because when you are at peace,
 it all makes sense.
 That is the nature.

 Forgive..
 for you don't want to be
 a part of the situation.

 Forgive..
 for it's the beginning
 of spiritual evolution.

Blessed are the ones
 who forgive and move on.
 For holding on to grudges,
 blemish the beauty of the soul.

 I erase hundreds
of spoken words
 By the end of the day,
Hurts, pain, mistakes,
for I understand
when I forgive,
 I am forgiven. ~payal 

What it takes #NaPoWriMo #Day16

 Do you know what it takes
 to compose a poem,
 in the world of words,
that touch the hearts?
 Here I am,
writing, and contradicting,
effortlessly,
 a palinode in making.
 I rarely remember,
the words I write,
as not all days
 are the same.
 My mind wanders
 through the Red desert,
with scanty thoughts,
 like shrubs,
and finds an oasis.
 The unlimited efforts,
 put in through
 the sleepless nights,
 helps me to
climb that mountain.
 Backhanded clouds,
my inner critics,
tried to manipulate
emotional outpourings
but pure intentions
 helped me
to get determined outcome.
 Do you know
what it takes
to compose a poem? ~payal 

Illusion #NaPoWriMo #Day15

Here's to the book of life,
A journey of a flower,
 Illusion : a line of horizon.
from where I see.

 Sunset hues sprinkle
all over the sky,
As the Sun sets,
 and the moon shines
 in all its glory
 lingering words of wisdom,
 and promises, kept and broken,
keep resonating
 till the night descends.

 Jars full of pickles,
 Earthen pots on fire,
Smell of the earth,
paper boats,
 and flying airplanes
 from one room to another,
flashes of memories thus.

 Lighting up the dark chambers,
 Hands full of pleasure and pain..
Friendships fostered
in lovers paradise..
The homecoming.
Is it the end
or the beginning? ~payal

Inspiration #NaPoWriMo2020 #Day14

 Inspiration drives in
 through several doors,
if we unlock our hearts
 and stay open,
 to receive the gifts
 that are waiting..
for us to unwrap. ..

 Poets from the yore,
and the living legends,
 all have a lot to share.
 These guiding lights
 help us to grow and keep
our imagination bright. .

As we keep moving
 on our path,
we find the critics
whose advise if followed
gives shape to our thoughts,
 and turn them
 into masterpieces.

 It's heartbreaking
 to know the ones
who asked me
to start writing,
and be original
 were the ones,
 who lost their way. ~payal .