Monday 22 April 2024

SHE WALKS IN SILENCE

   



SHE WALKS IN SILENCE

 

She walks in silence, like a lapping wave

Drowned in chastity and flooded with rave

Holding dear and tight her very beauties

Denying all her gems and rubies

Her powers disabled under the spell

The flame in wouldn’t break out of its shell.

 

Tempted to trace a humming call of fate

Allured but reluctant to take the bait

The strings of her heart lost their pitch and tone

The clutches of mind hurting to the bone

Untraceable are the paths to no end

Unable to soul unself and ascend

 

She walks in silence, like a gliding breeze

Fervent rising prayers brought her to her knees

Seeking the blessings of grace, peace and love

If only her pain she could rise above

Nameless beauty would dissolve in her womb

Her wounds.. sins she would carry to her tomb.

 

Inspired by “She Walks in Beauty” Lord  Byron (George Gordon)

 

This was written by Besma Riabi Dziri

 

 

 "She Walks in Beauty" is a short lyrical poem in iambic tetrameter written in 1814 by Lord Byron, and is one of his most famous works.

 

'She Walks in Beauty' describes a speaker's feelings of infatuation, and love-struck awe at the powerful beauty of a woman. The poem does not depict a romantic relationship, or a relationship at all, but rather comprises an illustrious display of obsessive love, and wonder.

 

While “She Walks in Beauty” primarily focuses on physical beauty, it also explores the relationship between inner beauty and outer beauty. It portrays these concepts as closely interconnected. Indeed, the woman's outer appearance is read as a sign of her inner serenity, peacefulness, and innocence.

 

Essentially, the speaker is describing how the beauty of the place where the woman expresses her thoughts (i.e., her face) indicates the purity of the place where the thoughts themselves dwell (i.e., her mind). In this regard, the woman's face symbolizes a relationship between beauty (exterior) and virtue (interior).



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Sunday 21 April 2024

HOW I GOT TO READ A SHORT NOVELLA AND FALL IN LOVE WITH IT

   

  


 

One fine day my uncle was clearing his old wooden boxes in which he had many of his books. From it, he took out a book and gave it to me. It was an old book and a bit torn in the corners. Even the papers became dull and some stains were also there. I didn’t like the book with its appearance and was sad that he gave me such an old, toned book to read. “Can’t he buy me a new book?”  I thought and kept it aside not to touch.

The book lay separately from my small collection of books which I had in those days. After many months when my uncle’s friends visited our house, in between their talks I happened to overhear the discussion about the book FAREWELL MY FRIEND AND THE GARDEN by Rabindranath Tagore.

One of his friends recited :

“Blow gently over my garden

Wind of the southern sea

In the hour my love cometh

And calleth me.

And they had a fun time till they finally dispersed.

The next day when I opened my book shelf to take out some stationery, This book caught my eye. Its outer appearance disturbed me a lot. But I finally thought to just check out its pages and wanted to know what it was all about.

At that time I only  know that Rabindranath Tagore was a Nobel Laureate who wrote GItanjali and little more was known about KABULIWALLA as it was part of our studies. Nothing more about his other works, writing styles, greatness, or his contribution to English Literature.

The book contained two novellas = one was FAREWELL MY FRIEND with 106 pages, and the other was MALANCHA OR THE GARDEN  with 50 pages along with the Translator’s note in 2 pages. The book was translated from the Bengali by Krishna  Kriplani and published by Jaico Publishing House, Bombay

For this also I was disappointed that why two novels were combined into a single book.  With many issues with the book, I started reading it slowly and went with it in a smooth flow.

 The main character in Farewell my Friend is Amit Rai. He was a barrister, he doesn't practice much law, or any other profession -- though he does dabble in poetry.

He has two sisters. When everyone leaves the city in the summer he does too -- but he heads to Shillong instead of Darjeeling. But it is here he encounters a young, well-educated, and well-read woman working as a private tutor, Labanyalata, and falls in love with her.

Farewell My Friend is a distinctly -- and amusingly -- literary novel. Tagore's playful use of his own poetry and self is charming and adds a nice twist. And it is a very amusing read.

Finally an affecting love story -- and ultimately a lost love story.

  In this book, Translator Kripalani admits to the difficulty of capturing and rendering "the artistry of the author's style" in English in a Translator's Note.

I enjoyed reading the book and immediately I decided to put a cover to the book with an advertisement sheet from the newspaper which was available next to me. and stick the torn pages. I quietly thanked my uncle and his friends for introducing me to such a nice book.



Then I made up my mind not to focus on the outer appearance of the book and reminded myself of the metaphorical phrase – DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.

 Till to date, this book is with me along with my collection and I’m proudly using it for TBR blog post today.  Farewell my friend is an enjoyable and touching short read.

 

 

(This blogpost is part of BLOGCHATTER’S #TBR challenge prompt for the month of APRIL :  A NOVELLA YOU LOVE)



Saturday 20 April 2024

ROBOTS DO NOT SHOP

   

 


ROBOTS DO NOT SHOP


Once it was wrinkles that blemished me in your eyes:

Youthfulness alone met your taste in workers

Now it’s my humanness that you scorn

For the power and stamina of robots I lack

Yet sneer not at my flesh and bones;

True, they make me weak in work

But from them comes my consumer’s thirst

That keeps alive the world of work.

 

Hands by turns should work and shop –

That’s the cycle that keeps shops afloat,

And it only endures while humans work.

Robots don’t shop so their shops go bust.

Let them that sack us beware of this!

Today you’re the force and we the fossil

But tomorrow we’ll adapt and be  the force

 

In history’s graveyard big bones abound:

Dinosaurs, mammoths, and mastodons—

Let big business beware!

We’ll take the door that you show us

Out of your shop and into your homes

Where we worked for ages past.

Mark well where that door stands

For there your headstone too shall stand

When homes cluster and rise again

To be our place of bed and bread.

 

Thenceforth, home–branded goods alone we’ll buy

And watch your robots go jobless!

A sweet day that’ll be when tables turn

And present to you a thing to learn—

A thing about us whom you fired

From jobs where we were long mired

Unaware that in us dwelled power

To quit and our own world create

 

This poem was written by Agona Apell

 

 

 A robot is a type of automated machine that can execute specific tasks with little or no human intervention and with speed and precision.

 Robots play a significant role in various aspects of modern society and have become increasingly important for several reasons.

 Robots can perform movements and actions with greater precision and accuracy than humans.

This leads to enhanced productivity. Robots can work at a faster pace than humans and don't get tired, leading to more consistent and higher-volume production. Improved safety.

 Robots are good at routine things, but cannot innovate like people can. Machines are excellent at carrying out routine tasks, but only people can 'think out of the box.”


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Friday 19 April 2024

QUEEN REGINA ACE

    




 

Queen Regina Ace


Platinum minstrel

jewel-encrusted gemstone

 sculptress, dawn usher

 

This poem was written by Howard Kerr

 

 

 

Queen comes from Old English  meaning  wife of a king."  Or

Queen- a female sovereign who is the official ruler or head of state. the wife or widow of a king.

A queen lives with grace, bravery, and thoughtfulness. People recognize her as a leader because she shows up with those qualities on a regular basis.

 Queens played a key role in fighting in the army to manage their kingdom whether they co-ruled or went off to war inheriting the throne under certain circumstances, they established their strong leadership and still are known for their fierce nature.

 The Queen of Sheba was also renowned for her cleverness, intelligence, and wisdom, appearing in religious texts as a potential equal to Solomon, the 10th century BCE king of Israel, generally upheld as the wisest figure in Jewish history.

 Generally, three queens stand out for reigning over key periods in British history. Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II are amongst some of Britain's most influential, popular, and successful monarchs. Under their leadership, the nation saw great economic and cultural growth.


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Thursday 18 April 2024

PHOTOGRAPHY MERAKI

  


PHOTOGRAPHY MERAKI

 

Sporting a colourful chemise

A camera and a valise

Temptations so easily tease

Roaming as free as honey bees

Tourists hear beckonings as pleas

And capture beauty with much ease

Tiny things no bigger than peas

Or vast expanse of deep blue seas

Weeping willows sway in the breeze

Nice houses of bourgeoisies

Candles lit to divinities

Friendly playful bitty chickadees

Lovable girl about to sneeze

Soldiers return from overseas

Referees calling penalities

Lovers creating memories

Strange amazing intricacies

Silly whimsical fantasies

Many types of absurdities

Two elephants on a trapeze

Seven vine swinging chimpanzees

Bears savouring delicacies

Oddities among novelties

Unavoidable catastrophes

Moments of awe you want to freeze

As many of these as you please

Photos are lovely memories

Many worthy of galleries

Artist’s a fan of what he sees

 

This poem was written by Line Monique Gauthier

 

Meraki, a Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself in your work.

 Meraki is used by Greeks to describe scenarios when a person has really put a part of themselves into something. It could be cooking that comes from the heart, composing a piece of music that comes straight from the soul, or writing an article that expresses thoughts openly, honestly, and vulnerably.

 Beautiful photography has the right timing, the perfect color and many are bursting with creativity.

 Photographs play an important role in everyone's life – they connect us to our past, they remind us of people, places, feelings, and stories. They can help us to know who we are. Photography has the power to inspire many people and could lead to a change for the better.

 Your memories don't just stay in your head — you'll forget most of them without a photo to serve as a reminder. Photos also serve as a visual journal for life's events, not just memories — we take photos of ourselves when we're feeling good or bad so we can look back and see how far we've come.

 Yes. When we see an old photo, it often brings back a flood of memories. This is because our brains are hardwired to encode and store memories visually. For example, if you see a photo of yourself as a kid, you may remember the time when the photograph was taken.


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Wednesday 17 April 2024

ONE GOOD NEIGHBOR

       


ONE GOOD NEIGHBOR

He came night after night. I don’t know how long he favoured me in such an appreciative manner, but I was most pleased when I realised it.

We had moved back into a property that had been rented out for nearly fifteen years. The clean-up was one tough job because the backyard was filled with more than a few of this, that or the other that had to be trashed. So, when my neighbourly friend was spotted patrolling my yard one night, I was more than elated and grateful to see him.

He took the same route each night, and we did make eye contact. But I purposely refused to formally meet him, because I did not want to become close to him. So, I never bothered to offer him food or drink.

For reasons I will never know, he ceased to make his rounds. During the tenure of that treasured neighbour, the rodents disappeared. But I’m disappointed with myself for keeping a wall between us. He deserved better.

Sometimes, I feel sad because comparatively, I gave him so little. But I must say that I have always been much appreciative of the kindness he shared with me, I shall never forget the dedication with which the neighbourly cat donated his time and served me so faithfully.

 

This poem was written by Curtis Johnson, Sr.

 

  It can be far more peaceful to live among neighbors that like and respect each other, especially when they're living in close proximity. Respectful neighbors are less likely to invade your space, be loud and rowdy, and make overall daily life stressful.

 To keep a positive relationship, avoid actions that may cause disturbances or inconvenience to your neighbors. Because good neighbors create safer neighborhoods, help each other, enhance emotional well-being, build strong communities, and protect each other's home values. They bring friendship, support, and a sense of belonging.

 Research has shown that creating community with those who live near you creates many positive benefits. Mental clarity, a reduction in depression, and a positive outlook on life are just a few of those perks. No matter where you live, neighbors are a fact of life…and they leave an impact no matter what.

 That’s why it’s always good to remember and bear in mind that: "Good fences make good neighbours". The words of  Robert Frost suggests that having clear boundaries and respecting each other's personal space can lead to better relationships between neighbors.


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Tuesday 16 April 2024

NEWTON’S LAW

    


NEWTON’S LAW

 

I was inattentive in science class one day

When the teacher at random looked my way

I didn’t look up, I wouldn’t dare

There’s no escaping that intense glare.

 

Asked me to explain to the class

Newton’s Law of Gravity and mass

My mind was a blank, heartbeats louder

For an answer, I started to flounder.

 

I stood before the class trembling with fear

“Gravity”, I said.. and then oh dear!!!

I fell off the stage on to the floor

How the class with laughter did roar.

 

 The children tittered in great amusement

They didn’t know my sad predicament

The teacher said, “You’ve demonstrated gravity”

“Although you did it with much levity.”

 

At length, I returned to my seat

With much applause did they greet

Now I look back upon this and ponder

I decide to listen and not let my mind wander.

 

This poem was written by Nandita Das

 

 

There are several causes that can be attributed to student inattention and they range from physical, social, and emotional causes to simple boredom with instruction.

 Students who are inattentive often appear distracted, need constant redirection, can't stay on task or follow directions, appear disorganized, and seem to be confused.

 Inattention may disrupt their ability to start and/or complete assigned classwork, such that assigned activities are completed inconsistently. Children also may frequently appear to be looking away from their work, instruction, or adult directives.

 Teachers need to keep the instructions brief and clear. Say the child's name or tap them on the shoulder to make and keep eye contact when giving important information. Ask the child to repeat the instruction to make sure they understand it. The child may need prompting, monitoring, and encouragement to keep them focused on tasks.


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Monday 15 April 2024

MOTHER

   


 

MOTHER


When all alone, quiet, and lost in thought,

I see again the times when I was young

I smile for attention I often sought,

Knowing if I was sad then you would come.

 

You would dry the teardrops that then would flow,

Be my bedside nurse on a restless night.

A soothing word and I’d forget my woe,

Consoled that you were not far from my sight.

 

Your wrath confused me when I misbehaved,

Never believing I was ever wrong.

But now I see love through your stormy rage

With your wise words OI have grown, oh so strong.

 

So when I think of you, Mother and friend,

All regrets are over, all sorrows end.


This poem was written by Ken Duddle


A mother's affection is the love, care, and nurturing that a mother provides to her child. It is the deep bond between a mother and her child, characterized by warmth, tenderness, and selflessness.

 She selflessly takes care of her child since the day he is born. She knows all the needs of her child and can do anything to fulfill them. She is always there for her children. Whenever we get sick or ill, It is our mother who takes care of us without concern about her health.

 A mother teaches her child the values of love and care. She teaches her child how to eat well. A mother instils in her child the ability to be happy. A mother instils in her child the values and traditions of her family.

 That’s why Kids generally describe their moms as more positive and less reactive.  Because kids have more contact with their moms, they know their moms better and rely on them for support.


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Sunday 14 April 2024

BRAVE INKED EMOTIONS


Presented by : Roma Gupta Sinha

Publisher : Notion press

Genre: Non fiction

Book buy link : @ Amazon



Emotions are very short-lived feelings that come from a known cause. They are displayed through sudden physical body language and facial expressions, such as by smiling when happy or crying when sad. Different types of emotions include: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), emotion is defined as “a complex reaction pattern, involving experiential, behavioral and physiological elements.” Emotions are how individuals deal with matters or situations they find personally significant.

Emotional experiences are relative – two people experiencing the same experiences will almost never have the same emotional response because the response is based on what we experienced before, and how we processed those events.

While the expressive component of emotion has been widely studied, it remains unclear whether or not men and women differ in other aspects of emotion. Most researchers agree that women are more emotionally expressive, but not that they experience more emotions than men do.

Emotions are powerful forces. They determine our outlook on life based on the events occurring around us. They allow us to empathize with other humans, perhaps to share in joy or in pain. Whichever emotion you feel on a given morning generally shapes how you feel throughout your entire day.

 Some emotions are positive. Think of happiness, joy, interest, excitement, gratitude, and love. These positive emotions feel good.

 Negative emotions — like sadness, anger, loneliness, jealousy, self-criticism, fear, or rejection — can be difficult, even painful at times.

This book throws light on the tough battle fought by women in their lives. These are real life experiences shared directly by the strong and brave warriors.  The book carries 31 soulful experiences of eminent Indian writers on how life taught them precious lessons in their emotional battles.

 All the stories are touching stories making the reader to experience feelings and emotions alongside the characters. The situation in the story might be different from the reader's everyday life, but the emotions evoked by the events are highly relatable to most people.

Women in every role she adores – daughter, sister, wife, mother, DIL, friend, counsellor, doctor, Teacher, she is emotionally involved and associated with the other person in the relationship. In these stories too, the women donning multiple roles have evolved over time and found ways to conquer their emotions.

This book bears a heavy responsibility of spreading the message of support and resilience for the women out there facing emotional hardships.

In the world of Literature, this book will peak with its voice and theme. As themes are the backbone of storytelling, providing depth and meaning that resonate with readers on a profound level. In literature, themes explore universal concepts, emotions, and ideas that connect us all as human beings.

 Generally anthologies are valuable for preserving cultural heritage, promoting literary diversity, and providing insight into different aspects of human experience.

Here the book BRAVE INKED EMOTIONS stand out and speaks volumes about the human experiences. Do grab a copy of the book and  you will surely gain a lot more strength and stamina to face the days ahead.



 (Received a copy of  the book as part of BRAVEINKED EMOTIONS blog tour in return of an honest review)


 (This blogpost is part of the Bookish League bloghop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile: https://bohemianbibliophile.com/)

SHE WALKS IN SILENCE

    SHE WALKS IN SILENCE   She walks in silence, like a lapping wave Drowned in chastity and flooded with rave Holding dear and tigh...