Rising Phoenixes

Amidst ash-fill, a phoenix's flight,
with potent strength, a fearless sight.
Her scars etched deep, yet unerased,
defied the adversity she faced.

In unity, they found their grace,
emerging strong, a sisterhood's embrace.
Muted pasts now distant noise,
together they rise, they rejoice.

For behind every strong woman's voice,
a story echoes, no choice but to rise.

Ganbaru

trials
hardships
tragedies
strife|
are a part of every life

do not succumb to the sorrows
do not yield to the blows
you have the incredible strength
within YOU
you only didn't know
tough times are not meant to last
you need to tough them out
with a tenacity
so perseverant
that you will stand tall, and
see through its end

GANBARU
be firm
do not give-in
do it more than your best, and
you will make it through everything.

Mind Matters..!!

As I lie down...
I see a myriad of images 
reeling through my eyes
along with the voices in my head
these demons, they deprave me
of my sleep and any form of peace
I don't blame them for I birthed them
when I went thru' conflicting moments in life
consequentially, the thoughts 
settled deep in the confines of my mind 
and created a level of chaos
that I've never witnessed before
where I am ME and yet not ME..!!

Interlude

I choose to live free but in autonomity
and for this I shall do all that I can
with resolute strength I'll fight away the demons
and with the gifted ability to handle crisis
I'll cross all the barriers enroute
and leave my mark on the paths traveled
I'll sweep and purge my mind from all the cobwebs
to make room for fresh thoughts and opportunities
and pave the way for a new beginning from here on
I'll never look into my past for that's not my way
but the only time I will ever look back 
or dwell in it will be when I want to know 
how far ahead I've come in life..!!

If you ever want to shine like the Sun, you’ve to burn like it!

Chafing the heart and mind

to break through the mould

and create a mark of your own

is a scalding herculean task

not meant for the weak hearted

for it is not the benevolent full moon

offering its peaceful realm that one seeks

but it is the aura of bright sunlight

that fires the trigger within to be there, and

to do something new that's never done before!

Only as far as I set my vision

will I be able to set the boundaries,

Only as far as I'm able to push yourself

will I be able to identify my true strength

Only as far as I make my dream, my goal

will I be able to shape it in reality

Only when I'm able to see my works take form

will I know that I'm on the right path!

En route the journey of life, I've learnt

it's entirely unto us to be who we are, and

become who we want to be in our lifetime

before trying to command nature in our sojourn

we first have to learn to obey it

we have to learn through every walk of life

as an observer, empathize n' pause to understand

what the nuances in life actually do mean

there's nothing free n' everything comes at a price

just like...

If you ever want to shine like the Sun,

first you have to burn like it..!!

Turn My Life Around

I don't know where I went wrong

I can't say which turn led me here

I only know that I'm afraid -

I feel worn down and full of fear

So much lies still within my soul-

wanting to burst free to serve at will

I try to find the strength within but I do not

for with every passing moment I find myself standing still

Whenever I have tried to find the way -

through this confusing life without grace

I fall and stumble everywhere

as softly tears run down upon my face

It's been so long since I have been practicing -

the art of being able to endure and give

Though over time I've learned and grown

Now it's time for me to learn to live

When I prayed to Lord, from within my soul -

HE sent you to come into my life

I need to plant my feet on firm ground

O! dear, will you turn my life around?

Life’s path connects to me …

Strange is life, stranger are its ways
filled as much with mystery as much as thrill
when the shores are silent, the waves leave the bay
like moments that seem as much alive as much as still.

The sun comes up, it's time to face the day,
and I think that life shall today be all right
and as the day wears on I don''t let my nerves fray
to the hollowness that creeps within me every night.

Having reached crossroads at life, I'm feeling weary
after the toils of sweat that over years I have shed
and I'm feeling like the skies too are cloudy and dreary
like the emptiness within and the heart that has bled.

I know its time to look ahead on the outside
time to tread life's journey on a new way 
I'm wondering whether I'll ever find the strength inside
to do it all again without going astray.

I have to erase the memories of how it began
sift away the emotions from reality 
I wipe the mirror, dust on my hands
the shadow clears, a new personality.

The wind blows a puff of scented fresh air
I try to be tranquil, as much I can be
it lifts my spirits up, out of that dreaded despair
sensing freedom above, I steer my life free.

I look to the sky, a cloudless sway
put a conch to my ear, a silent sea
strange is life, stranger are its ways...
an empty path ahead, that connects to me.

P.S: This is my personal favorite :-)