Blooming like a hibiscus gentle sunlight caresses my upturned face bestowing me with honeyed warmth melting away melancholic maelstrom and in that moment of solitude and quiet I feel blessed.
At night I water stars with my tears moon silently sits with me keeping vigil with me in sorority throughout the turbulent times her presence; a cold compress to my fevered feelings I feel not alone.
Written for dVerse poetics. Today’s host, Ingrid, has asked us to write about a special gift we may have received or write a poem of gratitude.
No portentous clouds loomed on the horizon at the dawn of 2021. In fact, the first day of the year dawned sunny and bright, promising to be better than the previous one. But things started going downhill pretty soon and in its passage, the year, left lives and livelihoods in ruins. As the year drew to a close, there wasn’t much to celebrate but being alive and together as a family, filled us with immense gratitude. A quiet, home-cooked, wholesome dinner, with favourite music in the background and bantering kids; I feel blessed! 2022 will find it difficult to emerge from the long shadows cast by the preceding year yet life is all about living with hope.
Four solemn faces anticipation in eyes whither tomorrow?
Written for dVerse. Today’s host, Li, says: Your challenge today, if you choose to accept it, is to write a haibun about this year’s holiday celebrations.
Little things bless me everyday a teen chest moving rhythmically throughout the night a sleepyhead’s scowl brightening my morn a quick, warm cuddle before I leave the bed dawn’s fingers caressing me with warmth the sound of temple bells*, gurbani** and adhan*** co-mingling fresh aroma of tea brewing filling my senses the pride with which this lil tomato makes my heart swell usual chores that keep me busy all day a phone call that confirms mom is alright light banter with friends through messaging apps kind words left by accomplished poets on my homely verses blessed is my day when at dusk I watch birds flocking back to their nests clear nights fill me with gratitude when with my namesake I sit in companionable silence ’tis always the little things that brighten my day and bring joy big knock-me-down good news don’t knock at my door any more.
Written for dVerse MTB. Today’s host, Grace says: write a response poem to David Whyte’s Blessing for Light and Blessing for Sound poems.
*temple bells: the sound of the bell is considered auspicious which welcomes divinity and dispels evil. The sound of the bell is said to disengage mind from ongoing thoughts thus making the mind more receptive. Bell ringing during prayer is said to help in controlling the ever wandering mind and focusing on the deity.
**gurbani: it is a Sikh term, very commonly used by Sikhs to refer to various compositions by the Sikh Gurus and other writers of Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book.
***adhan: the Arabic word adhan means “to listen.” It is the call for prayer which is used to notify the muslims about prayer time. The five compulsory prayers which are supposed to be observed by every muslim, everyday, form the second pillar of Islam.
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