Of Strawberries and Memories of Panchgani

Sun-kissed memories
of luscious strawberries
hanging their heads,
lost in rows of green.









Exploring caves
in the valley below
where a temple stands,
beliefs held close.

A yearly ritual begins,
as men and women
dance and bow
drums beat - a slow tempo.







A village girl poses,
eyes filled with hope,
as I promise to send
her first photo.













Riding two horses
Naughty and Rockstar,
we set off to Tableland
our hearts on fire!

Stopping by to see
a lake on a plateau,
a restaurant cave and
an underground tunnel below.

Up and down
on the trampoline,
making friends with a baby,
bouncing together, a smile serene!
.








As we bid goodbye
to new friends and homes,
our hearts filled to the brim,
with memories to own.


.
.

Fear

On the edge
of two worlds
of fear and love
I plunge into
an infinity well...
where somewhere
deep down
in the emptiness
I suddenly discover
the power to know
and witness all,
to rise again
and grow in love.

Death

Somewhere ...
in the forest
a dry leaf falls
to touch the ground
from where it was born...
Somewhere ...
down the road
a friend passes on
to touch the ground
from where he was born.....
Somewhere...
in the world
an animal is lost
to touch the ground
from where it was born...
Somewhere, sometime
with every passing,
a part of me dies
to leave a note behind -
that "somewhere, sometime
you too will go
So don't hold on to fear,
simply let go."

Empty Cup

Only an empty cup

can be filled
with love -
the still water
that holds all -
the sunlight,
the moon,
the dark shadows
and stars at night;
as I look into
my empty cup
to find and know,
to fill and love.

My Sleeping Child

A thousand thoughts that fly around,
A gushing river, your voice, your sounds,
Have all stopped still to finally nest,
As you snuggle up close, to rest.
Your hand rests lightly,
On gossamer cheeks,
Asking a thousand questions?
Looking for avenues you seek;
Sleep finally engulfs
Your long, ox-bow eyes,
As they hang heavy,
A thousand dreams inside!
While I watch over you,
Spinning quiet memories,
Of the days gone by,
With you - my sleeping child!

Dreams

On a sleepless night,
a restless heart,
that longs to touch
a star-spangled sky...
draws wispy clouds
that carry dreams
and a wish set free
to the Universe!

The Wheel of Life

a spoke is missing
from the wheel -
my heart aches
as it longs
for the missing piece,
not looking at
those intact,
for a wheel
is a Wheel
and Life goes on...

Music from the Daily Grind

the generator drones
fans rattle and moan;
mosquitoes whisper,
a lizard clicks; no power.
I sit in silence,
eyes turned within;
the midnight oil
burns bright
in the din;
as I wait
to create
from the
fountain inside -
some music
from
the daily grind.

Conflicts

a rubberband
stretched thin
conflicts
tug within
as I hold the space,
I watch and wait,
which will give?
which will take?
or will it break?
I watch and wait.

trees begin their dance
wet earth slowly fills the air
rain breaks free, heaven on earth

The Cry of a Child

If I don't share
my toys with you,
will you understand
I'm still learning to?

If I don't see
things eye to eye,
will you understand
I don't see you?

If I don't say
what you'd like me to,
will you understand
it's not because of you?

If I interrupt
every time you talk,
will you understand
it's not to balk?

Can I hold on just a little more?
They are my toys; I love them so!
Can I take time to know you more?
I like to learn; I like it slow!
Can I speak from my heart?
I like you; I like my part!
Can I dart before you go?
I can't wait to share my do!

Can I be Me?
and you be You?
And from that space
find each other too?

Homecoming

The birds
dart across
the orange sky,
to the warmth
of their little nests
perched somewhere high.
The sky
their home
for a little while,
until
they find a space
where they can be -
Safe. Content. Tranquil.
As comforting chirps
drown
the cacophony
of traffic
speeding by,
I listen. I wait.
I wonder. I smile.
My heart tinged
with a sadness,
after a day out;
Homecoming
is always sweet,
as I make
my own nest
in this world,
where I can still
Be Me.

It Takes Two!

When the sun goes down
and it's dark outside,
You need me
to hold your hand.
When you have to go down
a steep flight of stairs,
You need me
to be with you, aware.
When you graze your knee
or try in vain,
You need me
to be with your pain.
When you have a tiff
and you don't understand,
You need me
to be your voice and mind!
You need me
and I need you,
Let's dance together!
It takes two!

Touching the earth

the source
the end
the way
of all life -
why have we forgotten
to touch you,
live with you,
embrace you?
for you give us all -
a home
a hearth
a haven;
you hold all -
the fire that tempers
the water that binds
the air that carries
your smell -
my heart
waits in wonder
to listen to your whispers
in a house
made of cob,
and the smell of the earth.

Mopping

the floor seems clean -

as I dip

into thoughts of old,

like still water

in the pail;

now stirred,

churned,

squeezed,

and released;

I wipe away

thoughts of the past

that sully the floor;

to be here

in the now

as I mop.

Silence

Between
two soft notes of black and white;
a whistling thrush, crickets in the wild;
the stark sky and unfettered sea;
the desert sand, and rolling greenery;
Between
two breaths of air - that give and take;
eyes closed and eyes awake;
a wiped teardrop and a breaking smile;
a heart that yearns, and a heart that riles;
Between
a memory and a deep longing....
Is a space - ever-growing, ever-changing;
Where I stand in solitude
To look within - aware;
Alone. Content.
In silence.