Express In Eight

Mess, Dandelion seeds, Nut butter jam, a patch of sunlight

A Patch of sunlight 11-12-2020 Prompt: plough or beg or patch

A patch of sunlight
fell through the branches
on the floor making
the room bright and warm.

Like the single ray of light
one kind word, one gesture
of care can spread joy
in the heart of someone lonely.


Mending bridges 11-13-2020 Prompt: Image of a broken bridge.

Now that we arrived
we need to put it
back in working shape.
It takes a while, no doubt.

There are people here
that like to mend broken
bridges to connect places,
people, countries and continents.


The festival 11-14-2020 prompt: use one of the words: “middle or rare or science”.

Tonight the sky is ablaze
never ceasing to amaze
it is a rare and wonderful sight
as a thousand lights lit up the night

darkness and dejection dispelled
Hope and joy in millions fueled
success is no more an aborted dream
Victory is in the vicinity of an aspiring team.


Success in space 11-16-2020 prompt- picture of an astronaut in space.

Neil Armstrong's "one small step"
on the moon in his spacesuit kept
us, the people of planet earth
poised for further dreams of worth.

We sure went ahead and made
more ventures in the lunar space
we also succeeded in holing the ozone
failed in safeguarding our own home.



Memories 11-17-2020 prompt- phrase- “A small quiet memory

A small, quiet memory plays on mind
all through the past and even now I find
it amusing and bring an instant smile
and energize my care-ridden life-style.

Carefree days when life was fun
school, music, games and none
of the worries that bother today's kids
siblings and I relive memories of bliss.


The things I can do 11-18-2020 Prompt: quotation ““You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

There are people who tell me
Oh, you can do it so much
better than what you think.
You do underestimate yourself.

Being low-profile is my trait
that has its high points.
I quietly do exactly how things
should be done, in music, in writing.



Water, flour and yeast 11-19-2020 Prompt: Bread or Idea


Home made white bread
ah! a lot of admiration is shed
staple for millions all over the world
religion and culture in its fold.

Baked on stone in ancient days
to the electrical range of today
bread is strong in flavor, texture
color and health, unending pleasure.


Roots 11-20-20 Prompt: Images of Prism and Roots.

Deeper the roots
wider the shade.
Expanding branches
shelter from rain and sun

Deep roots show strength
withstanding test of time
Family roots too nurture
values, culture and heritage.


Focus 11-21-2020 Prompt: revolve or focus or map.

I try to focus
but the images blur
clarity is lost
confusion results.

I try a method
to clear the madness
I work from the edges
now the center holds.


11-23-2020 Prompt words: choose one “ Chilly, Awkward, share

Chilly Days

Chilly days and welcome sun
the hill and vale veiled in mist
long shadows on the green turf
the blue of the sea and sky merge.

Not much movement on the road.
people and pets still ensconced
in the warmth of home and hearth
lost to the world in dawn dreams.


11-24-2020 Prompt : ancient or crumpled or spinning

Cool and tranquil

That ancient temple on the outskirts of the town
reminds me of the people of many centuries ago
Those architects and builders must be of great worth.
In hot summer it is cool and tranquil inside.

Spirit of devotion descends as I step into the sanctum
and I forget the world outside lost in the vocal silence
of the prayer hall and the gentle chanting of "Om"
I bow my head in gratitude, thanking Him for the blessings.


11-25-2020 Prompt picture: Dandelion seeds

Dandelion Seeds

Like souls freed from earthly bonds
flying away into to an eternal paradise
Dandelion seeds appear to ascend
the heights of sky and cross over
to an immortal sphere of lasting joy.
The gossamer-like botanical glory
a delicate wonder among the creator's
artifacts symbols of the sun, the moon….


11-27-2020 Prompt word: Lantern or fabric

Truth's light

In the enveloping darkness
the lantern flickered spreading
slow light in and around.
The path's clear, fear's gone.

In the light of truth, mind is calm.
Insulated from falsity and pain
we can walk tall and unafraid
complete the tasks assigned by Him.


11-28-2020 Prompt: avalanche or fissure or pinnacle

Pinnacles

An avalanche or a fissure in the mountain
is no obstacle for the strong and fit
determined to scale the endless highs
to reach the goal of the snowy peaks.

To cross the hard realities and a harsh
society of tenets, beliefs and rigid customs
It takes a person with grit and fearlessness
to find equanimity and pinnacles of glory.


11-30-2020 Prompt picture : molten metal or lime juice

Molten Emotions

Emotion at the highest
is akin to molten metal.
A stage when you can shape
it as you will and wish.

Like the hot liquid flow
let it mould into a permanent
cast of positive qualities
for the good of you, me and all.

12-1-2020 Picture prompt High cliff or broken mirror

Special moments

Jumping off a high cliff
thousands of feet
down into nowhere
is a special moment
like falling in love
like having your baby.
The thrill, the joy
never come back

12-2-2020 Prompt words: Attach or Cover

Attachments

At some point in life
we need to detach
from attachments
to people and places,
things of sentimental value.

Its temporary joy evaporates
bringing dismay in its wake.


12-3-2020 Prompt words : enough or finally.

Love, finally.

Like a lone pine
she lived alone
at the end of the street
in a house painted in blue and cream.

It took her long years
to come to terms
and learn how to love
to find peace finally.

12-4-2020 Prompt Words: Quaint or Carve
Quaint charm


The village on the coast
shone with a quaint charm.
small houses, picture-perfect
rose-creepers around

My heart glows when I recall
My grandparents' residence
located on the main-street
alive with an old world charm.

12-5-2020 Prompt : gusty,
A gusty wind

A gusty wind blew across the vale
startling the tiny flowers and buds
sleeping under the cover of thick
bushy blanket, unaware of perils,

like an innocent maiden of untouched
purity, innocence and beauty
till she is made aware of the lusty
delights and griefs of the adult world.


12-7-2020 Picture Prompt: Long Road and Moon or Wooden pail

The big moon

There is something about the full moon
that spellbinds me and my love
as we enjoy the spilled moonlight
spread like a silver blanket around us.

The quiet long road is no longer a looming
threat as we join hands and start walking
the miles ahead with our hearts full of love
and our steady sight set on goals ahead.


Prompt words: Jam or Comfort
12-8-2020


Nut butter Jam sandwich

Few can afford to enjoy food they love.
With nut butter jam sandwich on the plate
I can hardly think of the piling calories
yet will power pushes me to put it aside

for a tumbler of fresh orange juice instead.
Coffee or tea? not at all. Caffeine is bad for
stomach and brain they tell me. simple living
and high thinking, alas! for the age of wisdom.


12-9-2020 Prompt words: doubt or candy

Yet, we doubt.

Not everything has proof
like the truth of super-power behind
the many things, like the aftermath
of death, where do we go?

Faith and doubt never agree
Uncertainty leads to trouble.
So before taking the final plunge
I would like to clear doubts.

12-10-2020 Prompt quotations : ““Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso Or“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Mess.

I doubt not for a moment
I am a mess, glorious or not.
My thrill lies in seeking order
and put humpty dumpty together.

I question my motives, my thoughts
I debate why I do certain things.
I conclude, well, this is the way it is.
You need to "embrace" self to be better.


12-11-2020 Prompt Words: Edge or Ruby

Edge of Heaven.


It was almost the edge of Heaven,
like seeing "Eternity the other night."
but mortality pulls us back
throws us into the whirlpool

of never ending squabbles
over insignificant nothings.
we cannot win the odds
So we tell ourselves, "that's life."


12-12-2020 Prompt words: jumble or plenty or yawn

Winter Calm


The streets in the colony wear a desert look
neither a stray dog or cat in the corner or nook
The empty roads yawn at me as I venture out
Will it ever be like before the pandemic, I doubt.

Winter mist veils the small shops at the street end.
A lonely dog barks from afar under a crescent
moon creeping up the sky beyond the lavender hill.
Cool weather, calm night lull us to sleep at will.



12-14-2020 Picture prompts: Horse and deer or pecans


Affinity

If the deer and horse are inseparable friends
So are the monks of a Himalayan hamlets with lions
of the thick jungle that surrounds their monastery.
Affinity between different species is an ideal trend.

With the disappearance of cruelty, fear is no more.
and if fear is gone from the world, all we have
is love and kindness surrounding the planet.
It sounds like a Utopian dream coming true.

12-15-2020 Prompt Words: Gravity or Once or Shone.

Gravity

The moon rising on the sea
shone full blast on the couple
walking on the white sands.
Laughter echoed in the dunes.

Moon's gravity brought on
a fierce tide in the ocean
winds rose and they clutched
at each other, swept in together.


Choked 12-16-2020 Prompt video : Casting a Fire Ant Colony with Molten Aluminum


An ant mega colony takes over the world
while the humans try to capture nature.
The pest eats at the bowels of the earth
The power crazy strikes at the roots of life.

Unearthing the ants' habitat is man's merit
yet fails miserably in keeping the earth clean
He continued piling crimes against nature
till he couldn't breathe due to heinous deeds.

12-7-2020 Picture Prompt: Long Road and Moon or Wooden pail

The big moon

There is something about the full moon
that spellbinds me and my love
as we enjoy the spilled moonlight
spread like a silver blanket around us.

The quiet long road is no longer a looming
threat as we join hands and start walking
the miles ahead with our hearts full of love
and our steady sight set on goals ahead.

Prompt words: Jam or Comfort
12-8-2020

Nut butter Jam sandwich

Few can afford to enjoy food they love.
With nut butter jam sandwich on the plate
I can hardly think of the piling calories
yet will power pushes me to put it aside

for a tumbler of fresh orange juice instead.
Coffee or tea? not at all. Caffeine is bad for
stomach and brain they tell me. simple living
and high thinking, alas! for the age of wisdom.

12-9-2020 Prompt words: doubt or candy

Yet, we doubt.

Not everything has proof
like the truth of super-power behind
the many things, like the aftermath
of death, where do we go?

Faith and doubt never agree
Uncertainty leads to trouble.
So before taking the final plunge
I would like to clear doubts.

12-10-2020 Prompt quotations : ““Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso
Or
“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Mess.

I doubt not for a moment
I am a mess, glorious or not.
My thrill lies in seeking order
and put humpty dumpty together.

I question my motives, my thoughts
I debate why I do certain things.
I conclude, well, this is the way it is.
You need to "embrace" self to be better.


12-11-2020 Prompt Words: Edge or Ruby

Edge of Heaven.


It was almost the edge of Heaven,
like seeing "Eternity the other night."
but mortality pulls us back
throws us into the whirlpool

of never ending squabbles
over insignificant nothings.
we cannot win the odds
So we tell ourselves, "that's life."


12-12-2020

Prompt words: jumble or plenty or yawn

Winter Calm


The streets in the colony wear a desert look
neither a stray dog or cat in the corner or nook
The empty roads yawn at me as I venture out
Will it ever be like before the pandemic, I doubt.

Winter mist veils the small shops at the street end.
A lonely dog barks from afar under a crescent
moon creeping up the sky beyond the lavender hill.
Cool weather, calm night lull us to sleep at will.



12-14-2020 Picture prompts: Horse and deer or pecans


Affinity

If the deer and horse are inseparable friends
So are the monks of a Himalayan hamlets with lions
of the thick jungle that surrounds their monastery.
Affinity between different species is an ideal trend.

With the disappearance of cruelty, fear is no more.
and if fear is gone from the world, all we have
is love and kindness surrounding the planet.
It sounds like a Utopian dream coming true.


12-15-2020 Prompt Words: Gravity or Once or Shone.

Gravity

The moon rising on the sea
shone full blast on the couple
walking on the white sands.
Laughter echoed in the dunes.

Moon's gravity brought on
a fierce tide in the ocean
winds rose and they clutched
at each other, swept in together.


Choked

12-16-2020 Prompt video : Casting a Fire Ant Colony with Molten Aluminum

An ant mega colony takes over the world
while the humans try to capture nature.
The pest eats at the bowels of the earth
The power crazy strikes at the roots of life.

Unearthing the ants' habitat is man's merit
yet fails miserably in keeping the earth clean
He continued piling crimes against nature
till he couldn't breathe due to heinous deeds.


12-17-2020 Prompt words: Ribbon or Guide.
Ribbon
It wasn't a yellow ribbon
but a blue and pink one
tied around big banyan
to guide my love back
to home from his months'
long voyages across
the continents with just
the sea for his companion.

12-18-2020
Migrants
Once every room was full.
The nest buzzed with little birds
At times, I thought it was awful.
Years melted when I noticed

the young ones grew and flew
to make their own habitats.
soon it was time to say adieu.
migrant-like they return year after year.

12-19-2020
Jigsaw

To make the pieces fall in place
takes time, effort and patience
find the right one for the slot
a lot of pleasure it brought.

To meet right people at the right time
takes more than expertise fine.
if succeeded, joy lasts forever
if not one becomes a philosopher.
12-21-2020 Prompt words : serenade or gentle or favorite.
Serenade

The serenade played softly
The moon lit up the night
The woods turned whiter,
with the frost gleaming.

I held your hand
I felt your warmth
my heartbeat gentle
magic of love all around.

12-22-2020 Prompt words: Owl or sudden.
Spectacular

Six in the evening
the eternal sky wore
a riot of colors, a visual
wonder, an ever-new spectacle.

All of a sudden, out of dark
flies in a white owl, perching
on the parapet wall two feet from us
wise bird watched the sun sinking into the sea.

12-23-2020 Prompt words: Market or Hallway
Christmas Spirit
Crowded market despite the warning.
To heck with the Carona virus!
Armed with masks and distancing
let's purge it with the spirit of Christmas

They got the tree from the farm
It sat in the hallway with grace
the family brought out its charm
decorations lit up the whole place.

12-24-2020 Picture Prompt: Sundial or A bowl of strawberries.
Delight
Spotted a strawberry cake
sitting sweetly in the bakery.
Its light pink, white and forest
green frosting held me in thrall.

My feet led me inside
my eyes glued to the delight
the sweetest one ever
my dad got on that distant birthday.

12-25-2020 Prompt Pictures: sleeping by the reindeer or sugar cubes
Sugary sweets

There certainly is a persuasive power
to the enticing sugar cubes piled in a bowl
kids and I favor the little colored cubes
looking pretty on a plate in the center.

What is life without sweetness?
The taste that dominates.
Modifying its extreme attraction
is an art per se and should be cultivated.

12-26-2020 Prompt words: Over or Hollow
Lasting
Very few things never get over
they are, for sure, meant forever
the more you give the more you get
first among them is "love" you bet.

There is nothing hollow about it
you got to go through to admit.
The touch of love is a life-changer
ceaseless through joy and danger.

12-27-2020 Prompt image: Man running on Gear
Mystique
Perfect balance with a toned physique
play a crucial role in turning the wheel
body-mind harmony is truly a mystique.
unafraid and daring, my praise he steals.

So it is with masters that are ever steady
stable and calm, never under the sway
of time, the silent turner of the wheel of life, ready
to make or unmake destiny of anyone, any day.

12-28-2020 prompt quotes : I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect - they are
much more interesting. ~ Marc Jacobs

Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see. ~ Confucius

Impact
Things of beauty abound in creation
They are spread around like sunshine.
Gazing at the open skies with clear blue
canopy or a cool afternoon spent reading
A Jane Eyre, or "stopping by the woods
on a snowy evening" evoke pictures of beauty
in the space of a moment and I forget
the mundane and get lost in spheres beauty.

12-29-2020 Prompt words: Vast or Slight
Neptune’s domain

The vast ocean never ceases
to surprise, its waves restless
crash on the shore with a roar,
withdraw with a mercurial hiss.

Neptune's immeasurable mass
hides priceless gems, plants,
creatures slight, huge and massive
vital contributors to life on earth.

12-30-2020 Prompt words: frame or view

Stay connected

The view from my window
is not clear; the glass fitted
into the frame is opaque.
I need to get out to know
the real world and the people
that make it meaningful.
I can't be isolated if I want
to stay connected and loved.

1-1-2021 Prompt: “Often” or “Hello”
I wonder.
Often I wonder what makes me happy.
my mind comes up with the answer,
it is mainly, time well spent.
be it with friends, relations
or community colleagues of the WDC.
The feel-good ambiance lasts for days.
Saying "hello" becomes spontaneous
when communication is sincere and simple.

1-2-2021 prompt images: snowflake
Snowflakes
Snowflakes that look like little angels
descending to bless the earthen folk
make a fetching sight in the season
of mists and the lazy relaxing winter.

Watching them falling like white lilies
of spring time reminds me of the good
times in future months, when once again
sun shines and beauty of a different kind blooms.

3-1-2021 Prompt words:Warmth or Crunchy
Warmth
Walking out into an early cold December morn
could be somewhat uncomfortable especially,
when you've spent the night warmly covered.
The touch of sunshine on the chilled skin
changes the color and quality of being outdoors.
The rejuvenating, life-saving sun smiles kindly
on the world that hardly stops to give him
a thought or appreciate the vital light he spreads.

1-4-2021 Prompt words: Beneath or Crate

Gratitude

Beneath the canopy of a dark sky
studded with an array of countless
stars spreading the simple message
of living for others and giving hope,
happiness and understanding the good
brought by the many blessings of life,
I walk on filled with a pleasing sense
of gratitude, appreciation and humility.