Friends of a Different Kind

When the school bell rings, and you're free to play,
To the tree you run, and build castles of clay!

When tired of games, you need some rest,
The banyan's shade is the best.

When the schools are closed, and Mama makes many a sweet
And Papa calls friends for a festive greet,
With friends you pluck flowers off the tree, down the street 

When the bed turns warm, and the air is still,
The scorching heat makes you wonder, if it's sweeter still
It's then that the mango groves turn into an amazing wind-mill!

They give us plenty - air, shelter and food,
The Earth would become Heaven, if all were as good!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Happiness on the New Year

Another beautiful year closing

Yet another lovelier phase to look forward to.

There’s always hope – 

That tomorrow would be a brighter 

With sparks of lights, sans noise of fights

A tomorrow with gleaming faces and silent schools

Where the only noise be that of boisterous children in fields

A future where families are bound by health

Where mothers needn’t be concerned of the kids’ safety

A new day, a new morning 

Where everyone lives every passing day with virtues  

Embracing values, ethics, honesty and sincerity!

And a silent prayer - 

May you have a blessed Christmas and Holiday Season

And May the New Year usher in happiness, health and smiles 

Not just for you and family, 

Not just what you deserved but more than you asked ever

Not just for your own, 

But be infectious to affect people across miles and miles!

© Sashikant Mohanty

[December 24, 2014]

Will You Not Wake up, Baby!

I have a heart!

How often have I not explained we are men

Warm blood runs through our vessels, too

I start our day with a prayer for God

How many times didn't we struggle to put across a word

But you'd turn away

Only language you chose to understand was bullets

And respond in same currency

Fire for fire

We didn't choose you: you chose us

We longed to be owned, to be hugged and cared for!

Why don't you listen!

Fine - I am not suave as you, have my imperfections

Won't you help if it were your brother!

Why did I become this!

Can I not be a part of you! You all!

I also have a heart! 

© Sashikant Mohanty

Peshawar's Homes Won't Be The Same Again

Why did they shoot my friends!

Who do I go back to - to play, Mama!

Who will I share my toys with,

Who'll join me at carrom games?

They were just too nice, No Ma?

Yes, we'd fight, but who doesn't fight their friends

Their smiles were my best company even during holidays,

To long to be back again.

Will I not see them after Christmas holidays, Ma?

I will not fight again. 

Tell me, Ma, they'll come back later!

Tell me,

What was their mistake -

Being bubbly friends, 

All 'A's, or just being uninformed,

Why did they shoot my friends,

Who do I go back to - to play, Ma?

Why don't you speak up, baby?

Are you playing yet another prank?

Yes, you'd wake up late for school,

I promise I'd not yell at you. 

See what's waiting at the table

Steaming dishes, your favorites.

Get up sweetheart, Now!

You're such a darling,

The dimples could melt every heart.

Couldn't they see the sparkle in your eyes?

The infectious smile?

The innocent looks?

How could did they spray the bullets at you!

You always argued "Why wake me early!"

I'll not yell at you today,

Take your time, baby
School can wait!

© Sashikant Mohanty

[December 19, 2014]

Strength

For the gales shall keep lashing.

for the storms shall be frequenter,

for the winds shall be poignant

and words, hurting

we shall have to be strong!

For behind our smiles there’s a prayer,

for a dream preludes every day,

for there’s always a tear rolled for each other –

we have got to be strong!

Each day’s a new beginning

and each moment – lifetime:

every moment we’ve longed to be

cared for, held and loved

by each other;

we shall be strong to live and love!

For each day’s trying, every moment a test,

we’ve got to be patient, committed and confident:

for we shall have to win,

for each time we’ve got to beat the obstacles,

we shall have to be stronger always

than ever before!

For God wishes us to be strong

to dare the gales,

For He’s made is to face the storms, 

for the gloom shall have to pass,

for a bright morning awaits us

we shall have to be strong!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Turmoil of A Diwali Night

There's so much of everything:

of fireworks, that lit up the skies

of crackers, that the gallis kids indulged in.

As we sit through, witnessing the celestial delight,

an eerie thought swept across my mind 

- Can there be world without these?

That was another day - a Diwali evening,

the airs pregnant with the happiness.

The air is full, today, and growing still

but there weren't crackers, this time.

The thunderstorms lashed me with dreadful thoughts

- Could there be darkness darker than this?

The rains wouldn't stop,

with only the lightnings to intervene the spells

the door creaked, unable to stand gusts of wind

and, my heart missed a beat as the shutter crashed to a strong gust.

The whizzing of the trees rents a feeling

- Would the rains ever stop?

The chill in the air is freezing,

the wall you rested against starts soaking,

the hissing sounds interspersed with the croaks sounded eerie.

As I recalled the Diwali dazzles and the warmth,

a thought swept by from nowhere

- how safe would she be? 

© Sashikant Mohanty

Light of Love

Clear evening skies, blinking stars

or the golden crescent, above a green velvet,

make the turf you'd pray for being with her;

Darkness like Diwali evenings, you'd also cherish

for the lamps lit to brighten up the airs.

The pain in the hearts is also relished

for the warmth of the hugs that they bring along;

There's a growing anxiety, a craving for your voice

even if it meant being hurt - by you!

The urge to see you is ever growing

the thought of sight, or touch makes me possessed

I'd dare the storms, and still cling on to hope

even if, that means being through the pain of waiting.

Nights used to be just a part of the days

until the soft rays of your love shone on my turf;

I would never complain of darkness, had it not been

for the sight of light of love in your eyes!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Reflections

When you feel grown too high for men,

look up at the skies for a humbling experience.

When the thought of being deprived or shorn grips you

think of the cheering blank faces you see at the signal, everyday

or, at "God's own Children", the last weekend!

When the sooty dark engulfs you,

when the gloomy clouds draw together, above you

remember the azure light of the wee hours

or, the lustre of smiles of your sister's son!

When the storms scare you, and fear dreads

as anxiety heaps on,

recall the soft cool breeze of the summer evening

standing by her, trying to chill the heat

gazing at the crescent tossed in the gentle stream.

The thought of loneliness doesn't wring tears in my eyes

for the rich warm hugs, spaceless embraces

the soaking of spirits by the warm silver beads

- that I treasure ever after! 

© Sashikant Mohanty

Am I Being Missed As Much?

The words ring on my ears,
As tears well up in my eyes
And a thought crosses my mind -
Am I missed as much?

The day paves way
for the dusk, and evenings roll along
As the mundane gives way for the special
The memories glide up -
the smiles, the tears
and the sweet nothings
That we shared,
leaning against our shoulders.

Waking up is a grouse,
as endlessly I wait
To be called,
rolled around with rich smile;
Days are drab,
as a stubborn silence hugs me
for long hours
For the habit of getting used to your voice -
Every hour, every moment!

Your voice
still drags along a warmth,
The smiles still light up your face -
when they'd meet mine,
You are always about and around -
in my thoughts.
When do I have you
to do all that to me, again?

Listening to the sweet unsaid words
was so beautiful
Just looking at each other
without a murmur to disturb -
Just the sweetness of smiles,
the warm tears or your bear hugs.
It's time to hear your voice,
again, to put life back in me.

Every moment you are close,
near to my heart
As I see you, hear and feel you;
Why aren't you here -
when I rub sleep off my eyes?
And then a thought crosses my mind -
Am I missed as much
When you shrug off sleep -
and not find me?




© Sashikant Mohanty

In Choosing To Be True

Was it my mistake, in picking up the threads of learning,

in growing up the way I was told to

in living the way I’ve done up all this while,

in standing by truth, and wearing honesty.

That someone’s pain stirred me, a frown made me sad

if I cheered in etching out happiness for someone,

or, in thinking of someone more than me,

was it a mistake?

Was it a mistake in crying at someone sorrow,

in feeling the pangs at your loneliness

in toiling to carve out a ray of smile

in welling up tears at my pain, but failing

by crying up like a kid

at your hour of trial, friend? 

© Sashikant Mohanty

When Tears Are Cherished For Warmth

Flights down the memory lanes ’ve always been blissful,

Filling steam to keep me kicking.

They keep swaying across, playing hide-and-seek

And giving me reason to keep seeking, to keep going.

Is it joy, or was it pain

Rolling back the pages of my neatly saved diary?

Did they do a favor, the gusts of wind, as they swept along –

Across my eyes, as I kept gazing at the blinking skies from my bed

Or, carved my sleep with neat dreams –

Wordless speech, and silences that spoke so much.

Whether it was a joy, or a pain, I loved it

For it’s all about you, neatly strewn and knitted

About your love, smiles and tears

And they were all for and about me!

The chill is intoxicating,

- intoxicating, in renting a strange feeling of warmth and strength

of warmth that’s about your love

that I might have seen in your eyes,

or maybe my weird imagination,

but never stopping me from putting the pieces together

- the smiles, the unspoken words, or the plain looks

and carving out dreams –

Dreams of togetherness, of warmth, of moments of oneness

Of electric pulses in love.

Whether it’s joy or pain, I love it

for the tears it brings along,

warm tears that knead warmth all across my body and spirit

when everything about seemed to become cold.

© Sashikant Mohanty

Turbulence

As I sat by the railings of my balcony,

puffing the butt of my cigarette, that suddenly glowed bright

sending me puzzled and piqued, until I caught sight of the blown curtains.

A cool whiff of breeze swept by me, unveiling my thoughts

or, did it sweep unto me: was I possessed?

I much feared it’d happen to me;

But, wasn’t it that I wished it to happen?

I know how much it hurts, when it leaves you by

but I still loved the wafts of soft morning breeze

that swept the petals of the droplets of mist, and

let the budding flowers to carve out hopes for a bright long day!

The soft sombreness, the light intoxication,

The smoky dew, hazy vision and the fancy fiery dreams

- I liked them all, as much I feared.

They came as many times as they went, playing truants with me

They hurt as much, as they strew smiles across.

They’d hurt me, pain me but I loved every time they came.

But, I waited always that it would come again

the soft sombre words, the light recollections,

the dancing images, the infectious effervescence

and the intoxicating presence.

Did someone say, let it free: if came back

It was always yours.

But poor me, I can’t afford the dread of

Losing you! 

© Sashikant Mohanty

Delhi Beckons

How I waited for Delhi to come:

I knew it’d be painful to part again,
still waited for it,

to see love and tears
well up in your eyes.

I didn’t wish to be away,
never did you either.

Everyday’s a year,
each moment an endless wait,

Love, I missed and craved for you.

I know you'd be gazing at the skies,
scanning and seeking me

Among the stars,
and wishing me back soon -
with you.

Tears were dearer than ever,
and warm as never before:

They would never leave you alone,

as if they heard my prayers,
and understood the loneliness.

I could feel the beads
growing as they swelled up,

thrusting themselves against me –

sometimes, I managed to get better of them,
and at others - it was them.

How I waited to be home,
craving, crying and praying.

They were always with me,
about and around –

Prayers, fond memories, and short prayers,

As much as they hugged and kissed you

as, Delhi, I left long behind
and headed to a distant land!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Pangs of love

The warmth always made up for the space

our memories nursed the aching heart

and brought solace to nurture hopes and dreams

when each moment tore me apart.

Every moment when you were sure there was someone

for you to talk to, take out your stresses

I'd feel happy for being there for you.

Why's it that I am so lonely even for myself?

I've saved them all up here, that you like

how every nicety has waited for the nice person

and still I live each day in the warmth

of ones that have been closest, my tears!

The cool breeze, infectious smiles, assuring kisses

how I built hopes about them, how eagerly I hoped

they would be ours' again;

the breeze hurts, alone, as it comes by.

© Sashikant Mohanty

Memories of Another Day

Warm tears tickling down the cheeks,

interspersed by the gentle smile

trying to make her feel it's tears of joy;

the hug meant to give me warmth and strength

couldn't hide the murmur of the heart - craving I didn't leave!

That was memory of another day,

seated deep in my heart, only to surface always

and me trying tough to put up a smile to cheer others:

as male ego and social ritual are reasons to keep kicking!

The skies are cast, not the Bangalore ways

evenings' calm wouldn't have the dust to settle

the airs are eerie, not quite characteristic

in years, the heavens had never poured as bad:

as though they can't feign enough comfort!

Everyday is a grouse to live, wears slowly by

looks as if ages passed between the smiles

the line of beads is back there, oozing

but murmur is not to be heard!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Give Hope a Chance

Steep in efforts, as I tried to gather sleep,

much as everything, or everyone, it played hide-and-seek

I forced no further, guess I didn't want to lose it for good.

A swarm of thoughts sway across, 

me picking out each tenderly and giving them space to grow.

- None had time for me

not you, not the sweet smiles, the infectious dreams.

Have I not been left alone often, with me?

maybe often without.

I wish I could reason the lustrous dreams, decked up expectations.

The pages of my diary are blank, they always were.

I never realised I'd ever need them, to remind me of good days

for the soothing thoughts, that you clothed me about assuring tomorrows

and hope that we dressed of each morning-in-waiting.

The days seem so barren, living greater grouse

as life rolls slowly by - worn, resigned to loneliness.

Hope is motherless, deserted as it stands

waiting to be picked, owned up, held to be hugged.

Where's the light dear, why does the chill not bite you any longer

have we been turned blind, or someone rent us comatose?

Wake up, love, shake the sleep off

to assure me of the habit that is you.

It's tearing pain to be dead when told you're still alive!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Infectious Smile

Is the turbulence because I'm feeling alone!

The pampering about smiles being infectious

The patting words that helped me kicking

Can I not have them to me, again!

I was pampered of being there when thought, needed and dreamt

The craving is all the more stronger

How I yearn, to hear the whispers, again

Can we not be part of that habit, again?

There were moments, we'd differ, may even argue;

Careful enough, though to be silent

But sitting by, lying against the other's shoulders

As though to affirm trust even in difference;

As often we'd smile back and hug

to tell, to cherish - differ, we must to love stronger!

Can we care enough to look back at each other

Beam one of those speechless nothings, aka infectious smiles

That enhances your face value!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Power of truth

I know you - my heart, my conscience tells me so;

I knew you, then and I do you now

Don't call it my over-confidence

But certainly I know you more than you,

And, by all means, more than anyone else.

That you are confused, and you have been frail

That you scared the dread of being disowned

Not knowing the powers of truth, and choosing to belie

Even when you were sure of me

Even when you know you lied me for my good.

That I allowed you to take out your anger about all else on me

I dreamt that was the path to the happiness, I believed then and now too

Trust me I was aware that I owned the pain for you!

Your words have only nursed my dreams,

Your feelings expressed confidence in my goal, and my belief

Your letters inspired me, and you have been my strength

You still are!

Long, you have dreaded the truth,

Try wisdom sometimes, try your conscience now

Believe in yourself, and remember the instances of truth

Those of pain when someone else owned them up

To make sure there was the smile, which was the sight of heavens,

Which would make the day when everything else spelt gloom.

Can you not make an effort, again, to brighten that someone's day! 

© Sashikant Mohanty

The Cancer That Struck Hope

The belief was strong for the Gods to disbelieve

Prayers have torn apart the history, dispelled habit,

That God exists, we could not see

The convincing ways made us aspire we saw Him once.

The trying times, the trauma and the turmoil

Couldn't much take their toll -

As patience didn't crumble and trust defied the unkind blows

The purpose we stood for - too compelling for anything.

The concern sheathed us from ill will,

It was indeed discerning - how care can build forts about and around

You could see love grow like a child, pampered and mothered

The smile was rich too far to melt the day's worries.

As every good thing must attract onlooker’s envy

As every virtue is called a bane, and all good intention classified

There was a cancer that sneaked in, or was injected in stealth

To neither's belief, it bloomed faster than what meets the eye

Painfully hurting and tearing us apart, for love to struggle

Daring the trust in us, the patience to endure.

In poignance, as I felt, prayed and clung to the undying hope

While I wished us to be part of the going, this last leg

You chose to part! 

© Sashikant Mohanty

Of Ageless Feelings

many moments you slip, 

into my thoughts,

or my dreams

several times,

it's just that you force yourself,

sorry, not you, 

the memories play guests

there are however ones 

where i offer to play your host

you have won, sweet,

in having your words come true,

i might have lost - 

well, i lost and dearly so,

not just to what you felt you were right

but, i lost also a heart

that i can never get back,

i lost half my life 

and all my sleep too,

and there you stand firm,

the winner,

relishing the joy of victory!

you were right, 

made sure i was on the right side,

or, so you thought,

you kept your words to yourself, 

even if it meant you had to turn back

to the words you had given me,

even if it meant

pain and pangs for yourself.

how silly

you thought love was mortal, 

and would wear out,

fade into the earth someday

i was willing to lose,

only so you win,

but i shall pray, 

and pray harder, i will,

and come back, i must, 

to be loved by you, 

in my next birth!


© sashikant mohanty

Mera Desh Badal Raha Hai [मेरा देश बदल रहा है!!!]

मेरा देश बदल रहा है (२) 
जागो, मेरा देश बदल रहा है! 

मैं ख्वाब ही देख रहा हूँ की मेरा देश बदल रहा है! 
जैसे रात का अंधेरा टालते हुए सुबह की रोशनी वक़्त बदल रही है! 
मेरा देश बदल रहा है! 

गॅली नुक्कड़ होके आओ तो पता चलेगा 
क्या बदल रहा है! 
देखो कैसे मेरा देश बदल रहा है! 

रास्ते मे उतरो तो, लोग किसी भी तरह आगे बढ़ने के लिए  
लेन बदल रहे हैं! 
सुनो दोस्तों मेरा देश बदल रहा है! 

अपना दम दिखाने के लिए  
ड्राइवर हेडलाइट की बीम की तेज बदल रहे हैं! 
मित्रों हमारा देश बदल रहा है! 

सरकारी दफ़्तर मे कतार तोड़ने के लिए 
नोटों का साइज़ बदल रहा है 
यकीन करो मेरा देश बदल रहा है! 

नया कांट्रॅक्ट मिलने लालच मे  
कॅश की बंड्ल हाथ बदल रहा है! 
कौन नहीं मानेगा की मेरा देश बदल रहा है!! 

इतना सब होने के बाद भी 
हम फिर भी तर्क कर रहे हैं की 
भारत बदल रहा है!! 

मेरा देश बदल रहा है! (२) 
देखो देशवासियों मेरा देश बदल रहा है 
मैं बस ख्वाब ही देखता रहा हूँ की 
मेरा देश बदल रहा है!!!

© Sashikant Mohanty

Growing up with Trees

When the Sun is mighty hot above, 
And my bare feet can't endure the heat below
What a solace it is to take a nap under a peepul tree!

When the skies turn dark, 
and rains come pouring without a shade of mercy,
What a divine feeling - at the sight of a banyan tree!!

Summer holidays in villages
And relishing  of small pleasures:
Would life have been half as much fun 
Without a walk into the grove and climb up a mango tree!!

With the earth below as my carpet
And the half hidden roots as cushion,
Sleep drew along a fond dream 
And the soothing breeze hummed up a song 
with creaking branches and rustling leaves 
Amid the majestic grace of the Gulmohar tree!

© Sashikant Mohanty

A Welcome Visitor By My Window

She was in her resplendent best
As she stopped by my window
Tonight was different
Or was it that I noticed this, the first time

 - She's alone even in  a starry sky
   Nothing could make her dark, not even the shrouds of cloud!

Been an hour already
May be a few
And, my visitor is still where she was.
Even my sight fixated at my muse.

I couldn't get my thoughts off this celestial experience
 - Don't know if my eyes were too tired to shift elsewhere 
   Or, whether it was because my long waylid heart finally sighted it's home!!!

© Sashikant Mohanty

A Different World

of speechless looks,

and telling glances,

of careless tresses,

that half hid her smile,

and didn't cast a shade

on her face.

as her chunni patted my face,

to sweep a smile on me,

as a sudden whiff of breeze

stroked her undone golden strands

left my eyelids numb,

a strange thought flashed across

is it a second coming,

or a fleeting dream!

long carefree strides,

and the silk touch of her feet,

that even the manicured lawns

didn't seem to mind.

i envied the breeze,

as they played with her,

tossing up her unkempt hair,

and snatching away

the yellow chunni,

and she danced

under the moonlit sky -

and she was a toast of my eyes,

until a slice of broken glass,

left a deep cut

across her tender foot

the wound gaped wide

on her feet,

and the pain deep

in my heart,

and, as i sat up

under the moonlit sky

shaken, by her pain,

a different pain grew in me, 

this one was deep - yet sweet

as i wiped my eyes

of the sheet of dew

that had gathered on me,

since sleep took to me 

to a different world!

© sashikant mohanty

Thoughts By A Full Moon Day

Sipping the warmth of tea in the balcony
I keep gazing into the void
Wondering - it’s not a new moon day
  - And still why the sky is dark!

Leaning against the window, 
I’m caught in a storm of thoughts
Between memories of yesterday
And worries for tomorrow.
Only to realize today is different
  - Even the customary breeze is missing!

The walk by the park isn’t the same
It is so lonely today
The trees seemed to have forgotten creaking of branches
Or, showering of leaves and petals
  - Isn’t there a Spring this year?

As I force myself to find the rhythm of my breath
Piercing through silence came a soft sound from the distance
The music of chugging of wheels.
As the train got nearer, the music blew up into an orchestra
With blaring of the whistle to accompany the rumbling of the train
I could hear my heart race faster 
As it brought along rays of hope 
  - Of a starlit sky, and warmth of touch?

Is that when thoughts fused with reality, past with the future?
As I watched with closed eyes
A whiff of soft breeze seemed to kiss my cheeks
And a bead of hope welled up in my eye, before the warmth flowed down
As wind blew the clouds away, a glazing plate emerged 
To announce 
  - It’s a full-moon day, rather a full-moon night!!

© Sashikant Mohanty