Incredible Thoughts & Ideas

I’m the Moon

For the majestic rays I borrow
from my giant gleaming ally,
that’s posed amidst the universe, radiating brightly;
they tag me as mere lendee,
a mere mirror, reflecting something not mine.
They censor my beauty, call it pretence
as when the falling stars set foot on my surface,
carve enormous ugly hollows.

But I’ve been turning up high in the sky
unmoved by any judgement,
for my admirers who treasure
my distinctive shapes
and adorn me with magnificent words
in their verses.
The myths and history bear witness to
my celestial association
with the Gods and Goddesses.

My critics who rebuke me ceaselessly
cannot block me from acknowledging
my significance for the mighty and beautiful Earth.
Its waters at my will rise and fall,
my movement ascertains its motion,
making day and night happen.

The explorers stuck in the dark
show their gratitude:
my light escorts them to their path.
The werewolves of the mystics,
owe me their fearsome fame;
men off their homes, visualize beautiful faces
of their beloveds in mine.

My purpose of existence
though questionable to some,
makes me no more suspect
the objectives of my creation,
for I know the needless critic souls
have never let anyone take an easy breath.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mahak Saluja and Incredible Thoughts and Ideas with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The Nightmare

One eerie night I had this freaky dream,
that began with my ghastly scream;
discovering myself in a lonesome street,
with a mystic woman, my eyes meet.
Her awful tranquility and devilish creep,
sang the hushed lullaby of eternal sleep.
The very presence leading all lights to quench,
drew nearer and cast a terrible stench.
Strangled by it I gasp for breath,
moving my numb feet to escape the foreseen death.
She then moves tardily coming more closer,
the fog surrounding her, turning more denser;
sealing all ways to break free of the stark darkness,
leaving me in the puddle of inevitable hopelessness.

Our Last Sunday Eve Together

My house was jam-packed with relatives expressing fellow-feeling, owing to the apparent demise of a relationship that once stood robust against all inhibitions. My wife was busy packing her bags. My kids were gamboling about, unconscious of the darkness that’d soon enshroud their ostensibly happy family. My wife’s sister, one of the guests, was set to bid goodbye, taking my daughters along. My little angels clinched me and their mother, exhilarated for passing vacations with their aunt. When ultimately everyone left, my gaze settled on my sweetheart as she was scrutinizing our old pictures. We both were shattered emotionally and hard-boiled outwardly. She wondered if I desired to keep all the photographs but I just insisted on our recently clicked family picture. As for the rest, she kept them in one of her bags. Soon, everything was to change abruptly, and with it the wedded status of a man. The urge to engender something to undo faults, strongly lingered in my heart. It was six’o clock, our preferred time on Sunday evenings to argue and enjoy the bunk discourses over one of our favorite beverages. But since last three months, our sundays hadn’t been the same. I took a wicker chair from my veranda and posed it in my garden, closing my eyes in endeavor to relax but suddenly, I felt a presence beside me. My wife was holding two coffee mugs firmly, with a diffident smile.We were sitting vis-à-vis, avoiding eye contact – devoid of jovial chats, replaced by the awkward silence.

The Linen Curtains

curtain 2

Weariness overpowers me as I
crosswalk engaged lanes on my way,
owing to the undesirable assurance to
call in on my snobbish, haughty Aunt.
My feet soon settled before
the outspread monstrous house,
standing startlingly at odds with
its bony, ghastly possessor.

The wooden door as it opens at the
thrice spur of the doorbell,
presents forth the perfect instance
of censorship disguised in
conventional phoney, welcome-smile.
Settling on the downy velvet lounge,
she pours the brunette liquid into the cup,
stirring the sugar (and the simulated courtesy);
and shooting like a speculative kid,
curious momentary glances.

The humble guise at last, relinquish the pretence,
unraveling the woman’s immutable critic genes
and articulates she, with a smirk:
“Lads, you see dear,
disfavour fleshy noses and
flattened brows, passing up even
the plump cheeks with elongated smiles;
the brisk mannish stride fails
to rapture a well-favoured man’s eyes.
And then, we can only count on the fortune’s grace!’

I reciprocate with an amiable grin,
unmoved by what she’s always remarked;
for arguing with the lady will only carve the way
for my ultimate knock down.
A few more vacuous dialogues follow,
coming only at cease with my pretext
to leave immediately for snapping up the grocery.

A familiar voice hollers out my name
whilst I ransacked my bag for the key,
goading me to fix my eyes
on a man out rightly handsome.
Drawing nearer with uncertainty,
glance-shy, cheeks-cherry;
he begins bashfully:
“Some feelings never confessed
ever since my existence here,
and ever since my heart thumped hysterically
on encountering a sight, so enchanting!
My first acquaintance with the
shiny black locks – falling over the smooth forehead,
the feminine generosity as it assisted
her new naive neighbour in the alien town,
the enthralling smile turned out by
my stargazers’ perfume
as the girlie sweet-little nose inhaled them,
prodding this uncouth bachelor heart
to surrender itself to the genteel wedding bliss!”
Amidst his intense revelation,
a memory abruptly strikes me
of the age-old dark linen curtains,
enshrouding my aunt’s windows and percepts!

Virtual World vs Actual World (A Reality Check)

blog

Since more than a decade, we are living in the era of drastic technological headway – the smart phone era. The beginning of this smart phone age dates back to the launch of cellular phones (in the late 20^th century), particularly for overcoming distance barrier in communication. Gradually, mobile phones became a part of common man’s life. With the passage of time, the structure of mobile phones and their use by the common public has changed to a great extent. Now, a sleek, stylish and attractive phone with advanced operating system and commendable features has become a status symbol in the society. So, having a Bangla (Bungalow), Gaadi (car) and a bundle of do hazaar ke note(two thousand rupees) in your pocket aren’t enough to boast your plush life style until you own the most sought after smart phone. 😛

images (1)

The accessibility to best internet services at rock bottom prices has lead to the wide use of social networking applications like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Whatsapp,etc. For the 21^st century youth, life is dreary, tasteless and exasperating without these apps. It’s hard to come across a youngster who owns a smart phone merely for calling purposes or else, he might be presumed as a native of Area 51 😛

The use of mobile phones and net facilities isn’t just limited to the leisure of people but extends to the commerce sector also. And so, even for adults, life is now unthinkable without these amenities. However, amidst its advantages, there is distortion and denial of reality, in ways that are leading to obsession and insanity.

I am here or perhaps I’m not!

The state of being “physically” present but “mentally” absent (as remarked sardonically by the teachers) is undeniably the only escape during tiresome lectures. But it’s quite strange to see people behaving in this way, even when they are out for fun with friends or family. On a casual long drive, picnic, holiday trips or elsewhere – there always comes a moment of silence when everyone is busy in scrolling up their cell phone screens. Only then, a prudent friend or a family member would ask everyone to kindly shun off their phones. Do a reality check and ask yourself, “I go out for fun with people or my phone?”

A sociable in the real world too! Really?

Some people feel that being frequently active on social networking sites would make them socially desirable; for it is the best way to stay in touch with the events in other people’s lives. However, a sociably pleasing person in the virtual world can unknowingly become a sociably displeasing person in reality. No doubt, these networking sites are great way of interaction but ironically, in the endeavor of staying connected, we are losing connections. Connections over internet can never be better than connections of hearts. I am not against the idea of “online chatting” but only against the dominance of virtual reality over our lives. I know people who are at ease to converse on text but would otherwise hesitate to say even a hello to me. So, is this really helping us all to socialize or it’s ultimately turning us into diffident and anti-social beings

A selfie for every moment! (literally every moment)

Obsession with selfies is quite observable on social media. Besides moments that are worth capturing, some people develop a habit of clicking pictures for every petty moment. People may feel offended if you tell them straightaway that their incessant posting of selfies can tire their followers (or people in their friend list). Nevertheless, truth always tastes bitter! One would undoubtedly get bored of the selfies that are uploaded every hour of the day and mostly in the same pose. Photographs are good when clicked for keeping memories but obsession with them has reached the level of madness. Keeping your hand in a particular position for a long time in order to click selfies may lead to “selfie- elbow”(inflammation in the tendons that run along the arm from the hand to the elbow, as a result of keeping the hand in one position for a prolonged time). Although the condition is as same as in the tennis elbow, the term has now become more common than it. Besides this, there are other problems as well that can result from frequent use of cell phone like insomnia, neck pain, shoulder tenderness, poor eyesight, etc. It may also lead to serious mental disorders. Many people undergo stress and depression because of not having what they call a “perfect face” for a photograph. Moreover, people even go for plastic surgeries just for having ideal selfies. Completely insane! Isn’t it?

Some people have a habit of clicking 100- 200 pictures for every outing but they don’t realize that much of the time is wasted in clicking best pictures than making best memories.
We would surely have great athletes in the future! ( Virtual athletes, I suppose)

People proudly state that their two year old can operate their phones better than they, but is this something really to be proud of? The toddler stage is very important for a person’s development which later affects the adult personality in many ways; and handing over your cell phone to kids, just to get away with their nagging is an inappropriate way to deal with the situation. In fact, some kids are more confident in playing football, cricket, basketball and all sorts of sports online but there’s no initiative to enhance the actual skills for a game. Would scoring consecutively 5 goals in a virtual field, make anyone a great footballer on the real field, too?

I’m not being rude! Just checking up for important messages.

Image result for people annoyed t use of cell phone

Being hooked to your phone every now and then can have adverse effects on your relationships. You promised someone for spending quality time with them but eventually, gave all your precious time to your iPhone or Blackberry. This could be a very rude and ignorant gesture on your part. This annoying habit of yours can result in an overall feeling of isolation and neglect for the other person. It ultimately affects and ruins one’s personal and social relations. It’s better to avoid mobile phones in situations where your chipping in is necessary in a social group or a conversation.

Another reason why technology over rules the reality is the feeling of loneliness or frustration with life. People then find relief and happiness in the world which is an escape from the harsh reality. Nevertheless, life is a beautiful gift and all one needs is the right direction, love and support of the dear ones to look at the amazing side of it. So, let’s not use technology in a way to distort reality but in a manner that’s amusing, constructive and favorable in all aspects.

A Cage within Me

thinkstockphotos-490069267

I poured the tea of sentiments

into a cup of poetic talk with my friend;

highlighting the poignant reality,

of a man’s so called autonomy.

In a concluding tone I began:

A man though seemingly liberal

is imprisoned- in this world;

a jail with no iron bars but of despair.

The barbarous society assumes the role of an obese stern jailer

that looks at a man with an insensitive eye.

There’s but an unpromising hope

to break away the darkness.

Wish he had an escape route!

My ally’s face curved into a placid smile,

He poured his tea of scrutiny and replied:

Certainly, I do see the man encaged

but in the jail of his niche;

bars made up of cowardice,

under the strict eye of his fears.

The wild wind of apprehension

blows off the candle of hope inside him.

Wish he could realize it…….!

I was taken aback by my friend’s remarks

that left me in a state of wonder.

How I too have surrendered like others

to the will of my baseless dreads.

And the poignant reality I asserted,

appears to be far beyond the truth of life.

All these years I have been ignorant of

a cage within me…….

**Winner of the “Write a Poem” contest by GigIndia**

A Tie beyond Words

The exceptional connectivity, trust, love and romance o 75dbc7b58d6e6724c695dbce9a3e412d f lovers is mostly the highlight of the movies, whether Hollywood or Bollywood. Writers have been writing love poetries, novels and songs since centuries. Everyone seems to be gripped with it. Undoubtedly, love is beautiful and it’s hard to imagine life without a partner. However, other relationships too play an important role. Life would be very difficult without a mother’s warmth, a father’s care, the secrets-sharing with siblings; morning walks with grandpa, and grandma’s treasure of fantasy tales.

Beyond the ties we have with people, there is a bond which is indescribable in words. And you realize this only when you have one. This is the special connection shared by humans with their pets. Among all pets, dogs are the most amiable, loyal and co-operative. Many might have expected the article to talk of something new between humans. But I’m sure that those who like animals and have experienced the essence of this love; would surely hook to this article till the end.

how-your-dog-picks-up-on-your-hidden-cues-and-mood-57da473ea576a

So, let’s begin by first knowing them a little bit. They would wag their tail bac Golden Retriever bitch, Jasmine, lying, panting and wagging her tail k and forth, indicating happiness and liking for someone or something. Generally, the wagging of the tail to the right expresses positive emotions while the same to the left shows negative emotions. Also from the sound of barking, one can make out the emotional state of a dog. Like a child, they are filled with curiosity, want attention and love to cuddle. It is believed that dogs often quit life, if a family member (very close to them), dies. In fact, losing them also is like losing a dear one.

In terms of loyalty, they are better than humans. You may doubt your lover’s affection turning away from you but this is not in the case of dogs. They never ‘break up’ or ‘divorce’ their masters. You see, they don’t have commitment issues. 😛 Even if they flee off (due to obvious reasons) you know that they would return home soon.

js37129193 People may adopt them for security purpose, or for an adorable company to evade loneliness and even for the sake of showing high status. Nevertheless, they really don’t bother how their owners look like or how wealthy they are. As I mentioned before, they just want your affection and attention. And in return, they will serve you with unconditional love and faithfulness. They can even sacrifice their lives for humans, and this is quite evident from these following incidents.

In September 2013, Dave Furakawa was walking his four- year- old son Will, to school when a red Chrysler was speeding towards them. But Furakawa’s boxer guide dog, Simon, rose up from the pavement and pushed the little boy out of the way. Will was saved. Furakawa though injured still survived, but Simon died before any medical help could reach. The dog had been with Furakawas for four years and was devoted to the child. After the sacrifice made by Simon, can we doubt the possibility of an extraordinary relationship with the animals?

(Story courtesy: Change Organization)

Four years ago, in Uttar Pradesh, two children of a farmer adopted a street dog and named him ‘Jacky’. In October 2016, one night when the farmer, Gurdev Singh was fast asleep, a tiger from the nearby Dudhwa National Park approached him. Jacky sensed the presence of the tiger and tried to wake up his master, but in vain. When the animal moved forward to the attack the man, Jacky flung himself at the big cat which woke up the farmer. It gave him enough time to look for a stick and raise alarm. The farmer could escape but the dog was dragged by the tiger and his body was later found by the villagers some distance away. The statement given by Gurdev, seems to be a great message to the entire human race. He stated, “Jacky returned the favour of a few chapattis a day by giving up its life. I wish humans could learn from it how to love others and show devotion. “

(Story courtesy: Change Organization)

Now let’s look at the real and pitiless side of people. In October, this year, there was ma images ss killing of 40 stray dogs in Kerala, only because according to the angry mob, street dogs were responsible for the killing of 10 natives. So, this is how people tackle such issues. In return they killed even those dogs that were gullible. The major factor distinguishing humans from animals is their ability to use intelligence and think. But do they really use their brains? And of course, we all are well aware of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China. Thousands of dogs are killed every year only for the delight of some humans. Despite the steps taken against this practice, it has still not come to an end. All such incidents make me ponder what the so called humanity actually is. It’s a shame for all of us. Certainly, not everyone is the same but the majority of us really don’t think before inflicting such cruelty on innocent animals.

Besides the darker side of humanity, here’s something that I would love to share with everyone about a female street dog in my society, much loved and admired by everyone, though obviously you do come across some residents disliking the presence of an animal in a society. She’s not a pet to anyone yet she shows considerable love to all. She’s most of the time calm and does not bark unnecessarily at every passerby. My family and few others, daily give her bread or a chapatti, dipped in milk. A few weeks back, I acknowledged her trouble of rigorous itching. Because of this she was incessantly scratching and as a result, there were many injuries and considerable loss of hair on her body. Looking at her infuriation and miserable state, I decided to get her the right treatment. So, I called up People for Animals’ branch in my city from where I got the contact number of SPCA (organization curing animals). Soon, the vaccination was given and finally she was relieved of the irritation. Although it wasn’t easy to hold her at one place, still it was managed somehow. I was glad that I could be of any help to the dog. This brought a great deal of satisfaction to me and that’s what also inspired me to write this article.

27792

Even if we cannot keep pets at home, that’s how each of us can help a street dog or any animal in need. It’s always better to have the contact number of any organization working for the same. One can also google up for the number or address whenever required. In this way, we all can serve the true purpose of humanity.

Must share this article with all animal lovers 🙂

I am here or perhaps I’m not!

A sociable in the real world too! Really?

A selfie for every moment! (literally every moment)

We would surely have great athletes in the future! ( Virtual athletes, I suppose)

I’m not being rude! Just checking up for important messages.