Magic! It had to be pure magic. What else could it be? When they tried clipping her wings, She kept dreaming about flying. And, one day she finally did. Far beyond the horizon into the endless blue. Blessings! It had to be endless blessings. What else could it be? When they pushed her into the darkest corner, The radiance of her unblemished soul Filled the gloom with light and hope. Unleashing her glow into the world. Courage! It had to be uninhibited courage. What else could it be? They cast doubts on the path she chose. But, her perseverance and undeterred spirit, Broke through every hurdle, pierced every barrier, To create an impenetrable fortress of her own. Patience! It had to be steadfast patience. What else could it be? They set traps for her to stumble. But, her meditative and unwavering focus, That can put even an eagle's vision to shame, Made her the conqueror of both fate and the game. Faith! It had to be unwavering faith. What else could it be? They questioned her decisions, her happiness and even her very existence. But, her invincible soul took every criticism in her stride as the fuel. Her opportunities blossomed into endless possibilities. It wasn't the most perfect path or life she lived. What is perfect though, anyway? Neither the straight line nor the ellipse. But, there was one thing crystal clear. Whether she reached her destination successfully or not, She sure had a journey to remember, a path less travelled. #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 Theme - Feminism Day 26

When summer was at its peak, And, the rain god's were too weak, She spread her ravishing orange canopy, Like a flaming umbrella under the cerulean sky. She professed her love for the blazing sun, He shone in abundance for her in return. His warm rays touched the greeny pods, And, left amber marks on the petals. When she blossomed in the morning sun, Red and amber flowers filled her bosom. An elegant princess with radiance of fire, Shone like molten gold in her orange attire. Dear Gulmohar, there was charm in your emerald tresses. You were the summer's enticing enchantress. Every passerby was in awe of your allure, Our home was called 'The house by the Gulmohar'. A time came and when nature played a game, You survived but were never the same again. The unforgiving floods ravaged every year, Yet your roots stood undaunted without fear. A dangerous storm raged three days long, But, you faced it upright, bold, and strong. Pelting rain and wild winds never seen before, Earth jolted and shook you to the core. Time had come, you could take it no more. Your mother embraced you one last time, And you returned to the green heaven divine. In our memories and endless sweet stories, We speak of your beauty and always do remember, Our home was called 'The house by the Gulmohar'. Day 20 Theme - Open #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 This short poem is dedicated to the beautiful Gulmohar tree which used to adorn my grandfather's house.

I am uninhibited and extrovert. And, contemplative and introvert. I am a silent listener. But, loquacious too. I am optimistic. Yet, so reluctant. In love with my roots. A vagabond at heart. I like the urban clutter. I want to escape to the mountains. I am bold and fearless. Yet, scared and petrified. I am pragmatic. I am unrealistic. A critique of mankind. In complete awe of the creation. I am a question. I am my answer. I am a dreamer. I am a Nefelibata. Day 19, Theme - Yourself #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 This poem is dedicated to my idea of ME, my thoughts when I try to analyse myself for better or for worse :)

A lone soldier at the border Standing upright by day and night To guard the faces unknown Without asking anything in return. Scaling the icy mountains Traversing the unforgiving terrrain To make sure you sleep tight Every single minute at night. Toiling in the sweltering hour In the sand dunes of the Thar "I don't know the meaning of fear, I will keep you safe, my citizens dear." Burning and wading in the blazing sun Across the salty marshes of Rann Sometimes without food and water But, the determination never does falter. A soldier's love is pure and unconditional It isn't selfish or needy nor transactional It is powerful and uplifting yet so emotional It is nothing but boundless, and sacrificial. My salute, heartfelt gratitude and prayers, Yours truly, The unknown face you protect, your citizen. #NaPoWriMo2021 #NaPoWriMo Day 8 Theme: Love. A few words dedicated to the selfless souls who love the country and its citizens unconditionally.

Of the clandestine meetings between the dark clouds and your lofty mountains, Of the iridescent lights of the rainbow arching over your frothy waterfalls, Of the cascading white waters dancing on the rocky terrain of your river's upper course, Of the meandering rivers making their way through your green valleys of Eden, Of the scintillating lights from fireflies hidden amidst your dark tree cover, Of the translucent dewy mist that carpets your forest floor, Of the winds rustling through your tall trees and singing hymns with the chapel choir, Of the blue purple gown that you adorn once in every twelve years, Of the petrichor emanating from your incessant alluring evening rains, Of the emerald stole of tea gardens surrounding your bosom, Of the gossamer fog engulfing your hilly slopes at the dawn, Of the taste of your irresistible carrot cake from a quaint bakery in your bustling market, Of the tranquil silence slowly approaching your tapered streets at dusk, Of the flickering light bulbs and smoke arising from chimneys during supper, Of the sound of crickets and rumble of thunder during nightfall, Of the sleepy eyed babies in your tiny hamlets cozying to their mothers at the frosty midnight, Of the moment the first rays of sun cuts through the crisp fog and reach your valleys at day break, Of your beauty Munnar, I will always be in awe. With the land of three rivers, I fall in love over and over again. #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 Day 7, Theme- Nature This poem is dedicated to a place that has the bounties of nature in abundance. Sometimes, the beauty is so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to describe in words. Munnar is such a place, nestled in the lap of Western Chats, she is mother nature's favourite child. Mother dresses up Munnar is different hues in each season. It's a sight to behold!

It can rise from depths of the ocean. It can pierce through the vast universe. It can splash on the rain drops from heaven. It can flow in the meandering streams. It can scale the rugged mountain terrain. It can blow through the whistling woods. It can dance with the flames of forest fire. It can console the pain of an anguished soul. It can seal the cracks of a broken heart. It can torment longing young lovers. It can be in the rhythm of temple bells. It can be in the morning call for prayer. It can be a mother's soothing lullaby. It can be a victim's incessant cry for help. It can be a soldier's confident victory march. It can be a lonely vagabond's friend. It isn't bound by man made barriers. It is the language spoken by celestials. Music is primordial and music pure. #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 Day 6, Theme - Music. This short poem is dedicated to Music and it's unfathomable beauty.

When all goals are met, And, the world looks all set. When you have completed the tasks, And, you sit back and relax. When you think you are strong, And, there's nothing that can go wrong. When life falls into a pattern, And, boredom is still fun. When one loses the zeal, And, it takes forever to heal. When you are lonely and bereft, And, when you least expect. Suddenly, you hear a voice. Knock, knock! "Who's there?" "It's me. Did you forget me, dear?" A familiar baritone voice you hear. You realise it's the challenge you fear. "Didn't we just meet last week?" "Yes, we did and you were so sweet!" "But, why are you back again!" "To remind me melancholy and pain?" Challenge smiled and wiped her tears. "No, this time let me show you a new chapter." Life gives you a new challenge. Sometimes to lift you up, Other times to bog you down. It is probably an unspoken rule of law, That universe has designed without any flaw. #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 Day 4, Theme: Challenge

Sometimes, when I am alone I think and wonder, What are dreams made of? Your hopes and aspirations Wrapped in a cocoon of thoughts. What are dreams made of? Your struggles and pain, Stitched together in the fabric of brain. What are dreams made of? Your past, present and future, Bundled in a bag of desire. What are dreams made of? Tulip fields and days of spring, Nature's beauty and a bird that sings. What are dreams made of? Dark ravens and slippery slopes, World of disappointment and dashed hopes. Dreams can be anything, so can you! Pursue the good ones but discard a few. They can make you either hopeful, Or scared for life, anxious, and dull. They can make you snooze the alarm, Or give you a sleepless night. But, you my dear, never stop dreaming! Aim for stars, keep your goal so high, Always dream big and reach for the skies. #NaPoWriMo #NaPoWriMo2021 Day 4, Theme: Dreams This poem is dedicated to the fascinating world of dreams. We remember some and forget many. But, the good ones stay and dreadful ones haunt for long. They say it takes all kinds to make this world. Probably, same for dreams too!

#NaPoWriMo #napowrimo2021 The last bell has rung and my exams are done! I jump from my desk to catch the rickshaw home. Our bags are packed and my grandpa is ready, To usher me to my tiny village on the banks of mighty Debi. The wait at the bus stop seems never ending, Alas! The colourful bus is no where to be seen. Grandpa buys me candyfloss and a chocolate bar, But, I have my hand stuck in the shop's cookie jar. We hear a cacophony and all the anxious faces smile, As our ride screeches to a halt on the sound of whistle in style. We enjoy a bumpy ride in the rickety old bus, Journey two hours long and all the fuss. We reach the banks of Debi late at night, Behold! Her glistening beauty in the full moon night. The boatman picks up the oar and gives a final call, But, I have picked up my spot and 'm ready to roll. Reaching the bank, I hop onto grandpa's back, We walk through tall bamboo trees and a sandy track. The trees are bowing down and swaying in the breeze. Well, they are dancing! They have a guest to please. I spot a silhouette and a flickering light across the sand, That's my aunt waiting on the doorstep with a lamp in hand. My heart beats faster thinking of the adventures in store, Time is never enough here and I want a tad bit more. I spend each day discovering something new, But, the vacation seems short and days so few. Vacation is over and its the day of return. I want the time to pause and sob alone. I have hope that I 'll be back next summer. With a bag full of memories, we cross the river. Thirty summers have passed and my grandpa is long gone, His memories and the summers on Debi are fresh as day one. #napowrimo2021 Day 3 Theme- Dedicate This poem is an ode to my childhood summer vacations with my grandpa at my tiny village on the banks of the river Debi, a major distributary of the river Mahanadi. The summers have long gone but I have lived a lifetime in those.

The earth is parched, Her chapped lips face the heavens in despair. When was the last time she felt loved, soaked in happiness? Days and months pass by longing for a loving embrace. The mountains see her agony and whisper to the clouds. You travel across the horizon by leaps and bounds, Can't you see her numbing pain and open wounds? Are your gods unfeeling? That, they are wary of her suffering. The clouds rumble and roar in sorrow. They run to the seas and seek to borrow. An ounce of love and two ounces of fun. An answer to the torment from the mighty sun. They consult the stars for the guiding light. The universe silently watches this divine sight. The clouds wait for the final hours. To embrace their beloved with faithful showers. They meet her at the coast eagerly. And, pour their love incessantly. Drenched in joy from head to toe, She forgets her struggle and woe. Dressed in her emerald finery, she winks at the sun. Till the clouds are here, let me have some fun! Day 2 Theme- Seasons, April 2021 #NaPoWriMo