moments cling to me
walls swallow echoes of past
yet whispers linger
this kitchen keeps me lively
my only sanctuary.
© Balroop Singh
***
Our Sanctuary
The kheer is simmering
Dance and music makes it sweeter
Each time I stir it with love,
My feet tap the tiled floor.
This kitchen welcomes food lovers.
Friends meet here
More for weekly chat and laugh
This is our sanctuary
That absorbs our pains.
This kitchen is for dancing.
Dancing to ward off negativity
Dancing to add charm to weary hours
Dancing to convert chores into love
The facade that many women wear
And spend half their life in kitchens.
© Balroop Singh
Thanks to Sadje for choosing an inspiring image for her #whatdoyousee – 301 challenge.
Thanks to Colleen for the inspiration to write syllabic poetry. The challenge this week is create an experimental tanka form of your choice, remembering to write your tanka in the first person on the theme of your choice.
Thank you for reading my poetry.
Here is the Amazon link for my new poetry book.
For more poetry, hang out with Hues Of Hope
All the posts on my blog are created by me and are protected by copyright. It is strictly prohibited to use them to train AI technologies.
Emotional Shadows 
Oh wow… so lovely, Balroop.
Thank you Chris.
Beautifully done Balroop! Love the joyful tone of your poetry. Thanks for joining in.
Thank you Sadje. Your prompts are worth pondering and they always kick my muse. 🤗
I’m so glad to read this my friend. Thanks
A moving testament to finding sanctuary, community, and even defiant joy within the heart of the home – the kitchen. You transformed a space of chore into one of cherished memory, connection, and resilient spirit. Nice poem 🌷🤝
Thank you for a beautiful response to my poetry, Srikanth. We possess the power to convert little moments into precious memories. All the light lives within us. Have a wonderful day.
Hi Balroop
This so uplifting .
The joy found within a kitchen, wonderful response.
Thank you Maggie. Joy can be found in little moments. 🤗
My pleasure Balroop.
Yes, I agree.
You reminded me of the movie “The Great Indian Kitchen” but the underlying spirit is contradictory.
Thanks for understanding the undertones of these poems, Reena. Life is full of contradictions!
Activities are a joy, if not imposed and sealed with patriarchal expectations. Like the art of cooking is not appreciated, but someone says “Everybody does it. So what’s so great about it?”
So true! Cooking can be joyful for those who love it. Music enhances the joy of cooking.
A lovely scene is depicted in this poem, Balroop! Well done. Makes me want to visit that kitchen.
You are most welcome, Jan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🤗
Balroop, your poetry is breathtaking. ❤️
I love how you focused on the kitchen. This is such an amazing line: walls swallow echoes of past. Xo
Thank you for your kind words, Denise.
Thank you so much Gwen. Have a wonderful break.
❤️
I absolutely love this, Balroop! A delightful tribute to kitchens where we spend so much time. 💕
I’m glad you could relate to it. Thank you Lauren.
My kitchen is a happy place for me! 🙂
I am glad to hear that. So is mine, can do without music.
Wow! This is fabulous, Balroop. Our kitchens can be a way to escape and be creative.
Sure, another place to be creative. Thanks for the validation, Eugi.
You’re welcome, Balroop.
True and such a wonderful and cheerful poem Balroop 😊😊
Thank you Kamal.
Dancing helps SO much. I dance all around the house (even if I’m down or sad or disappointed, etc.) I have music on all day long – classical to pop – and I find flowing with the music (or a bit of salsa jive) helps me feel soooo much better. Wonderful poetry, as always Balroop.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Pam. Yes, the calming effect of music is felt by all the creative people.
Always welcome dear Balroop 😊🙏🙏
Love this!
Thank you Dawn.
Beautiful and relatable poetry. I also enjoy my kitchen.
I can understand that from your fondants. Thanks Robbie.
💙🌞
What a beautiful tanka rensaku, Balroop. You speak for the plight of all women. Too often we’re stuck in the kitchen and the laundry room! I can see you dancing in the kitchen. 🧡
Some realities stay with us forever! Thank you Colleen.
Isn’t it true that kitchen is our sanctuary, Balroop! Lovely poem! I remeber the days when friends and family gather in the kitchen, sharing food and laughter! I now enjoy cooking for my grandkids.
Thank you for coming over to share your thoughts, Miriam. I am glad this poem resonated with you.
You’re very welcome, Balroop!
I love the joy in this, Balroop!
Thank you Sara.
These are just perfect Balroop 💜💜
Thank you Willow.