balroop singh

The Horizon

Published on May 8, 2020May 7, 2020 by balroop singh44 Comments

This image reminds me of a real story of two kids who thought that the sky and the earth meet and they would be able to touch the horizon. Everyday they watched in awe and yearned to go there. The day their moms left them in the care of their grandma, they got the opportunity. Holding each other’s hand they walked toward their favorite place. Grandma thought they must be playing with the ducks near the pond. Adventure ran through their blood.

They quickened their pace as the sun shone brighter. They walked and walked, far away to touch the horizon. When moms returned home in the afternoon to discover the missing kids, they were blamed for being careless and irresponsible. A frantic search ensued. Grandma rushed into neighboring houses, hoping the kids must be playing with their friends.

The big news was delivered to Mr. J. Singh, an authoritarian man with haughty demeanor who considered talking to women a waste of time. He was furious and thundered: “These women can’t even take care of two kids!” Only grandma could face his wrath and order him to send men all around the village. No success!

Having realized the gravity of the situation, Mr. Singh took his bike out and told grandma that the kids must have fallen in the canal. Mumbling some obscenities at the women of the house, he drove away to request the local authorities to stop the discharge of water so that the bodies could be retrieved.

Never could anyone imagine the delight at the face of Mr. Singh as he returned home with us, chatting away to glory! Grandma ran to the storehouse to carry round blocks of Gur (jaggery) to be distributed to all those who came to congratulate!

Nobody was interested in their story and who saved them!

Within hours, Mr. autocrat announced: “Catch the morning bus and go back to the city. I’ve had enough of your adventures.” Nobody dare argue with him but we tried. Still our vacation was cut short.

I was one of those kids and the other, my cousin. children-1586249__340

Balroop Singh.

Thanks to Sue Vincent for a lovely Thursday #writephoto Causeway.

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The Dark Pool

Published on May 1, 2020April 30, 2020 by balroop singh40 Comments

They stumbled upon a pool
A dead pool, stagnant.
Striving to breathe,
Bereft of the elixir of life.

Cascading stream fell silent
The day avarice ate the woods
Paths around it closed in support
Rocks reiterate man’s ruse.

Stranded near a watery grave,
With parched throats
They wait, wondering
Is there a way out of this wilderness?

How did they stray so far?
Edges extending to eternity
The ceaseless drift of nature
Reinforcing her mystic hold.

The only way out – walk slowly
Listen to vibes of Mother Nature
Her whispers are best mentors
She knows how to forgive.
© Balroop Singh, April, 2020

Thanks to Sue Vincent for an inspiring Thursday #writephoto Cascade

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Check my latest book: Moments We Love

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Three Black Men

Published on April 24, 2020April 23, 2020 by balroop singh30 Comments

Three black men asked:
“Why are you on this earth?”

“To love, laugh and smile
To chase our dreams
To discover the wonders
To create new paths.”

“I can create doubts,” smirked Shorty.

“We explore the truth,
Feel the caress of breeze
Roll with the waves,
Breathe in the beauty”

“But I can throttle you,” said Scary.

“We feel you but break free
To savor spring air.
You melt at our feet
When we accept your tyranny.”

“What about me?” the devilish one spoke.

“Your gloom may be overpowering
Your sorrows flow into crevices
We accept you as part of life
To discern the magic of light.”

Three black men –
Doubt, Fear and Darkness
Dare not ask another question
As they cloaked their heads in ignominy.
© Balroop Singh

This poem is inspired from Pamela S. Wight’s spooky story: Men in Black.

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Check my latest book: Moments We Love

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Rocky Terrain

Published on April 16, 2020 by balroop singh56 Comments

Rocks don’t inspire me
But hostile terrain beckons
I’ve no choice
I can’t give up my chase
If the cure lies beyond.

Thank you for the inspiration Sue. We are all on this terrain.

I have been writing poetry, deriving solace from the spring, heralding change – a brilliant reminder that nature remains untouched despite the encroachments that have been made on her beauty.

The fiery touch of Corona virus that nature has sent to show who is in command, is just the beginning of a new era for mankind who didn’t bother to heed the warnings. William Wordsworth’s prophetic lines come to my mind:

“To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.“

I’ve kept my cool by keeping my thoughts positive, by reiterating the message of the universe that nothing is permanent.

I’ve been listening to music more than the news to keep my sanity.

I come from the family of doctors and many of my dear ones are directly involved in the task of offering their services, I call them the soldiers of present times and salute all those who are fighting the monster called Covid – 19.

We shall overcome is the refrain that rings in my ears everyday.

Mother nature has been too kind, ‘we should never take anything for granted,’ we heard that phrase a thousand times but never paid any attention. We need to respect her message and her creation.

Remember, we are doing no honor to her. We are doing all this for ourselves, to save us and keep our dear ones safe.

After paying for our negligence, we would get another chance. That’s the law of nature. As a renowned urdu poet Sahir Ludhianavi wrote, “Raat bhar ka hai mehmaan andhera, kiske roke ruka hai savera…” (Translation: Darkness is just a guest of the night, who can hold back the morning?)

I have pulled out an excerpt from my debut poetry book to renew hope:

Time has stood still
The storm is yet to pass
The descent of night seems eternal
Perplexed, petrified, I wait.

Wait for a new dawn
Wait for a smooth tide
Wait for that lovely flight
Which brings hope!

You can click here for more poetry.

Check my latest book: Moments We Love

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Thank you for your support. Please share your valuable reflections, they are much appreciated.