wittywinks

[wittywinks]

Air - Movie Review

AIR

A movie by Ben Affleck

These days people watch movies while commuting to office, during office hours (shocking, but true!), on road trips, in restaurants while eating, bathing…yes, the list is endless. With the advent of OTT platforms and cheap internet we watch anything, everything and all the time.

But I still prefer the “old fashioned” way of watching movies on weekends. To select something that will make a lazy Sunday noon interesting and entertaining is quite a task at times but I make sure it is worth the wait.

Last Sunday I saw “Air”, a movie based on Nike’s transformation from an also-ran sports shoe company to the leader in basketball shoe sales.

Initially I thought the movie was an adaptation of Nike founder Phil Knight’s bestseller memoir “Shoe Dog” but it isn’t. Instead, it focuses on one of Nike’s foremost employees, basketball talent scout Sonny Vaccaro, played by Matt Damon, who is hired to sign NBA players for marketing their basketball shoe line. Seeing Damon as a middle-aged man with a paunch and a weary face, in simple t shirts and pants working in a typical 80s office setting felt so refreshing somehow. Every other office-based movie or show these days has slick suits, ray-ban shades, super sleek bodies, razor sharp looks with employees looking more like models off the ramp walk than college graduates with degrees.

Along with Matt Damon, the movie boasts of an impressive star cast of –

Ben Affleck as Phil Knight

Chris Tucker as VP of Nike’s Basketball division

Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mother

Chris Messina as David Falk, Jordan’s agent

Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Director of Marketing at Nike

Matthew Maher as Peter Moore the creative director

Matt Damon is at the top of his game in this sports drama while traits of understated elegance and nonchalance with an unexpected dash of arrogance in Ben Affleck’s Phil makes him a delight to watch. The argumentative verbal banter over telephone (yes, it is the 80s, remember?!) between Matt Damon and Chris Messina is thoroughly entertaining making you chuckle while the depth and grace portrayed by Viola Davis steals the show from everyone around her. Matt Damon’s short, game-changing speech addressing Michael towards the end makes you sit up to listen and process each word as future is unveiled in the form of newspaper cut-outs and headlines on the screen.

A casual scene in office where Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, laments about his personal life to Matt is so realistic and superbly enacted, that though you may have heard similar conversation before, it emits a high emotional wave. It shows us how little we know about those who we work and spend time with 5 days a week and often for years at a stretch. It made me reflect upon the sacrifices made by so many of us at some point or the other, with respect to our family lives and our personal gratification for our organization, our jobs, for that monthly pay check.

And so, when Matt Damon says to Michael in the end, “Each of us sitting here at this table will be forgotten when our time over here is up but for you” it hits you all the more. It tells you in plain, simple words – most of us are replaceable, forgettable. It makes you realize that legends are born once in a while and are one among millions.

Apart from the serious dialogue exchanges, the movie has its fair share of laughs and witty one-liners as well, especially those delivered by Ben Affleck wearing a deadpan expression. The wonderful comic timing of Chris Tucker and his matter-of-fact life truths gives the movie many light moments. The banter amongst employees as they are discussing, brainstorming or arguing is so natural, you will be able to relate to it instantly if you have ever worked in a corporate environment.

Even though the entire movie is a pursuit of Michael Jordan, Affleck chooses not to show his face even once, adding enigma and arrogance to the then future legend.

Though we all know how the end will pan out, (who hasn’t heard of Air Jordan shoes from Nike, bestsellers since its launch?) the slick editing and smooth direction keep you riveted to the screen. Maybe cause somewhere behind all the negativity in life, we all believe in the power of dreams, no matter how absurd or unattainable they may seem.

With this movie, we get to know and carry with us a story about a legend, or maybe two legends. And isn’t that one of the reasons we watch movies for? To be a part of stories, to peek into the lives of people who seem like us in every way but still so different, so inaccessible, so inspiring.

Watch this movie for its story-line, acting, simple but thought-provoking dialogues, direction, and yes, to see Ben Affleck’s purple Porsche, or rather “grape” coloured Porsche!

[wittywinks]

The Elephant Whisperers - Movie Review

The Elephant Whisperers – A Movie Review

                                 A movie by Kartiki Gonsalves

This weekend I saw The Elephant Whisperers, which is nominated for the Oscars in the short film documentary category. It is a film that gives you a soothing experience in its 41 minutes run-time.

Your eyes are treated with an opening scene capturing the lush green landscape of Mudumalai National Park in Southern India which is also an elephant reserve.

Dense forests, bubbling rivers, untamed waterfalls and the freely roaming wildlife transports you to a world of innocence, nature, raw beauty and a loving earth. Your eyes and ears are gently pampered by these rich visuals.

The film is about an orphaned baby elephant Raghu and an aged couple Belli and Bomman; who take care of Raghu after his mother got electrocuted by a barbed wire fencing a farm.

Right from the first scene showing Raghu with his caretakers, this is a movie of unconditional love, pure affection and blissful harmony between humans and animals, elephants in this case.

The passion with which the selfless couple takes care of Raghu is heart-warming. They not only feed and bathe him, but talk to him and play with him as if he is their own child. Raghu responds to their love and affection and recovers from his mental and physical trauma.

After some time, another elephant Ammu, joins him for caretaking and the two elephants bond wonderfully after an initial hiccup period of settling in.

The daily routine of the couple remains much the same and they are shown happily spending their days in loving and caring for these elephants. Bellie and Bomman also teach young children how to care for these elephants. Their only desire is that even the coming generations treat these animals with love and respect.

In times of rampant development, leading to increasing human-animal conflict in areas surrounded by forests, Bellie and Bomman are a flicker of hope of humanity.

The movie comes as a wonderful respite for people living in urban areas surrounded by sky scrapers and flyovers, trains and traffic jams, honking and rushing around, as it brings a world to you where people are thriving and are truly happy sleeping in a mud house, eating simple home-cooked meals, living in harmony with nature, surrounded by peace, wildlife, birds, orange sunsets and pink sunrises. They often walk barefoot, as a mark of respect for the forest they live in and take from it only as much as is needed for daily use.

They are not affected by bank balances or appraisals, have never heard of promotions or presentations, do not dream of fancy vacations and use the phone only to communicate with the outside world for essentials. Their aspirations are simple, purpose of life noble.

This movie made me realize that there would be many such people who would be doing their duty, however great it may be, as a way of life, without any expectation of a reward, appreciation, acknowledgement or fame. Their contentment from life and peace of mind makes these embellishments and prizes seem so fickle and unnecessary.

In times where violence, gore, ear thrashing item numbers and story-less movies barge our screens, a movie as this is a therapeutic experience in its entirety.

[wittywinks]

Qala - Movie Review

Directed by Anvita Dutt Guptan, and produced by Clean Slate films, Qala is a movie based on the life of a successful singer who is troubled by her past. The costumes, songs, movie sets, cars, cameras, homes practically everything in this movie transports you to the India of the late 1940s.

The movie is dark and carries a depth that keeps you in its hold during its 120 minutes of screen time. Tripti Dimri as Qala, is simply wonderful in her role – she is a girl who comes across as a subtle and soft-spoken person who you would easily ignore in a room but behind her innocence is a woman who knows what she wants and will not shy away from getting it no matter what it takes. Her mom, Urmila, played by Swastika Mukherjee is a strong presence in Qala’s life as well as on the screen. She has a domineering influence on Qala, who wants to please her mother at all costs. Mother-daughter duo belong to a family of music maestros and her mother has high expectations from Qala. Almost all the mother daughter scenes take place in their heritage home in Shimla and every frame captured here is a painting in motion. Their dimly lit home, the boat ride with a renowned music artist, scenes shot in snow that seem so peaceful yet haunting, leave an impression on the mind long after the movie gets over. Equally gorgeous is the jewellery worn by Urmila, giving us a glimpse of the Himachali culture.

This movie marks the debut of the late movie actor Imran Khan’s son Babil Khan who gives a matured and restrained performance as Jagan Batwal. The actor knows what is expected of him and even when no dialogues are said, his eyes convey pain, betrayal and the foreboding look of an impending doom.

The movie touches upon gender inequality, venomous ambitions that enslave you, abusive parent child relations, casting couch in film industry and the presence of gay men in society.

But the message most strongly conveyed is that of karma, the great force that pays you back no matter what heights you reach in your professional or personal life. You have to taste the fruit of your karma, sweet or bitter, whichever it may be. You may be frustrated, sad or depressed when you took a particular step in your life, but karma doesn’t care about your intentions or your innocence. What you give is what you will get. If not today, tomorrow.

Lastly, coming to the music by Amit Trivedi, Qala is an album with meaningful lyrics, a catchy number (who hasn’t heard of Ghode pe kyu sawaar hai?) and soulful songs that you would love to hum and listen to in your most reflective moods or as you go about your day.

Overall, the movie is a beautiful piece of art, and has an old-world charm that strikes a chord within you as all movies with good stories and direction do. Surely a must-watch!

[wittywinks]

Let it go, live in peace

Have you ever felt after returning from a party or a get together that you should have given back a fight or a punch? I mean, when someone has been rude or insulting to you or said something about you that you knew was wrong and misleading and you could have said something then and there but couldn’t and now you are feeling guilty about it.

Okay, let me give an example. You have gone to an office party where someone taunts you on getting a quick promotion. You know your hard work earned it and not your boss favouring you over others but the remark is made in such a sly manner that you decide it is best to let it go unnoticed. Outwardly, that is. Inside, you are seething. You are fuming with rage under that pretty, ignorant smile of yours. You want to shout and declare to the world that you worked every weekend, on sick days, skipped parties, missed birthdays, had late dinners, skipped lunches, sacrificed your personal life and got that promotion. You want to drill into every head that gives you a suspicious stare that it is your hard work that has won. But somehow you cannot stand up and respond to a seemingly innocent joke intended at hitting hard on your head. You simply put up a strong front. So, you go back home, call your best friend or your mom and vent out your anger and frustration. And listen to their words of reassurance.

But is it consolation or reassurance that you need? Are you someone who has lost a game? Are you the one who has been wronged?

If a single remark, comment or a vicious joke can affect your peace of mind; who has won in the end? If there is a gush of negative comments coming your way do you have to be a sponge and absorb them all and drip of negativity or do you need to be a brick wall that bounces off anything that crashes against it, often breaking it in the process?

If someone’s negative remark affects you for more than a few moments, it means you have no control over your mind. It may sound very harsh but that is the truth. Our mental peace is our responsibility and foremost duty towards ourselves. If we cannot guard it, what good can we make of ourselves? How will we lead our lives swimming in a sea full of crocodiles?

Imagine being rich, successful, famous, and miserable all at the same time. Yes, cause those who are successful in their lives have to face the harshest comments and envious stares from many around them. Even from their inner circle of people sometimes. So, how to deal with it?

Firstly, be happy that someone is jealous of you. It means you have something they have accepted as a serious lack in them. Be it a skill, an achievement or simply good fortune. Something like an inheritance of a million dollars from a distant aunt and no one can do anything about it but smile and clap their hands. Yay!!!

Secondly, you get a clear picture of what that person thinks about you. Often times, when negativity flows from one’s inner circle we are shocked and saddened that those we love the most aren’t happy with our success or achievements. You should feel sad and pitiful but for THEM, not yourself. Feel sad that they lost the love and respect of someone who kept them very close to their heart, feel pity on them that they won’t find another one like you again. Grieve for their loss of a genuine, loving and caring person. And walk on. With your head held high and your heart strong and safe with you.

Thirdly, smile at the person making the remarks against you and ignore. Walk away… talk to another person, check your phone. Do anything that can distract your mind. It doesn’t mean you are a coward. It means you have better things to pay attention to. You have better people to talk and listen to. And remember, ignorance is the biggest insult.

Lastly, while returning from the party, don’t worry how you will get back at them. But plan your weekend, search for the latest bestseller to read, listen to your favourite song, write the next day’s menu, check out an online sale, talk with your best friend and mom and let them know about the person who tried so hard to snatch your mental peace from you but you won. Cause you chose to give importance and your precious time to the 99 other things that make your life so much worthier than worrying about some mentally sick person who has nothing better to do in life. Let them also show some pity for them and bless their worried soul. And move on. To the next victory, next day, next conquest.

Some of you will wonder, why can’t we give it back to them? Yes, at times it is necessary to pick up your weapons and charge back at the enemy. But here, we are talking of cowardly people who do not have the courage to speak out their thoughts plainly in public. Who hide behind sarcastic remarks and disguised barbs. Let them play hide and seek alone. The game loses its fun once the person realizes there is no one coming for them.

You will come across spiteful people everywhere you go. You cannot escape them. Just as you cannot escape muddy roads accompanying beautiful rain, carbs loaded in a yummy cheese pizza, body numbing cold on the scenic Swiss Alps and hundreds of thorns in a fragrant rose-laden bush. We need to remember that though we cannot evict some people from the society we can erase them from memory. If we cannot avoid their presence we can certainly ensure their absence from our mind and hearts.

It is our choice, always remember that.

[wittywinks]

LESSONS FROM 2022

Each year has taught me something or the other. Listing below some of my learnings from 2022 -

If you have come this far...you will go a lot more farther. Your pace may be slow, you may feel stuck up, you may feel the world is running ahead while you are at the same place. Keep giving your best each day and you will find better avenues for yourself.

There is no perfect life, neither a perfect lifestyle. Each one has his/her own take on life and can be perfectly happy in their unique environments and situations.

You can have it all. YES YOU CAN.

Biggest enemy is fear. Biggest friend is faith. And both cannot co-exist. You can read that twice.

Love yourself. Protect yourself – from not just physical harm but from accusations, comments, judgement, unsolicited advices and opinions.

How will you protect yourself? If you are thick-skinned, choose to ignore. Else choose your response with a cool head. Do not allow anyone to disturb your mental peace. Choice is always yours.

Though 2020 made it abundantly clear, a reminder - HEALTH is the BIGGEST WEALTH.

Speak your mind. Always. It will save a lot of heartbreak, misunderstanding, gossip and illusions regarding people and relationships and most importantly, will keep you sane.

Not anyone and everyone can carry a crop top well. Accept it girls.

Lessons from Ukraine Russia war – Each one of us is a fighter. In literal as well as metaphorical sense.

Lionel Messi – When you give your all to a purpose, life honours you with a fairytale ending.

Fruits are the best. They have variety, vitamins, colour, taste and are great for health and looks. What more can one ask for?

OTT platforms are a boon for the society.

Move your body. EVERYDAY. Dance, kick, jump, walk, do yoga or pilates but MOVE.

Stop taking interest in others’ lives beyond a point. No one likes it even though they may respond politely to your inquisitiveness.

Point no.15 also indicates – GET A LIFE of your own.

If you can shop in a mall, eat in a good restaurant, splurge on latest fashions, travel by Uber and watch movies in a multiplex you should NOT bargain with any roadside vendors. Stand in their place for a day if you still feel you are right in doing so.

Instagram is much, much more than reels, tiktok videos, travel and food vlogs and fashion influencers. If you don’t know, you aren’t aware of the power of Instagram.

Never trust photos. They can show a completely different perspective than what the reality is.

Real life was is and will always remain outside the boundaries of social media. If you are living for likes and posts and videos, are you even living?

Travel only if you can. Travel funded by begging, borrowing or blackmailing parents will lead you to a good destination but will take you far away from reality, true happiness and honest relationships.

Dream and aim for the sky but also acknowledge and accept the ground you are standing on. Those who do not accept their flaws, their situation in life are never satisfied even if they get all that they desire. Cause they know what they want but not what they NEED.

Indian society is economically sound because of the spend thrift nature of the generations before us. In the western world, people live for today while we even care for our tomorrows and days after. Please don’t say who has seen tomorrow…9 out of 10 times you will get to see your tomorrow, so take your pick.

[wittywinks]

A Special Day, A Special Gift!

It is one of my sister’s birthday today and I was thinking about the gifts she received from all of us. Her family, we sisters, parents etc. Then I wondered, “What did she gift herself?”

Don’t look surprised please...what’s wrong in gifting oneself? when we can share gifts with everyone, we must do so with ourselves as well. When we can make someone feel special, we must feel special on our special day or any day in that case.

And before your minds start running towards spa, salon treatments, shopping, a movie etc. let me make it very clear that is not what I have in mind.

Materialism is at its highest in our times and there are enough marketing gimmicks all around that make us feel guilty for not “pampering” and “treating” ourselves on Mother’s day, Father’s day, Valentines’ day (these special days are the biggest gimmicks). But these aren’t gifts. A real gift is something that changes your life for the better.

The gift I mean about is the gift of habits. A new, self-improving habit that will not only make you happy but build you in the long run. A gift that will last forever.

So, how does it work?

On your birthday or say even on a New Year’s day, you decide what change you would like to see in yourself. It can be anything like a healthy body, increased reading time, better sleep timings, good food habits, increased water intake, more savings at the bank, more fulfilling job etc.

There will always be something to improve upon, something to learn, something to be better at.

And make your special day the starting point of that change. For instance, if I want to learn driving, I will start learning it from my birthday and promise myself that I will practice learning it till I can drive with full confidence on the road. Or, I will drink 10 glasses of water starting from my birthday and continue this practice till it becomes my habit.

What if you miss a day in between? You start over. Simple. You can’t stop or change the habit midway. There will be breaks and distractions all along the way but then it is your commitment to yourself that should win in the end.

Gifting yourself an expensive bag or the latest phone will give you happiness that will last for a few days, that will make you happy on the outside and make you feel pampered for some time but gifting yourself a new habit will change you for the better by making you a better version of yourself and help you reach your goals by becoming disciplined, dedicated and committed.

Any material gift or experience can get lost or is discarded after use, while the gift of a good habit cannot be taken away from you without your will. Unless you decide to forego of your habit no-one can touch it. It is the gift that will change you from within and strengthen you.

And we can keep on adding a new habit every year. One year we form a habit of reading, next year it can be to walk daily, another year we can decide to go for a habit where we keep our room tidy every day, the next year we decide to say thank you for every little thing someone does for us etc.

When we are young and live with our parents, they make it a point to teach us discipline and good habits. They scold, nag or politely reprimand us for not following their instructions and we are thus kept on track.

But as we grow older, the control our parents have on us reduces - many of us get jobs in new cities, move out for studies, get married and shift, etc. and there is hardly anyone to watch over and reprimand an adult. But does it mean that with age, we have become perfect? We now know everything and there is no need whatsoever to learn something good and new?

With changing lifestyles, change in priorities, there are always new demands made of us mentally and physically. How can you expect to meet all the challenges and responsibilities with the same set of tools that we are equipped with during childhood?

We need to be sharper, faster, more accurate, more focussed. And by adding new habits to our daily routines we are become a better person. You become mediocre when you stay the same in every way.

Habits don’t just mean getting up early for running but also at a personal level you can inculcate a habit to remember birthdays of your colleagues or cousins, checking on your elderly neighbour once a month, to smile at a stranger in the lift etc.

Trust me, good habits followed by a set of individuals help in making a better community, a happier society.

There are a 100 ways to feel special, but there are only a few ways that will make us feel strong. And simple, good, daily habits are the building blocks of a strong character and a capable individual.

In the race to look better, travel farther and dine posher, we forget to become sharper, learn faster and aim higher for ourselves.

Good habits go unnoticed sometimes but are felt everyday by the individual himself. They may not earn appreciation but will reward us tremendously throughout our lives.

They are tough to form, tougher to maintain and toughest to master but then which good thing isn’t?

You will forget one time, ignore another time and stop after the third time. But when you still pick up the habit a fourth time, it will embrace you and teach you the power of persistence and discipline like no other.

So, do make it a point to think and introspect what change you wish to see in yourself and how by tweaking your routine and adding a new habit you can be the best!

[wittywinks]

Lil Tinker 15

The house was buzzing with some preparation

Tension filled the air as in a serious competition

Lil Tinker folded up her sleeves and set to find out

She needed to know what the hype was all about

She pranced around Mom, cuddled in Granny’s lap

But neither of them did fall in her trap

Every phone monitored, every conversation pried

But she got no answer however hard she tried

She then called Toby and gave clear instruction

Obedient as always, he took the requisite action

He did house chores and as reward asked for a break

Saying his little delicate hands had started to ache

His Mom was asked to inquire at Tinker’s place

To bring to an end her investigative case

She asked if Toby can be allowed to come for a stay

If not more, for just a few hours on a Sunday

Tinker’s Mother apologised and refused politely

And tried her best to give Toby’s Mom a big shock lightly

Asking if Tinker instead can be sent there for a week

To which Toby’s Mom couldn’t find words to speak

She gasped for air and her face turned red

Toby saw the change in scenery and off he fled

Tinker’s Mom said a great grand aunt was coming for a holiday

She hated kids and can’t tolerate any in her way

Toby’s Mom had fainted and couldn’t give an answer

She dreamed of an earthquake, her house catching fire

She pledged never to allow Toby to help her

His dad spanked him when he asked 'When shall arrive Tinker?'

Lil Tinker heard her Mom in disbelief and anger

How can they choose a grumpy lady over an angelic flower?

She resolved to retaliate and show all who was the boss

And decided to meet the aunt who wanted Tinker cordoned off

One gloomy, grey morning a cheerful Tinker was sent away

With a solemn and silent Toby who had prepared for her stay

There was a smile on her face but revenge in her eyes

Granny Mom and Dad felt a shiver as they said their goodbyes

Image credit - Shutterstock

[wittywinks]

Happy New Year 2021!!!

Hii!!! Here I am after many months and ages and eons!!!

I have been always waiting for the right topic, the right time and the perfect words to post here.

But is there ever a perfect time?

Is there ever a perfect word or a perfect sentence?

In pursuit of excellence and perfection we compromise on pleasure and ignore our passion.

Let this be the crappiest blog post ever. Let this be the post that no one ever reads.

It is okay..completely fine.

As long as you are posting something that you have written with sincerity and honesty it does not matter whether it is read by just one person - be that one be you or read by a million.

Let the motto of 2021 be to do more of things that make you happy. Do not always think about the outcome of creativity and do not bound the river of passion.

Live to the fullest and paint, draw, write and sing to your heart's content!!!

[wittywinks]

Freedom

To open eyes not to the blaring sound of the alarm’s beep

But when your dream ends and you bid goodbye to your sleep

To enjoy a peaceful morning watching the sunrise

Awakening your senses to admire the calm blue skies

To listen to the noon breeze tapping your window pane

Wander aimlessly in evenings, through undiscovered lanes

To not mindlessly eat but to enjoy flavour in each bite

Cherishing every moment of solitude from morning to night

To not check mails or attend any calls and meetings

Reading long overdue books, attending to neglected writing

To simply stare at the clouds or watch tiny leaves grow

Once in a while, stop everything and let only creative juices flow

To do different things, or same things anew

Bury your old self, and discover a new you

To learn to enjoy the present, the only thing you hold

Past cannot be bought back, future will remain unsold

To not spend every day of life, accumulating wealth

In adding up numbers, time comes and goes in stealth

Yes there is some struggle and there will be strife

Have faith in yourself, be the queen of your life!

[wittywinks]

Lil Tinker 14

Off went Tinker for an outing with her Granny

At an old ladies home for a small evening party

Her Mom Dad had to go to their friends house

They knew Tinker and had put a sign “Kids and Dogs Out!”

Tinker didn’t mind being at home alone

But her dad worried for neighbours’ safety and not her own

Granny had coaxed and tried to bribe Lil Tinker

Promised to buy a gift if she sits silently in a corner

All along the way she was as good as gold

No mischief, no drama, they were soon at friend’s home

On seeing ten old ladies Tinker gave a big smile

She wanted to make it a party all will remember awhile

Soon everyone praised, calling her smart and pretty

Granny had now begun to feel a bit uneasy

After a round of food, drinks and chit chat

Tinker began her first act

She said “Its time to play and cheer up

Why sit and talk all day like a grown up?”

She coaxed them to play a round of musical chairs

Most being deaf, the volume was turned on full blare

In the fight for the chairs, they fell on top of one another

Two grannies broke their legs, the game wasn’t played further

Tinker then called for blind man’s bluff

The grannies rushed around in a huff and puff

They broke 2 vases,3 glasses,5 plates and 4 pots

In their entire lives they had never broken such a lot!

The next games were hopscotch and hide and seek

2 grannies broke their backs and 3 twisted their feet

Search for the hostess was soon started

Tinker said she was hiding across the street and there they all darted

The hostess was nowhere to be found

She was locked on the terrace in hide n seek’s first round

She shouted and screamed from terrace to unlock her door

Finally she slid down the pipe when she could wait no more

An old man stared at her from the opposite window

And shouted loudly, “Go Baby Go!”

The hostess became furious and broke his window with a stone

He ran after her with a cane like a dog after a bone

The silent neighbourhood was a heavenly abode for the elders

Now a complete chaos, even dogs and cats ran for shelter

Tinker was now alone in the house and looked for her Granny

Couldn’t find her though she saw every nook and cranny

In the garden she saw the light blue of her saree

And traced it to Granny sitting scared on top of a tree!

[wittywinks]

Move On

When things don’t go your way

No amount of light can make your day

When you feel all lost and low

Are struck hard by life’s blow

                                                            Make a promise to your soul

                                                             I’ll run, walk or crawl towards my goal

When everyone else doesn’t care

Reality of life gives you a scare

When your mind is numb and heart silent

And thoughts do nothing but torment

                                                             Make a promise to your tomorrow

                                                             You shall not stagnate but grow

When your vision is in a blur

Not a speck around you stirs

When you are at a dead end

When you see no way to amend

                                                               Make a promise to your heart

                                                               You’ll make a fresh start

When you see yourself out of the game

And are filled with fear and shame

When you are not what you aspire

Within you is unfulfilled desire

                                                                Make a promise to your life

                                                                You’ll not stop but strive

When time is tough on you

Moments of happiness far and few

When your hopes break into fragments

Your wishes turn into disappointments

                                                               Make a promise to that tear

                                                               You’ll move on and make it disappear

[wittywinks]

White Wings

I want to fly free in the world outside

I know I have wings and will not come back

I’ll fly above the tall buildings and trees

And set my own rules to abide

I’ll jump from the window at the first chance

No longer will stay tied to a boring place

Let them search if they miss my presence

By then I would have made much advance

I’m as white as a dove, as light as a sparrow

I’m born to fly cant just hang here tied

I like to fulfil my dreams and create my destiny

Just waiting for that moment to go

On a cloudy day the wind blew strong

Windows were open and the curtain peeped out

It was happy finally the time had come

It can show all it could fly and prove them wrong

Out it went pulled with the wind’s might

Leaving the lonely window behind

Started a new journey all on its own

And flew out in the deadly night

But its journey ended pretty fast

As it got entangled in a tree

On trying to fly it got shredded apart

False notions do seldom last

The next day a poor man picked it up

The whiteness now had turned to grey

Happily he washed it and took it to work

To clean the window where it once hung

The curtain was not noticed by the window pane

There stood a new curtain bright in yellow

The old one kissed a final goodbye

Leaving on the window a tear stain 

[wittywinks]

Lil Tinker 13

 It was a bright summer evening When Tinker declared after playing "From next month begin my holidays I want to visit the United States!"

Granny closed her eyes and pretended to snore Her Dad seemed lost and stared at the floor Poor Mom hid behind the kitchen door Nobody wanted to face what lay in store

All I'll need is a visa and ticket Listening to this, her dad's face got lit He said, "It's too late now to plan a trip" Granny added, "This year you need to skip"

Tinker was not to be easily let down She won't let her hopes sink and drown Jumping onto Granny's lap she made a plan Soon the telephone of U.S. Embassy rang

"Our school kids would like to visit your country Sir If you can assist, we can plan further" The old principal of the school gave all details After keeping the receiver, Granny's face turned pale

Soon twenty surprised kids got an official invite There was no limit to their utmost delight At the Embassy they saw pictures of New York City They dearly wished to climb the Statue of Liberty

Tinker told stories of Columbus' travels Kids were all now under a magic spell All they could talk of was Miami or LA Physically at home mentally far away

Next day all kids marched with US flags in hand Shouting slogan "Take us to Disneyland" Parents wondered what steps to take But soon realized now it was too late

School principal told the Embassy there was a mistake But couldn't argue the earlier call was fake Finally the school took a stand Before matters further went out of hands

A trip to the United States was organized Tinker's parents were neither shocked nor surprised Granny received the highest gifts on Tinker's return "Thanks Granny!!!",she said for all the fun Image courtesy: www.shutterstock.com

[wittywinks]

Lil Tinker 12

Hoisting herself up in the black auto Lil Tinker gave directions for it to go "Take me to 5th Avenue 7th street please" And Tinker made herself at ease

The driver looked closely at Tinker Saw a big diamond on her little finger I'll threaten her and take the stone He smiled and his wicked eyes shone

Tinker got ready for the long ride With shades on, scarf neatly tied She turned on the music and tapped her feet Rummaging her bag for something to eat

"Its a beautiful sunny day" she exclaimed And popped open a bottle of lemonade She caught the driver looking at her ring And understood what he was thinking

Raising the volume she stood up and danced Stomped her feet till the auto bounced She got down at the signal and took a round The driver looked everywhere but Tinker couldn't be found

She was on the seat when the light went green The driver wondered how he could not have seen At another stop she got down again To the driver's horror she went to the traffic policemen

She asked them to take a click of her first trip in auto Sweetly asking the driver to smile and shout Yo Yo The driver was captured in policemen's memory Tinker was rest assured for the remaining journey

Way ahead she told him horror stories Of wicked little children and cruel old grannies She made odd sounds and giggled in between All of a sudden she would start whistling

"Live life to the fullest!" she gave out a shout "Money or none I bother not" With this she pulled out her diamond ring Tossed it up pretending to swallow it in

The driver pushed brakes glancing at the mirror Losing all chances to fulfill his desire I have reached my destination she calmly said "Look! there is a ghost of a woman long dead"

Granny's 120 yr old friend was at the window Long white hair flying,wrinkled skin and eyes hollow When she saw Tinker, her long hands stretched out Shivering, shaking words blabbered from her mouth

The driver decided to end this nightmare And turned around to ask Tinker for his fare But there was no sign of her on the backseat He seemed to be all alone in the street

He got down from the auto in despair Searching for Lil Tinker everywhere Just then he heard his vehicle start For Tinker had well timed her part

The ghost woman was now driving his ride "Its hijacked!!!" Tinker shouted from inside The auto driver couldn't believe his eyes For his diamond dreams he paid a heavy price

Image courtesy - www.shutterstock.com

[wittywinks]

Peace of Mind

To wake up with no fear of today

And look forward to the many hours ahead

Not sitting and worrying in one’s bed

You’re confident to handle come what may

When the heart is honest, conscience clear

And spirit not bound in chains of jealousy

Not resenting being misunderstood or wrong

You act selfless for strangers and those dear

To embrace every moment with hope

And find utmost delight in little joys

Not regarding much a rare tear

Time is too precious to sit and mope

When you work hard and fight hurdles

Cherishing along pain and perseverance

Not allowing indolence to control you

You cover a milestone with every struggle

To shoulder responsibility with a smile

And accept awards and allegations alike

Not expecting a return for kind deeds done

Your true happiness is in walking that extra mile

When you become a person gentle and kind

And empower those weak and needy

Not running after fame and material pleasure

You receive the greatest award - peace of mind.

Image courtesy - www.quora.com

[wittywinks]

No Regrets...

Never let a day pass in life Without giving it your best We are born to make a mark in this world Do your work and forget the rest

Don't let few broken dreams pull you down Burying flowers of hope and youth along Strive and slog from morning to moon Highs and lows will adorn your swansong

Push back those hurdles in front of you That hold you where you are today Take a step ahead, create a new tomorrow You will proudly reminisce brave yesterdays

For life is just once, and one is you Once is this childhood, and one precious youth Every sunrise a new chance, cool nights a new promise Why waste an entire life to construe?

Pessimism has no expiry date, complains have no end Procrastination is an abyss, and competition is everywhere Each one of us is born to make a difference It's a small world, you need to fight for your share

There will be times you succeed and times when you fail People will come and go, those special will stay Travel new roads,explore new destinations Create a life you'll never look back with regret.

[wittywinks]

An Unlived Life

One little bird sat on the tree Counting in her mind 1-2-3

Preening her feathers, sharpening her beak "I'll soon be ready", to all she would squeak

"On a fine sunny day when the wind is light For me the time will then be right

I would soar to the gates of heaven And steal one colour from rainbow's seven"

All her little friends flew one by one Some flew far away, a few did return

Each had a story or an incident to its name No two adventures were ever the same

All our little bird did was contemplate Her plans now became more elaborate

She dreamed of flying above the river And admire her beauty in the blue mirror

There on the tree, she would build her nest Food and water would be so easy to get

She had a sharp eye and strong feathers A healthy body to survive harshest weather

Her peers looked at her in admiration Wondering when she will take some action

Some days even she felt the time had come But didn't fly for some or other reason   Many suns and seasons passed her by As she looked dreamily at the sky

If just once she would have given a try She would have conquered heights none could deny

On a dark,cloudy day a woodcutter came For what was to happen she had no one to blame

Aghast she saw him cut her tree Her wings froze, she couldn't set herself free

Dreams,wishes and hopes fell down with a thud Curtain fell on an unlived life, an unbloomed bud

The woodcutter buried her by the river bed What she couldn't get in life, was gifted by death

 Image courtesy - www.rgbstock.com