Saturday, April 27, 2013

Same or similar? - Haiku 'X'

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Duplicate or not
Burning hell or blue heaven
Same or similar









I sometimes feel Hell and Heaven are the same place, but perceived differently. It's like the same world that we all live in is described as 'beautiful' by some and 'big bad' by others!!!


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'XEROX'.


Thursday, April 25, 2013

Rejuvenated outburst - Haiku 'W'

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Magical land awaits
Flabbergasted reaction
Earthly glamor

~

Plunge in the clear
Sparkling water freezes
Rejuvenated outburst



This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'WATERFALL'.

Book Review - Tantra

Book title : Tantra
Author : Adi
Published by : Apeejay Stya Publishing

Anu is a leather wearing, no-nonsense professional guardian with a reputation for killing the most dangerous vampires in New York City. But when her enemies murder the one person she truly cared about, all she wants is vengeance. The only clue points to New Delhi, so Anu puts in for a job transfer.
In India, she finds more than she expected. For one thing, her fellow operatives have made a truce with the vampires. For another, it’s way too hot to wear leather.
At first, it seems Anu’s biggest challenge will be evading the nice boys her aunt wants her to marry. But when children start disappearing, she discovers forces older and darker than anything she’s faced before. All of Delhi is in danger, especially the sexy stranger who sets Anu’s pulse racing.
To prepare for the coming battle, Anu must overcome her personal demons and put aside years of training. This time, her most powerful weapon will come from her mind, not her weapons belt.




India is more about ghosts and spirits. Those are the thrillers we usually expect. But the author has taken a pretty fresh take here in terms of Indian standards by introducing vampires, that too in a place like Delhi. We have been familiar with the blood-suckers, the human ones here in the capital city, but not the vampire version of it!

The lead Anu is a fearless 'pardesi ladki' who comes to India with a transfer from her Guardian circle to combat the vampires of India. Her own secret mission based on pure vengeance is what she has to hide, while she targets the vampire kingdom in India. All the adjusting that takes for a person on coming to India is well verbalized.

The juxtaposition of mythology that screams India and the fantasy of vampires which is a new territory is mentionable. The idea is pretty fresh and surely attracts readers. I like the way the author has also put in fragments of Indian culture in parts where Anu has to keep mailing her mother, as formal may it be; about her well-being and her aunt trying to get her to tie a knot with an Indian guy.

The dry humor is refreshing and different from most Indian authored-novels. Being a reader who has her own reservations about books like these, i would say the book was different, but failed to grip me to it as i expected. The beginning could have been better to keep the attention of the reader intact because i had to compel myself for the beginning pages.

But overall, an interesting read for readers who are fascinated by the world of fantasy, and vampires in particular, because imagining a place like Delhi we know crawling with vampires, with a lady-hunter set to hunt them down is an adventurous thought!!!


Price : Rs.195
Pages : 335
My Rating : 2 on 5

This review is a part of the biggest Book Reviews Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books at Blogadda.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Tremors of memory - Haiku 'V'

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Aghast moments lived
Trembling touch, raped spirit
Tremors of memory

~

Her fuming rage
Outlet is now open
Volcano of emotions









With India fighting its battle for the deserved justice for women, I hereby take the opportunity to do my bit to spread the message of awareness among the people of the world. 

When a person is raped, the body heals and the pain forgotten with time, but the person is scarred for life mentally. The trauma is more mental, than physical. The helplessness, the fear, the feeling of betrayal by own kith and kin, by fellow people, the lack of humanity, the lack of respect, the feeling of being treated as a use-and-throw toy is damaging, in more ways than one. 

Please understand the gravity of the situation and learn to be humans. There is no place for savages in this world. The cruelty is not tolerable anymore. The pride lies in Being Human, being respectable, being a good citizen, a caring person and not in forcing your man-power over a woman. That's not a symbol of your manly-hood, but a sign of cowardice and shamelessness.

I hope a day comes, when a woman does not have to think twice before making a new guy friend. I'm lucky and thankful for having men in my life who understand these sentiments. And i pray the divine, that every girl in this world feels the same safety as i do, with every other guy in this world!


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'VOLCANO'.




The video is a part of the movement we have started as a part of KnowYourStar for transforming the life of women. Dwar is not just a movement, but as the name itself suggests is The-War against all the social ailments our society is suffering from and needs immediate eradication. This virus has spread to the roots of our society and we need the cooperation of every person living, to help in destroying it.

This particular series of videos in Dwar - Winning Women is a part of our RAPE initiative.


Visit this link to know more details about this initiative - 
RAPE : Rise Against Punishable Eccentricity 

How you can contribute? Pen is mightier than a sword. So,

Why Don’t You Join The Movement…

1. Write an article/poem related to Women & Women Empowerment and post in your blog.
2. Link back to the article at this link - http://knowyourstar.com/rape/ with a hyperlink so your readers and friends can join us if they are interested.
3. Enter your name and link into the Linky widget. (It should be the post link, and not your blog link in general. In your blog, click on the post title. The URL in the address bar would be the post link.).
4. Read and enjoy as many of the other writers as well. When you read more, most of them return to read yours.
5. Don’t miss this golden chance to impact the society! Let’s change it for better!
 

Follow us here to get our constant updates -


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Uprooted soul - Haiku 'U'



Identity crisis
Uprooted soul
No sense of belongingness
 

 When there is a significant change, we often encounter a feeling of confusion. Stepping out of our comfort zones can be challenging, but growth always lies outside it. Not in the case of trees though. They are meant to grow and prosper in the place they first spread their roots!

This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'UPROOT'.


Snake heads rise in fury - Haiku 'T'

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Snake heads rise in fury
Stuck, stagnant with fear
Inevitable strikes



This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'TSUNAMI'.


Sunday, April 21, 2013

When the colors merge to two - Haiku 'S'

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Pitch dark forever?
Brightness chasing black shadows
White enlightenment

~

Face direct sun's wrath
Instant clarity on life
Colors merge to two






The other day as i was riding back from office in the evening, there came a time, a few minutes, when the sun was right in front of me, blinding me to an extent that i could hardly see where i was going. Everything turned black and white. The colorful street merged into two colors.

And then it hit me... Probably this is what happens to people who have attained enlightenment or close! Every aspect of life would be clear to them. No doubts. It's either true or false. White or black. Right or wrong.

I only experienced a thought about enlightenment, which set me wondering how much clarity these people must see the world in..!!!


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'SHADOW'.



Looks down over sweaty palms - Haiku 'Q'

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Elegant she stands
Looks down over sweaty palms
Pride has a bad fall










Sometimes we achieve great heights, thanks to the help others provide us, in every little way. But on reaching our goal, we should never forget the factors that helped. Make sure no arrogance or pride gets into your head. Coz, as history is proof, every pride has a great fall, sooner or later!


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. Catching up with the prompt i missed - 'QUTUB MINAR'.



Saturday, April 20, 2013

Dew of sea blue - Haiku 'R'

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Dew of sea blue
Purpose in existence 
She now remembers first love 

~

Beads of beauty
Jokily poking her brain cells
His arms, finally!










Just read some info about rosemary which i did not know. These plants along with decorative purposes, are used for medical reasons for a good memory. Also called as 'The dew of the Sea' since these plants can also grow at places where there is no water available, just with the humidity the sea wind carries. 



This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'ROSEMARY'.


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Thirsty beside a spring - Haiku 'P'

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Society, his desert
Footsteps on sand disowned
Harsh windy treatment

~

Seek oasis of love
Thirsty beside a spring
Burning pariah




This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'PARIAH'.


Age old facade hoots - Haiku 'O'

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Trembling leaves whisper
Eerie unblinking eyes stare
Age old facade hoots











This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'OWL'.



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Hidden notes unfold - Haiku 'N'

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Hidden notes unfold
Moon peeks out of deep slumber
Her kids play with stars

~

Roses kiss tender 
Beauty of magical night
Unreal, Maya!








Maya - the word which has never stopped mesmerizing me. One word, two syllables, gazillion interpretations!

We are so lost in finding the logic behind everything, we sometimes forget to sit back and enjoy the illusion life has presented us with. Sometimes ignorance is bliss indeed. The most enjoyable things, the one closest to our hearts are those which cannot be explained, just felt.



This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for today is 'NIGHTINGALE'.


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Kohl eyed tears' dilemma - Haiku 'J'


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Excited future
Jeweled jasmine heart 
Shy bridal grace in her smile

~

More anticipation
Marriage jitters 
Kohl eyed tears' dilemma









A traditional South Indian bride's dilemma... The anticipation of the future in an arranged marriage.... Marrying a person you hardly know with blind faith that does most of the times lead to a happy life surprisingly. Yet, the whole concept is so very freaky and unsettling. The horoscopes decide the compatibility and you enter the sacred bond with just a hope that everything turns out for the best!

Jasmine flowers form a very important part in every South Indian marriage to enhance the beauty of the bride and also to greet the lady guests with during the marriage.


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt is 'JASMINE'. The one i missed out a couple of days back.

Friday, April 12, 2013

When glowing lilies marry the night stars - Haiku 'L'

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Beacon in dark
Glowing serenity 
Dream of marrying the night stars

~

Silver threads from moon
Shimmering gifts galore
Magical tiara







This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'LILY'.



Murmuring secrets - Haiku 'K'


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Murmuring secrets
Sliding through liquid crystals
Koi pond rejoices

~

Conversation with colors
Song of the piscean
Silent beauty






A piscean relates most to colors and the matters related to the heart and beauty. They see life through a magical window. Excellent secret keepers, they silently let the world rejoice, even if they have to sacrifice!

This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'KOI POND'.




Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Hymns heard within - Haiku 'I'

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Velvety smoke
Rising senses float
Fragrant thoughts, my vicinity

~

Crumpled aroma
Ambience triggers the divine
Hymns heard within










This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'INCENSE'.


Monday, April 8, 2013

Tasting first light drops - Haiku 'H'

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Piercing sight hunts hard
Igniting through murky cage
Tasting first light drops

~

Gates of compassion
Revelation kills smugness
Peace, hunter's new chase










When a person has been in darkness for a very long time, even the slightest hint of light can shake their whole belief system. It might either put them in stubborn denial or may show them a path towards light, which will release them from the cage they have built for themselves!


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'HUNTER'.



Lil green monster - Haiku 'G'

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Red ribbons, pony tails
One hop, two skips, three laughter
Fun in green grass

~

Butterflies are old
Grasshoppers, new fascination
Lil green monster





This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'GRASSHOPPER'.



Saturday, April 6, 2013

Aloha lover boy!

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Polka dots on beach
Umbrella summer song
Aloha lover boy

~

Fading fun moments
New memories to hold on
Aloha lover boy






Aloha - the word used in Hawaii, both for meeting and parting! Always found it fascinating somehow, and very very positive. So when they say goodbye, is it like a hello in advance for yet another meeting? Like a hopeful exclamation that says - 'It's not goodbye yet, we'll meet again!' .........??? 


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights.


Friday, April 5, 2013

The golden alchemy - Haiku 'F'

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Burning desire 
Melting love for living life
Dreams live in her skin

~

Golden alchemy
Raised on glowing pedestal
Ideal idol







Like alchemy, where there is no rational explanation as to why, how and who, fame is also sometimes the result of the weirdest combination of desire, hard work and luck. Just when you wish to work hard for something, luck forsakes and when your lucky, you wonder when you worked for it at all.


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'FIRE'.


Treading with silent words - Haiku 'E'

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Expressions speak loud
Treading with silent words
Heart or broken egg shell
 
~
 
Squint out of just birth
First blurred chicken vision
Bright life or butcher's knife



Words unsaid have a way to reach connected hearts, where as sometimes the same message communicated through words can lead to a broken heart! 

Stepping out into this world, is best compared to walking on egg shells. We have no clue what is in store for us. A happy future or a painful end.


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'EGGSHELLS'.



Thursday, April 4, 2013

Lock your mind, lose the key! - Haiku 'D'

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Ditch the black monster
Emerald eyes lure but kill
Body survives, soul dies

~

Dreaded green danger
Lock your mind, lose the key
Fearful drone, no music





That evil voice in your head that is so loud at times drowning your true inner voice can lead you to the darkest path of negativity. Beware of your senses. When the evil takes over, even basking in glory sends your soul plunging into an eternal pit of no return.



This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'DRONE'.


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Rising flame or sinking wick - Haiku 'C'

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Following paw trails
Tree of life, dead or alive
Flickering candle

~

Countdown begun
Rising flame or sinking wick
Open cry for action






How spent is your life-candle ??? Does your candle have a rising flame or a sinking wick. Time to turn thoughts into actions, don't you think?


This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'CANDLE'.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Chase flying magic - Haiku 'B'

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Tiptoeing in quiet
Stage of shining leaflets
The butterfly dance

~~~

Chase flying magic
Nothingness when in touch
Beautiful only when free


Watch the butterflies, other creatures in their own habitat. Not by caging them in your own. There is a beauty in the chase, in the search of these lovely beings. But once in your reach, they will be a mystery no more, they will be your fascination no more. So let them be and enjoy the hunt, but please do not intend to get these back home with you. Let them live, for their beauty is only as long as they are free and happy!



This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'BUTTERFLY'.



Monday, April 1, 2013

Ascent to surface - Haiku 'A'

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Blue fins take over
Bubbling sky beckons and lures
 Swiveling mermaid

~~~

Attempts to rise high
Social gravity pulls down
Ascent to surface









This Haiku is written for the April A2Z Heights at Haiku Heights. The prompt for the day is 'ASCENT'.