Courage Is...

How was I to know what was going on

In your mind, and why did I hear

Of it from our common friend?

How was I to deal with a feeling so strong?

Courage is not to live without fear;

Courage is to live despite fear! 

Did you think you could ever really be

Happy, if you lived in fear constantly?

Being courageous, being successful

Not exclusive, definitely! 

Courage is not to live without fear;

Courage is to live despite fear! 

Wonder why you couldn't come to me!

Now I wonder why you wouldn't

Talk to me, at the very first signs!

Wonder why you waited!

Courage is not to live without fear;

Courage is to live despite fear! 

Courage is not to live without fear;

Courage is to live despite fear! 

Courage is not to...

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

The Heavy Silence

In the silence of the room, a weight hangs in the air,

Echoes of the journey, the wisdom that we share.

Years of experience, intertwined with youth,

In the stillness of this moment, we find our hidden truth.

Oh, the heavy silence speaks volumes in its hush,

A bond between us formed, an unspoken trust.

In the depths of understanding, we find our common ground,

In the heavy silence, our connection is profound.

Soft laughter breaks the stillness, a gentle release,

As we navigate this journey, finding inner peace.

The echoes of the past, the dreams of the future,

In the heavy silence, we find our nurture.

Oh, the heavy silence speaks volumes in its hush,

A bond between us formed, an unspoken trust.

In the depths of understanding, we find our common ground,

In the heavy silence, our connection is profound.

In the dance of light and shadow, we find our way,

Guided by the wisdom of each passing day.

In the heavy silence, we learn to embrace,

The beauty of this moment, in its quiet grace.

Oh, the heavy silence speaks volumes in its hush,

A bond between us formed, an unspoken trust.

In the depths of understanding, we find our common ground,

In the heavy silence, our connection is profound.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Mentor's Gaze

That was the day, when I called out for you;

The day that answered all my battles, past.

You glided in that day, a graceful spirit;

A dance of elegance in every move.

In the rhythm of your steps, a story unfolds;

Each stride echoes tales of shortfall untold.

Through challenges faced, you stand so bold;

A journey begun, a future to behold.

Sunsets and sunrises, marking my days;

In this journey, a lamp, unique in its ways.

In the quiet moments, where paths are led;

A solo journey, where footsteps gently tread.

Then, a twist of fate, a moment in stride;

A companion, a comrade, walked by my side.

Hope in your eyes, a second chance applied;

Our shared journey, wish you can confide.

Lessons learned in a thousand ways;

You're the sun that sets my guidance ablaze.

No direct reports for years on end;

Now, together, a journey to transcend.

Through winding paths dreams convene;

A bond forged, a rare and splendid scene.

In every challenge, a chance to glean;

Wisdom shared, with tranquil sheen.

Beneath our sun's shared and gentle light,

Whispers of concern, soft as night.

In carefree moments, shadows might;

Worries woven, a quiet plight.

Within the melody of our shared song,

A note of caution, not meant to prolong.

In leniency's dance, where hearts throng,

A mentor's concern, tender and strong.

Through laughter's grace and wisdom's gleam,

Worries flowing like a subtle stream.

Not to stifle but as a guiding beam,

To nurture potential, like a hopeful dream.

That was the day, when I called out for you;

The day that answered all my battles, past.

You glided in that day, a graceful spirit;

A dance of elegance in every move.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

                                     -o-

The Red Night

What would you do when the red night comes to haunt you,

When all your torches are blind, and every corner you turn

Has a dagger pointing at you,

What would you do then?

There's no hiding from the darkness,

Which can hide everything from the light

You can run from your source, but beware,

You cannot escape your destination!

As the crimson haze surrounds and shadows play weird games,

When you're lost in the chaos, no light to guide the way,

Faint echoes of the past, whispers in the air,

Will they help you rise, or push you farther down?

Voices from the darkness, calling out your name,

As you wander aimlessly, searching for the flame.

But the red night's grip tightens, holding you near,

How will you cope with this endless maze of doubt and fear?

In the red night's embrace, your heart heavy with doubt,

Lost in the labyrinth, trying to find a way out.

Whispers of hope in the darkness you hear,

But will they lead you to freedom, or deepen your fear?

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

                                      -o-

Treacherous Transformations

(Introduction: In life, we often face treacherous transformations—moments of profound change and uncertainty that challenge us to navigate through the unknown. The following poem explores the complexities of these transformations, offering two contrasting perspectives on how we respond to adversity. As you read through the continuations, consider the divergent paths we may take and the lessons we can glean from each experience.)

Beginning:

Treacherous transformations!

Remember not to hurt yourself as you

Drive through those hairpin curves!

You may have a firm grip on the wheel,

But have no say on the transmission!

Treacherous transformations!

You know where you wanna turn, but

You don't ever know why you can't!

You've given it all you ever had, but

You can't ever have what you want!

Treacherous transformations!

So, your vehicle finds a life of its own,

And decides to plunge into the gorge!

You could either jump out or sink in,

What you do will declare your fate!

Continuation 1:

Treacherous transformations!

You chose to leap, to break free from the fall,

And as you tumble through the unknown,

You realize the depths of your own strength,

And the courage it takes to rise again.

Treacherous transformations!

In the wreckage of your former self,

You find the seeds of a new beginning,

Each shattered piece a testament to resilience,

Each scar a story of survival.

Treacherous transformations!

As you emerge from the darkness into the light,

You see the beauty in the broken,

For it's in the cracks that the light shines through,

And in the chaos, you discover your truest self.

Continuation 2:

Treacherous transformations!

You chose to surrender, to let the darkness consume,

And as you descend into the abyss,

You feel the weight of your regrets,

And the echo of lost opportunities.

Treacherous transformations!

In the depths of your despair, you find solace,

A twisted comfort in the familiar pain,

Each passing moment a reminder of your choices,

Each breath a struggle against the suffocating void.

Treacherous transformations!

As you embrace the shadows, you lose yourself,

Drowning in the sea of your own making,

Forgetting who you once were,

And becoming a ghost of what could have been.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Discovery in the Rain

As I sat there, in the evening drizzle,

Looking down at the forming puddle,

Tens of bright faces all around me,

Not one could help solve this puzzle!

How it all had started, how it went on,

Why I had to enter, why I should go on,

What would be when my role is done,

When would I know when to be gone?

Camouflaged remain the forces, true,

And their intentions remain unknown, 

Mesmerized, the majority runs about,

Assuming lordship of their grave!

A little more thought would set them 

Straight, the buried don't own the pit.

Bring what I may to the table today,

Upon my exit, home, I'll be on my way!

And then it started pouring down,

The faces shadowed by umbrellas.

It was then, a voice caught my ear

Your home, it said, must be near!

It all came out of nowhere, is not,

And will go not anywhere,

For, I am not that which is,

But I am that which is not!

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

                             -o-

It Is What It Is

It is what it is, and it couldn't be better!

Or could it? But if it were, it wouldn't be.

For, it wouldn't remain if it could!

Life's every truth, if rooted in myth,

Mystifies! Or so it tries, and with

So many cons dealing emotions,

Succumbs!

It is what it is, and none of it matters!

Or, does it? If it did, it shouldn't be.

For, it wouldn't be the same then!

Like everything else comes desire,

From the silent, dark, potent chasm,

And when it matures into ambition,

Tips the scales!

It is what it is, an unending race!

Or is it not? If not, it shouldn't be.

For, then would be total stillness!

The various imbalances are of the

Creatures, by the creatures alone,

And will take the creatures down

To their bitter end!

It may not seem so, but it shall pass,

For, it is what it is, and no other.

It is what it is, and that makes it all right!

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

                                    -o-