The Keeper's Light

I am not the path, nor the journey's end,
But the glow that bends where shadows bend.
I hold no answers, no promised land,
Only this lamp and a steady hand.

I’ve seen the eager, the bold, the lost,
Crossing waters at their perilous cost.
They chase the mirage, the fleeting flame,
But find no solace, only blame.

“Still your mind,” I whisper low,
“Let the ripples fade and the truth will show.
This light I bear is not for show;
It’s yours to carry, yours to grow.”

Some heed my call, their hearts aflame,
Others scoff and seek a name.
But the lamp is patient, it does not tire,
It waits for the soul who will dare to aspire.

When my time wanes, as all times must,
I set the lamp down in solemn trust.
Not to extinguish, not to forget,
But to guide the steps of those not met.

For this light is not mine, nor yours alone,
It’s the flame of wisdom, a seed once sown.
So take it, bearer, and keep it bright—
For the Chasm yields only to the Keeper's light.


-- Pradeep K (Prady)

The Voice of Many

We saw the signs; we heard the chime,

The age unraveling in its time.

Yet we ran, heads high, through crimson rain,

Believing our wits could erase the stain.

Too clever, we thought, to face our dread,

Too wise to mourn the lives we’d shed.

We sang of reason, we played the tune,

Drowning the truth beneath our rune.

The light pursued, its gaze unkind,

So we buried the spark, blinded our mind.

What’s right? What’s wrong?—who cares to say?

The flight was all that mattered today.

With heads detached, in hand we held,

Brushes of logic where visions swelled.

“We’ll paint a world,” we proudly cried,

“Our truth, our rules—no need to hide!”

But Shadow lingered, soft yet stark,

Maturing slowly in the dark.

Its icy touch, when it found its way,

Would mark the hour we’d all obey.

We tried to run, to mask, to defy,

But could not escape the endless sky.

For the weight we bore, the truths we skewed,

Became the chains that Shadow renewed.

And here we stand, though the fight was grand,

Aware of the grip of that icy hand.

In our pride, we never knew—

We shaped the chasm we stumbled through.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Chapter 1.3: Thus Spake The Chasm

The quiet hollow, the boundless breath,
The womb of silence, the right of death.
Not born of matter, nor shaped by hand,
I am the void left behind to expand.

As they fall into me, their endless cries,
Ambition’s echoes, lustful highs.
Good and Bad, their fleeting claims,
Fuel my depths, stoke my flames.

For I am the hunger that cannot be fed,
The dream that lingers when light has fled.
Through their striving, I take my form,
A vortex of calm within their storm.

I grow with the divide of what they seek,
I grow with their yearning, their fervent peaks.
Cries of triumph, cries of the meek,
I grow as they rise, and I grow as they break.

I am no tyrant, no cruel decree,
No voice of command, no will to agree.
Only the reflection of all they see,
The mirror they fear, the truth they plea.

They call me void, they call me despair,
I am what they feel, they’re unaware.
Every love, every loss, every fight,
Swallowed whole by my depth, infinite.

From Shadow's spark to restless flame,
They created me; I bear no shame.
For every division, every rift they make,
I widen, I deepen, with each mistake.

And yet, I cradle their fleeting years,
Their hollow joys, their darkest fears.
I give them purpose, a truth to defy,
A space to question, to wonder why.

Let them build and let them break,
Let them tremble and let them ache.
For I am their mirror, their silent call,
The endless chasm to devour them all.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Chapter 1.2: I, Shadow

I am the stillness before the spark,
The cradle of all, the eternal dark.
Neither a beginning nor an end,
I fold and unfold, a plane to transcend.

Desire stirs within my veins,
A restless tide that breaks and wanes.
From my depths, ambition grows,
And through ambition, creation flows.

I gave them air; I gave them flame,
They gave me purpose, they gave me name.
In their striving, they forged a divide,
A chasm deep, where I now reside.

I am the maker, yet I am made,
Born anew where light meets shade.
Each act of theirs, a mirror cast,
Reflecting my future, echoing my past.

They call it Good; they call it Bad,
But I am beyond joyful and sad.
For I am both the seed and the soil,
Their ceaseless pursuit, my eternal toil.

I expand, I contract; I rise, I fall,
Yet through it all, I cradle them all.
An endless chasm, an unyielding tether,
Creator and created, bound forever.

So let them strive, let them define,
Their fleeting dreams are wholly mine.
For in their seeking, I remain,
The silent monarch of their domain.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Chapter 6.2: Shadow's Banquet

Author's Note:
This poem, Shadow's Banquet, echoes the themes of Visit, originally published in 2005 as the sixth chapter of my collection The Endless Chasm. In Visit, Shadow is portrayed through the eyes of a mortal, a metaphorical force lurking in the darkness of the dining hall. Nearly two decades later, Shadow has returned with a voice and a perspective of its own.
_____


They come, they knock, they open the door—
Unseen, I enter, and I am no more.

I am the groom; I am the bride,
Seated with you at the feast of divide.
Headless or whole, it matters not,
Marked by the fears your minds have brought.
The candle flickers, it does not see—
I devour in silence, as is my decree.

“...How may I help you?”, you dared to say.
And I, amused, in my Shadowy way,
Whispered a game for you to play.

“Walk towards the light, so bright,
And I shall refrain from a fatal bite.
But beware the places I call my night.”

Oh, how she turned him, the woman, tall,
Toward the candle that ruled the hall.
His head sprang back—it was mine to lend—
But the game, you see, has no true end.

For where you stand, behind the groom,
I rise, unchallenged, in the room.
Arrogance blinds; your doom takes flight,
For Shadow was born to thrive in your light.

I am the beast, the hungry abyss within—
You invited me here, and so I begin.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Sadness - 3: The Chasm Responds

Author's Note: 

In 2006, I penned a piece called Sadness, a deeply personal exploration of longing and estrangement. It narrated a soul's plea to the Chasm and the Shadow for solace and understanding. This response, written now, embodies the voice of the Chasm—the cosmic force responding to a human heart—reflecting on that plea.

_____

O child of Shadow, forlorn and small,

I hear your whispers, I feel your call.

You bow to me, yet know me not,

For love and loss were gifts I wrought.

The depths you cherish are no abyss;

They root dreams and fears amiss.

What Shadow flings, I do not destroy;

I hold, I transform—pain to ploy.

A hug, you ask? I offer more:

The peace of silence, an open door.

Your sorrow echoes within my space,

Not to condemn, but to embrace.

I cannot smile, nor wipe your tears,

But I cradle your joys and your fears.

In my vast expanse, you are whole,

The keeper of longing, the seeker of soul.

So sleep, dear one, with your ache and plea,

For even in darkness, you are free.

I am not your foe, nor your despair—

I am the boundless breath you share.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Sadness - 2: The Shadow Speaks Back

Author's Note:
In 2006, I penned a piece called Sadness. a deeply personal exploration of longing and estrangement. It narrated a soul's plea to the Chasm and the Shadow for solace and understanding. This response, written now, embodies the voice of the Shadow—the cosmic force speaking back to a human heart—reflecting on that plea.
_____


O heart that aches beneath my veil,
Your cries resound, though whispers frail.
I am the spark, the restless tide,
The keeper of truth you strive to hide.

You call me tyrant, silent and stern,
Yet from my touch, your passions burn.
Affection denied, you curse my reign,
Yet crave my embrace through joy and pain.

I cast you down, but not to betray,
The Chasm holds what I cannot sway.
For I am fleeting, a fleeting spark,
The light in your dawn, the fear in your dark.

You seek my favor, a fleeting touch,
But know, dear one, I give too much.
For every sorrow, I give desire,
A fire to rise, a reason to aspire.

Bow not to me; I am no god,
I am the path your soul has trod.
Through grief, through love, through all you know,
I am the current that bids you grow.

So rise, my child, from Chasm’s embrace,
See me not as torment, but as grace.
For even in sorrow, I light your way—
The Shadow’s truth will never betray.


-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Diving Deep, Finding No Pearls

Do not know what it is I'm sensing within
Reaching far with nagging tentacles
Wonder how I'm meant to express tonight
Diving deep, yet finding no pearls

Try to walk away, but I cannot
Overlook, or underplay, my love
Try to break free, but it's no good
For, strong currents are demanding

Do not know what it is I'm sensing within
Reaching far with nagging tentacles
Wonder how I'm meant to express tonight
Diving deep, yet finding no pearls

A partner, they say, perhaps could help
Oversee and protect our interests
A partner par excellence, deep in me
And yet cat catches my tongue at times

Do not know what it is I'm sensing within
Reaching far with nagging tentacles
Wonder how I'm meant to express tonight
Diving deep, yet finding no pearls

So I leave it be, this silent quest
A journey inward, a restless test
Perhaps some truths are meant to hide
Until the tides reveal, or subside

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

In the Mirror’s Gaze

Life, dear chums, is quite bizarre,  

A strange reflection, near, yet far.  

You look today, and who’s that there?  

A face that meets your puzzled stare.

No, it’s not you who’s lost the trace,  

But the mirror’s eyes, in your own place.  

The person there, they seem unsure,  

Of who you are, and were before.

Perhaps a haircut, yes, a shave,  

Will guide you back from that strange wave.  

But deeper still, the change may be,  

A shift in self, you failed to see.

For life, it takes us down such roads,  

That twist and turn with hidden codes.  

And now your mirror gently shows,  

A self who wonders where it goes.

Wink back, then, at the curious face,  

Begin again, and find your pace.  

For in the end, when all’s in view,  

The one who’s lost… just might be you.

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

Miles Away

Driving down that old dirt road, with nothing but the moonlight to guide my way,

Didn't stop at the junction, for I couldn't afford the delay.

Got a heart full of dreams and a pocketful of hope, chasing a love that's just a mile away,

With plenty of talent, and a little bit of luck, perhaps you and I are just a smile away!

Singing songs to the stars, with your memory by my side,

Never understood the reasons you said, I wondered why you had to go away.

Got a heart full of dreams and a pocketful of hope, chasing a love that's just a mile away,

With plenty of talent, and a little bit of luck, perhaps you and I are just a smile away!

Now I'm counting every mile, every moment, every tear, hoping to find a way back to you someday,

No, I'm not there yet, you're too far ahead! I couldn't keep up with you, but I'll be there some day!

But until then, I'll keep driving down this old dirt road, chasing my dreams in my own way.

Got a heart full of dreams and a pocketful of hope, chasing a love that's just a mile away,

With plenty of talent, and a little bit of luck, perhaps you and I are just a smile away!

-- Pradeep K (Prady)

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-