Festival of lights

It's diwali, festival of lights
To celebrate at will is within our rights

Sweet and snacks we exchange
to one and all in our neighbourhood
Crackers we fire within a range
to bring back images of our childhood

Colorful dresses, many we wear
Vary at times of people who stare
Shoutout load so it spikes their hair
"Happy Diwali" and clear the air

It's diwali, festival of lights
Celebrate at will is within our rights

But hey, we live in a democracy
Be responsible and don't go crazy
Fireworks that fly and makes sound
Are better fired in an open ground

Elderly and pets living in our society
Be wary of their health & anxiety
Previledge we have, avoid getting  greedy
Indulge in some and share with the needy

It's diwali, festival of lights
Let's celebrate in style within our rights

©Balaji Palanidurai

Beauty of giving

I have made a few new friends
with good heart and soul
Giving for them never ends
as that makes them whole

In the day and age where virtual
charity is a style
Remote communities they choose
and go the extra mile

They share pictures of celebration
during visits with their team
Of men, women and children in jubilation
Beaming with pride and esteem

To read they give books in a pile
and to play there is a handmade toy
Their giving bring about relief and smile

Bond ir creates & camaraderie to enjoy

Happy with their bag of gifts

Stationary, beddings at times a dress
They share with family and guests
Gratitude most feel, a few unable to express

Their noble deeds for humanity
touch many a heart and soul
Through service above self & charity
transform lives they do...in whole!

©Balaji Palanidurai

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I wrote this in Oct 2020 when I got inducted into Rotary by a friend, philosopher and guide. 2 years on I am living this poem.

I updated a few lines based on my experience recently and dedicating it to Rotarian Mohan (from my chapter RC Chennai IT CITY) on his birthday - for his passion to give; both in cash & kind and for his tireless effort to make our giving sustainable and a lasting legacy!

இழப்பின் உள் குரல்

மாலை நேர மயக்கமா அல்லது
மனதில் தோன்றிய வருத்தமா?
தன் தந்தை இறுதி படுக்கையில்

மெலிந்து உறங்கும் தோற்றமா?

தன் நெஞ்சில் என்னை தூக்கி வளர்த்த அவரை
என் தோள்கள் சுமக்கும் காலம் தள்ளித்தான் போகுமா?

கூடியிருக்கும் சொந்தங்களுக்கு 

என் உள் குரல் தான் கேட்குமா?
கேட்டாலும், போகும் உயிரை 

அவர்களால் தடுக்க முடியுமா?

குடும்பத்தலைவன் பொறுப்பை ஏற்கும் 

தருணம் வந்துவிட்ட அச்சமா?
அப்பொறுப்பில் கால்பங்கு எனக்கு

மரபுவழி தான் வந்து சேருமா?

கொள்ளிவைத்த கைகளுக்கு கடைசி 

வரம் ஒன்று கிடைக்குமா?
என் தந்தை உறங்க இடம் ஒன்று 

சொர்க்கத்தில் கிடைக்குமா?

©Balaji Palanidurai

Moments before my inheritance

A quite saturday in October 2012, the date was six
Events over the course of the day had me into a fix

The man I looked up to was still and clam on his bed
Near and dear to him were standing around and spread

Long ordeal it was, which he fought through with patience
A value he knew, in minutes few, would be my inheritance

Time was ticking, the silence was deafening & feeling was of pity
His eyes kept watching his dear wife; signaling my responsibility

Images millions I could see in those eyes, along with a contented smile
Of his village house, the pond and ancestors, all stacked up in a pile

Was he in distress or in pain? How can I tell with hardly any sound or sign?
Atlast, he let out tears like raing drops  & a sigh of despair, yet benign!

He had led his life in public and private with virtue of honesty
A value that I would now inherit and adhere to in all earnesty

©Balaji Palanidurai