Tag: Memories

Meeting Me

~ Shalini Kathuria Narang ~ 2 Comments 
Letters from the past,
are a memorable memory blast.
Met myself from three decades ago,
Via writings from a loquacious pro.

She spoke with spontaneity,
Chuckled without scarcity,
a perky personality,
enveloped with vivacity.

Has time changed her?
And responsibilities molded her?
Have some experiences hardened her?
And others softened her?

The extra pounds on the waist,
Reveal only a partial tale in haste.
As do the growing silver streaks in her hair,
Or the lines on the forehead that stare.

The real story is known to a few,
Of struggles that came to skid and slew,
Family and friends-old and new,
Helped and healed scars that life drew.

How will rest of life play?
Will more challenges come on the way?
Are there any new dues to pay?
Or will peace and happiness stay?

Time will reveal in due course,
Higher power’s unknown morse,
Good karma is the only recourse,
That wise ones emphasize and endorse.

A Sari Box

~ Shalini Kathuria Narang ~ Leave a comment 
A sari box got opened,
And a revelation got made-
Definition of a sari in a dictionary is wrong,
Its not just a garment that’s about six feet long.

It’s a harbinger of memories,
A drape in its weft, weave and wrap carrying stories.
My saris are not just cottons, silks, georgettes and chiffons,
Each one carries memoirs-soirées and songs.

A grand mother’s advise,
An aunt’s surprise,
So much in guise,
And then-conjectures and surmise,

These old saris have opened a floodgate of sorts,
Pouring a deluge of memories- an entire lot,
Taken me back to the place of my youth,
An upbringing of caring, culture and couth.

New fashions and fabrics may come and go,
Some old ones are like a seasoned pro,

Shapes and styles mold as one grow(s),
Yet, a few can still make you gleam and glow,
Reminding that though life’s like a river in continuous flow.
Sometimes it’s better when you stop, savor and slow.

Lockdown Memories

~ Shalini Kathuria Narang ~ Leave a comment 
From a life that seemed like a constantly moving mill,
A never ending hill.
Allowing no time to stand or sit still.
Demanding one more chore, one more bill-a constant drill.

Lockdown provided time for contemplation,
Away from external and nearer to inner connection,
Hours were spent in reckoning and reflection,
And also in self suggestion and correction.

I cherished and appreciated the rush-free time,
Rare, precious, and sublime.
Early morning hours of mine,
Allowed me to connect with self and divine.

Beyond worldly concerns and care,
I could sit back and inside stare.
Think of twists and turns in life’s line,
And recall events in the churns of time.

Suddenly there were hours to pursue a dormant hobby,
That for years had no lobby.
I read some old books, stories and lore,
Wrote and rewrote like years before,

Delved into some old diary pages.
Reflected on them like sages.
Thought about life’s many wonders,
And how to fit in, without blunders.

Spent and cherished time with loved ones,
Strolls in nature were second to none.
Technological  advances helped hear and see,
Voices and faces of other dear ones and me.

Some days were gentle and tender.
Others had rain and thunder.
Accepting both without protest.
Continued to be the biggest and toughest test.

My way to beat the blues was to work and rest,
Think, read and reflect with zest.
But one abiding tenet of my nest,
Laughter together is the ultimate savior-the very best.

Today & Tomorrow

~ Shalini Kathuria Narang ~ Leave a comment 
Today’s events turn to tomorrow’s stories,
Tales recalled of shared experiences and soirees.
Build today that you’d want to reminisce as you age,
Many remembrances can be relived as you turn a page,

Fill your life with a legacy of love and grace, not hate and rage.
Construe memories that bring smile and satisfaction at any stage.
As you sit back and remember events from the past.
A melting pot will emerge of people, travel, work, and talks that you hast.

Moments we cherish are not just special occasion.
But ordinary turned special by a kind word, a thoughtful action.
Best are days filled with shared goals, collaboration and rejoicing,
Small and big achievement that are enriching and enticing.

In the book of life, some days are happy, others sad,
Some good and others bad,
No one escapes life unscathed-lass or lad.
Your reactions determine an overall card of glad or mad.

No one has only a happy yesterday,
Love, longing, losing-are all served in life’s tray,
Consciously choose positive.
Nip in the bud, the negative.

Simple lessons of life include to be proactive,
Not just reactive.
I cherish time spent with special and simple people.
Honest, humble, humorous, not sitting on a steeple.

Many have helped lighten my load.
Gratitude is due to many special mentors on life’s road.
Books, paintings, travel, sculptures and show,
All compete and complement mind’s space in tow.

Recollections are random, don’t flow in a row.
Many remind of riches of creation, to which I bow.
Thank you Lord for all that you teach and bestow.
Life’s a game of catch and throw.