Content

Image Courtesy: Google

Her wardrobe was an explosion of colour and glitz. Radhika was spoilt for choice when it came to clothes, accessories and almost everything else she wanted. She was the pampered wife of a millionaire who went on endless business trips around the globe in search of better deals and more money. They owned a lot wealth and lead a lavish life; an outsider could never find any flaws in their life.

Yet, as she stood in front of her cupboard trying to decide what to wear to the party that night, she felt a strange sense of emptiness. She couldn't fathom what it was. Maybe it was time to shop for new clothes and bags. Maybe the diamonds had been worn too many times and it was time for a new set. Or could it be because it had been long since a holiday in an exotic resort in a faraway land?

What was it she lacked? Why did she feel empty? Her thoughts were disturbed as she looked down from her window at the adjoining slum. Where did these people come from? She watched with shock and disgust as two urchins sifted through the garbage, picking bottles and jars. When their sacks fattened up with objects of glass and plastic, they exchanged them with a man, for some money.

The children dashed to the nearby shop that sold fly infested samosas, pastries and snacks dripping with oil. Radhika watched them munch hungrily on the samosas. Their faces burst into smiles as they wiped their oily hands on their knickers and prepared for a nap near the stinking pile of garbage. She then realised what was wrong. She had never once felt content.





Linking to 
 http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/
 http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/
 http://www.writetribe.com/write-tribe-pro-blogger-challenge/

Reasons to Smile

Image courtesy: Google

I've heard it’s a bad world out there

filled with people who don’t care,

with not a trace of goodness left,

hopes murdered by treachery and theft.

But a fleeting smile on a stranger’s face,

a hand to clasp on gloomy days,

tears of joy, someone to befriend

a heart that awaits sorrow’s end,

blossoming love in differences stark,

a burning candle in the darkest of dark,

fiercely kept promises, never forgotten,

the tender touch of a child begotten,

patterned doodles on new painted walls,

space on the bed for the bears and dolls,

a love-struck couple on a romantic date

and words of apology, sincere even if late

tell my heart to bring forth the smiles

that will surely see me through miles;

I believe there’s goodness everywhere

if only to see them we show some care.

Image courtesy: Google

P.S : My list of reasons to smile is endless, just shared a few. Keep Smiling :)

Linking to http://www.writetribe.com/write-tribe-pro-blogger-challenge/

Gratitude

Image courtesy: Google

The air in my lungs and food on my plate

that have come with remarkable ease till date,

a roof over my head to shield me from harm,

a collection of clothes to keep me warm,

clean water, accessible, to quench my thirst,

sound sleep even on days that seem the worst;

for my barest of needs that have always been met,

to you I am grateful life; I’ll be forever in debt.

A healthy body and mind, a family of my own,

means to earn bread with skills I've always known,

for being part of society, for the things I've kept;

for this security I’m grateful and forever in debt.

The affection and care of family and friends,

an intimate relation and the warmth it sends,

people in my life who I can never forget;

for these loving ties I'll be forever in debt.

The faith in myself and a spirit resolute,

gestures that shower me with respect absolute,

accolades for achievements born from my sweat;

for this unique identity, I'll be forever in debt.

My needs for life are all being met,

inadequacies in them I haven't found yet;

among the lucky few to be fully equipped to grow,

my golden cup of gratitude will soon overflow.

P.S: This poem was inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that illustrates various levels of human needs. Self-actualisation or the need to realise one’s potential and become the most one can be, is right at the top, coming into the picture only if other basic needs are met. I realised that very few of us are actually at the top of the pyramid, in a position to explore our creativity and experience purpose and meaning in what we do. I am grateful for that. Being there, how many of us are actually exploring the hidden wealth within?

Read more about Maslow's hierarchy of needs here.

Participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Linking to : http://www.writetribe.com/write-tribe-pro-blogger-challenge/