Monday, January 27, 2014

Rain in the City

It is drizzling today.
The taxi driver reaches out a hand
to hurriedly wipe the windshield.
We move slower than usual
though the rain falls but softly
softly, not muffling
the incessant honking.
 
A mosque spire rises
washed bright green
Everything else is grey.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

My City

This is the city I've been waiting for all my life.
It was so near, and I took so long to find it.
It was concealed under veils of grime and fear and delusion
yet the closer I know it, the more I feel, it is mine.
 
It has not bothered to welcome me
but that hasn't stopped me from feeling at home
I go out alone
feeling anonymous
among the millions
and I can be myself.
And be by myself.
 
I can go to places I want to be
and feel -- not welcome, but expected.
Like an old friend who visits
and makes herself tea.
 
I can go down by the seaside
and stare at the water
so important, this, for my soul.
I don't know why.
 
I can find companionship in unexpected places.
And best of all, in myself...
Where I had almost stopped seeking.
 
 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Mid-Month Reads

Here's a bunch of stuff I liked reading.

Why "do what you love" isn't good advice for everyone:
“Do what you love” disguises the fact that being able to choose a career primarily for personal reward is an unmerited privilege, a sign of that person’s socioeconomic class.

What have you been reading?

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

This Year

This year, I will stop being good.
This year, I will find myself.
I will stop feeling guilty.
I will have more fun.
I will spend more time
with people I like.
I will like me more.
 
My love will be soft and playful
maybe damp with longing
but not heavy with guilt.
 
I will not apologize
for not being perfect
for having needs
for needing help.
 
I will not try to change
or pretend to be someone else
to win approval
or love.
 
This year, I will finally accept
that love cannot be won.
That who and what I am
should be enough.
 
That not getting love from one
is not a tragedy
when you have so much
from another.
 
I will accept
that there are things I cannot do
mountains I cant climb
and that the view from the valley
can be lovely too.
 
I will accept
the limitations of my body
and love it as it is
and be happy with all that's right.
 
I will enjoy my beginning
in this city I already love fiercely.
I will love even more
this man I love so much
and who is so full of love
for me.

Sunday, January 05, 2014

Impressions of Bombay

I have been neglecting this blog, been too busy with moving to a new city, starting a new job, and mourning for a dead business. But while I haven't had the time to put together a 'proper' post, I didn't want to let more time go by before posting here.

I am loving Bombay so far. After eight years in Pune, the shift has been surprisingly easy. Of course, this is a good season to be in Bombay, and while I have had a bad cold for a couple of weeks, I have been enjoying the cool breezes and the mild sun. I work in South Bombay and live nearby, and I love this part of the city. The old buildings, the wide road, the sea so nearby, the interesting events and shops and places.

Here are some thoughts and some photos. Have a very happy new year, you all.