Sunday, August 24, 2008

The unlucky "13th" Mile

Erasing my uncertainties
i look at my chances
today or never
is the theme of evening
With adrenaline high
i resort to my favourite track
determined to run the farthest mile i ever have
the mind is ready
arms and legs strong
the quest begins
to break the previous record of 12
the first hour makes me pushy
second, a little soaked and burning
every moment a sacrifice
every second a desire to win
some hopes raised
a past killed, a new present being built
kept me moving
at not so easy task
"For Troy" somehow
"You can do it man" somehow
motivates me to run after run
the evening turns dark
people turn from many to none
accompanying me are the stars and planes
to add, cars on roads also
but i keep my faith high
the third hour surpasses earlier record
but there is still to go
Not to forget, the Olympics too mooted me
and i still run never thinking the end
delighted and enthusiastic
for a new milestone achieved
but a repeat still ahead waiting
end of 3rd hour makes my legs speak
losing at the 52nd lap
i fall to the mother ground
a disappointed body
just couldn't move more
to end on the 13th mile
soar legs crying for rest
my hopes trashed to have conquered the 20th mile
how will i lift myself next time?
with face up i look at the stars
for a glimpse of hope
perhaps, i saw another moment
cuz if not for office work
i certainly had made it
the unlucky 13th mile will never be the same !!!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Happy 61st Indian Independence Day (15th Aug 08)









Happy Independence Day to all Indians staying in all parts of the world. Today is 15th aug 08 and i am in NY. Its the training time before i actually get to work. A Friday and i didn't feel like getting out of bed but this day is special for every person who deeply thinks and misses his country. I am patriotic (not just because a hug Indian flag rests on a wall in my room) but because i know i am. I know you are still confused with what i wrote. Lets forget about it. So its a friday morning and i head ot my training center in NY.


I dressed ina orange Kurta and jeans. NY is extremely diverse place with people from all walks of life. You will feel this the moment you reach world trade center. All eyes staring at me, on my attire and i am sure there are mixed reactions among crowd. After midday, all analysts from Bangalore office came out with their Indian day celebrations. They were euphoric, excited and made every moment one of a celebration. Almost everyone dressed in Indian ethnic dress and looking nice, girls especially in their sarees. There was dance, music, cultural songs and presentation about Indian history.


This day is special to me as i miss my home a lot back in India. Thoughts get provoked as to what recent developments are happening in india, howz American economy affecting ours etc. As for rakshabandan which is tomorrow, am far away from my sister. I should receive it probably tomorrow and tie it on my wrist. That was all about Independence day here in NY celebrated with some style !

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Poonam must be very happy today


I finally finished reading the book "The Heart of India" by Mark Tully my friend gave me 2 yrs back when i was leaving for US. Poonam must be very happy today. Atlast i read it before my 2 yrs regime in US :) (on 7th aug 08 i complete 2 yrs). The book was overall good as it connects different lifestyles and cultures of India seen through the eyes of a Britisher correspondent who ofcourse has spent lot of time in India. But i wonder how did he know so much about our culture which even i am not aware of. Perhaps, thats the work of a journalist to keep on digging. The hard to believe story sometimes makes a story within this book look dull and monotonous although i feel lot of effort has been made to preserve the Indian culture. You would also sometimes feel as if Mark Tully was standing right next to where all these events took place. I cant take the side of this one being truly inspired as i doubt elements of fiction in it.

I personalaly think i should not have taken so much time to read but as i mentioned certain facets of this book make it boring at times and hard to believe. I cant believe i took so much time to read it. Studies too affected my pace to read this book. Its for those who would like to delve into a culture thats so diverse and unbreakable....

Saturday, August 2, 2008

26th BirthDay - New Jersey
















I was here last year too celebrating my 25th b'day in a very lavish style. My blog here says it all. (http://sidharthkumar.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html) . This year it wasn't too magnificent but very simple. I just returned from Office (yeah it was a weekday) and bought a wine bottle with cake. I celebrated with my new American roomie Bruce. The other roommate wasn't home. Lotta calls to answer and scrap messages to thank everyone for wishing me a Happy 26th Birthday !!!

Drinking with the Dead


As the mighty sun settles
beneath the river horizon
a knock at my door awakens
ringing no bells and enters
for time that had no wait
for thing that was never lost
prayers of eulogy never spoken
pots of memory never broken
perpetual meetings this seems
and for the rest of my life
hands in hands we lay and
eyes speak with eyes
and there i am
drinking with the dead
the ferry soul i lost few decades ago
nights i am entitled to
days i am without her...