The Painted Shell

Penned a soliloquy I had today with myself...

In the noise of all I tried to be,

I lost the simple shade of me.

I traded silence for the crowd,

And spoke in voices far too loudly.

Where have I gone beneath the weight,

Of yesterday and future state?

I look into the polished glass,

And watch a passing shadow pass.

I wore the expectations well,

A painted shell where dreams could dwell.

I smiled to keep the peace outside,

While something quiet slowly died.

Where is the child who knew no doubt?

Who knew what joy was all about?

Who didn't measure worth in praise,

Or count the hours of quiet days?

Yet somewhere deep beneath the dust,

Beyond the fear, beyond the rust,

A tiny spark begins to gleam—

A waking eye inside a dream.

I have not vanished, only slept,

Behind the secrets that I kept.

I am still here, beneath the disguise,

Waiting to open my own eyes.

Raised with Love

No need for thunder in my voice, 
No iron grip, no fearsome stare—
I choose a gentler, kinder choice, 
To meet your tears with patient care.

I will not rule with clenched command,

Nor strike the soil where trust might grow;

Instead, I’ll guide your little hand,

And walk beside you, soft and slow.

You are not clay to break or bend,

Not storm to tame, nor fire to quell—

You are becoming, my small friend,

And I am here to help you well.

When anger flares or sadness calls,

I’ll kneel and listen, not control—

For in the cracks of tantrum-ed walls,

I see the shape of your whole soul.

I will not shame your tender cries,

Or mock the dreams you try to build—

Your worth does not in silence lie,

But in a voice that feels fulfilled.

So grow, my child, in sun and shade,

In laughter loud and questions deep—

This love, though gentle, will not fade,

Its roots are in promises we keep.

Saaya

Aks

Khwaabon mein tum aaye aaj bhi,

Khush misaaj lag rahe the tum,

Yunhi muskurakar tumne kaha mujhse: 

Aaj bhi tum mere dil mein ho!

Mudkar dekha toh aaina tha,

Aks ko dekhkar muskurakar maine bhi kaha:

Mohabbat toh aaj bhi hai tumse! 

I am me

I am me and nothing can change me,

This is the best version of me, 

Nothing can change that!

The radiance and glow may scorch some, it may warm some,

But this is me!

My words may hit some, warm others,

But my love is undying and unconditional,

That's me - whole, soul, pure!

My choices may be bizarre, but they are mine.

My feelings are also mine, failures too!

But that's just me!