Life moved.
I grew,
And I grew tall.

Neglecting routine reserves,
Thinking they were all mine.

Things that were once free,
Soon came priced.

The inhale of fresh oxygen,
Now, layered with a nosy mask.

The solitude of lush greens,
Patrolled by guarded cops.

The zest of barefoot run,
Lie inside an online yoga room.

The silence of holy shrine,
Deliver home-made prayers.

The crisp of morning newsprint,
Surface a lifeless touchscreen.

The joy of hand-picked dailies,
Shrink-wrap in a market app.

The sizzle of hot popcorn in cinema,
Couch on indoor live streaming.

The thrill of real santoor,
Play on headphones in playlists.

The ghazal of Jagjit,
Ripples nostalgia in whisky.

The fine dining impression,
Sit at home-made dinner tables.

The roar of 3.00 am friends,
Mute with Zoom call Hi’s…

The promise of our well-being,
Commit insurance in covid covers.

The retire of one’s sweat,
Trend live stories on instagram.

The peace of mindful sleep,
Hover with what’s for tomorrow.

The warmth of love,
Is touched with woody silence.

What happened… Who knocked?

It only said,
I give… I retaliate…

Absences with absence.
Affection with affection.
Friendship with friendship.
Loyalty with loyalty.
No more one sided feelings.
Feelings must be mutual.
Respect my being.
And I respect you.

I am Nature.