Saturday, October 20, 2007

Hope

I was recently at my cousin's place for a family get together and was relaxing in their patio after a sumptuous dinner party. The stars were out and were pulsating, blinking as if they were warming up for a grandiose exhibition eventually. The scattered cirrus couldn't dampen the tenor of the hour. The moon was in a playful mood, peeping through whatever clouds that subsisted on an otherwise clear winter night, and hurriedly rushing for cover when beheld.

My cousin happened to spot me reposing thus. "So, what is my bro thinking about?" She asked.

"Oh nothing, just appreciating the tranquility after dark. Isn't it apt that the moon is associated with calmness and peace of mind?"

"Yes, that's right. And so too with lunatics and the like. Is this the reason why you are thinking about this?", she quipped.

"Well, perhaps. Jokes apart, do you think man ever landed on the moon?"

"Of course I do. Don't you believe so? Or do you uphold all those conspiracy theories and what not?"

"Well, I don't mean to be a sceptic here, nor do I wish to spoil the mood; but the moon looks to be such a serene place, an embodiment of peace itself; a tranquil world if I may. Doesn't it seem weird that humankind, which is these days so bereft of all these qualities, could reach such a place?"

"And what seems to be the point here?"

"None. It is just that we should perhaps focus more on the symbolism associated with the moon and take inspiration to improve matters down here, than trying to complicate matters up there."

"And how is this related to man's landing on the moon?"

"I don't know. I somehow believe we should focus on more pressing matters than concentrating on mere facades to humour ourselves. Of course the vox populi seems to disagree with me on this."

"You and your stupid thoughts! Anyway, I'll catch you in a moment; have to give these keys to father," and she left.

Left alone was I to my stars, the moon and the looming darkness. The lights in the hall were switched off and the darkness seemed to be getting even closer. I happened to take a quick glance at the moon as it again sought cover behind a sparse cloud. And that happened to be the hallmark of the evening for me - no matter how dense the darkness approaching me, no matter how dark the lining be, the clouds shall always be silver for me.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Back from Hiatus

Been busy for a long while now, with lots of things actually, reading some wonderful books, preparing for the inevitable placement interviews, strumming my guitar and a host of other activities. A pity that I neglected my blog all this long. Nevertheless, I think I have rediscovered my blogging passion, now rejuvenated with a new vigour.

Before I start penning down words on more tangible issues, I felt I should present this wonderful poem I came across, introduced to it by a friend, when I was once brooding over my chances of cracking a job in one of the top companies coming to campus this year. The poem is titled 'Ithaca' (not the Cornell Ithaca, this refers to the island near Greece). I know not of the origin of this poem, so I am sad I cannot give due credit to its author here. I will appreciate it if someone could furnish me that information :)

Ithaca

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what these Ithacas mean.

As my dear friend Sasik tells me, "Enjoy the process and not the destination........ It's not where you start, but how you start that's more important."