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IN HONOUR OF DAD

English Version: Growing up in an Arab country, we didn’t really have much relatives around and so it was just friends, siblings and parents that you talked to frequently. My dad and mum were complete opposites. Mom was the soft, sweet one while dad was rough and even harsh. I rarely found anything similar between the two except maybe Malayalam and our heritage. I don’t usually think back to my early days, probably because it was painful. Dad wasn’t exactly the kind of person I wanted in my life. Over time I resented him for all the pain his hot-temper caused me. I even authored my first book as Tina J, all from the resentment. In looked at other dads and thought – wish my dad was like that. Dad was never easy on us and even made things difficult. In fact, he would often add fuel to the fire. We ended up turning to mom for comfort. I never could understand why other people liked him so much…. I mean he’s terrible to us, why are you all so fond of him? To me he was rough, rude and...
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Time to Flee

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  The ship is finally sinking And as a rat, I must flee. As I start running, I turn and see Those who are staying. I did try to warn them And even help with advice But they turned a blind eye And reveled in their bad choices. I recall the Titanic And how some went down With a glass in hand. I can see the celebrations The laughter and gaiety, And also too The sullen glowers At the one who tried to help And bring you good. As I flee to safe ground To carry on with my dreams I pity the ones I leave behind: You could have made hay If you had only listened.    
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Unconditional Love

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I never understood what unconditional love was Until she appeared in my life. I never thought she would love me, the black sheep But she was constantly with me. When my heart broke and I lay crying in bed She alone understood and sat silently by my side. When she realized I would be going to work in the mornings Her eyes alone showed how she hated being separated. When I returned by evening Her joy knew no bounds. When I returned from a week-long conference trip to Nepal I had to get her injected: she was sick from her sorrow of separation. And finally when a horrible tenant made a threat on your life Forcing us to keep you safe, away from us I felt your pain… I hated it & missed you terribly too. Yet even then, when I came to speak to you today You were more interested in me then my gift for you. I doubt I have a truer love than you My dearest canine being Achu Because you taught me the meaning of unconditional love.  
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New Pair

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Why do I hate you so? What did you ever do but help? Most people wud agree your a great blessing.  Yet I feel only distaste  And I wonder why.  You've helped me too, Despite all my attempts to get rid off you.  But at 44 I think I'm finally accepting my reality, And you my spectacles.
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Black, Black Sheep

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  If only I were as smart as big bro or could cook like you, mom,  If only I could sing & dance like lil' bro or do all the chores like him,  If only I were a boy carrying on the family name or had birthed a grandkid for you, Then, maybe then would you consider me a beloved daughter? Am I really that terrible? You boast to visitors about my brothers but have nothing to say about me? Doesn't love & sincerity count? Or does only money & status matter? Was this how Jesus too felt at home? Alone? An outcaste? It isn't glory I seek, never, ever Just your understanding and acceptance. But I guess I'm too black a sheep ...
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On Onam

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  As the sun rises, another Onam comes & I nostaligize an Onam, 23 years ago When my non-Malayali classmates  Traversed the breadth of town In search of a sadhya & was forced to make peace with fried rice, For that was a time when all Malayalis Were busy spending time with their families & at home were floral carpets, swings, Onam music, the awaited homemade sadhya & finally the TV movie with a 100 interrupting ads. Maveli too I suppose must remember those times All too well For today there is home-delivered sadhya with all 27 items & OTT to watch whatever movie whenever  As well as Amazon purchases So that each family member can sit in a corner & forget about connecting this Onam with family Well unless you mean the virtual kind. As Maveli looks at a sadly digital Onam Does he miss those days too when we saw faces not screens? Will his rule ever happen again amidst such virtual chaos? I see him leaving with a sigh Unable to greet his people locke...
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Existence

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  This is the way the world works- cheat lie steal This is what the world wants- falsity acting glamor This is how the world treats the righteous- shun shame isolate  This is how the world treats the corrupt: exalt glorify role model Is it any wonder that we call it kaliyugam ?
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