inner voice

Let Me Be Little Again, Dad

Let me be little again-

not for the world,

but for you.

Let me return to the girl

who fit like a memory

into the curve of your arm-

no need to impress,

no need to try.

Your favourite,

not for anything I did,

but simply for being

the quiet light in your day.

No pretending.

Just me.

Let me sit beside you again,

shoulder to shoulder,

as sunlight drapes itself across our faces-

that hush of warmth we both understood.

No words, just the language

of being still together.

You, tilting your head toward the sky,

me, stealing glances-

as if your quiet gaze

could teach me how to live.

Let me be little again,

so I can hear your voice-

not calling me to be strong,

but calling me

to be yours.

Let me curl up beside you once more,

let the world slip away,

so I can forget how far I've wandered

from your steady compass.

So I can just be

your child again-

safe,

loved,

unchanged

by the noise beyond our doorstep.

Let me be little again, Dad.

Not to un-grow,

but to remember-

how it feels

to be someone's whole world,

and know

they'd catch you

before the fall ever came.

-Mehak Varun

NELLEKAI

In verdant groves, where trees preside,

A fruit of wonder, Nellekai, abides,

Green gold in hue, with secrets untold,

A medicinal treasure, worth more than gold.

Its pulp, a soothing balm, for ailments sore,

Heals wounds, and calms the fever's roar,

Rich in antioxidants, it shields from decay,

And brings vitality, to brighten up the day.

In Ayurvedic lore, its virtues are renowned,

A remedy for many, a health - restoring crown,

For digestive woes, it brings gentle ease,

And its juice, a refreshing drink, for summer's breeze.

Nellekai, a fruit, of nature's design,

A gift to humanity, with healing divine,

So let us cherish, this treasure so rare,

And honor Nellekai, with gratitude we share.

May its medicinal properties, bring solace and peace,

And its sweetness, bring joy, to all who release,

The power of Nellekai, a fruit of might,

A shining gem, in the realm of natural delight. P L Parihar

A Heart of Love

World my Home and I as a stranger

Enters my worldly home with a heart of love

Pouring the love towards my people

I got to know everytime reciprocation is not possible

But still I always meet the people with my heart of love

As love knows no boundaries only knows the nature of giving

And this giving nature is what makes it lively and beautiful

Test of time will knock at various stages of life

But let it make strong enough to pass the test of time

As with every passing time it blooms like a flower

In its essence of beauty you may find the world a garden full of flowers

Protect it from judgement and criticism to spread its own beauty and love

To whomsoever you meet in the so called journey of life

Niha Raina