A Tapestry of Being

A Tapestry of Being

This poem reflects the central theme of life as an intricate tapestry, woven with threads of introspection, growth, and human connection. Each strand—self-discovery, societal observation, or universal truth—contributes to the larger picture of existence. The poem invites readers to explore the depth and complexity of their being while recognizing the interconnectedness of all lives.

Yes, I observe the changing hues in men when failures arise,
A hidden humility stirs within like dawn breaking through cloudy skies.

In each man, countless selves reside, hidden treasures lying deep,
We see glimpses of their light, while much stays locked in sleep.
We’re houses of riches, where latent gems await their time to shine,
Like the grass that springs to life, revived by the first rains’ divine.

Life reveals itself in vivid bundles, urging us toward its array,
Through people’s words and actions, we learn and change each day.
Learning, behavior, and styles shape how their reflections intertwine,
And in every rhythm of exchange, our own selves realign.

Genes within us shift their roles, a symphony of life’s grand design,
Silent stewards of past whispers, connecting present to a distant line.
A vast library lies hidden within, etched in the subconscious deep,
Qualities and vices, summoned by need, emerge from shadowed keep.

When urgency calls, we press ourselves into tasks immediate and near,
Yet freedom grants us space to roam, and pursuits start to appear.
Life demands we balance constraints with the vastness we perceive,
Choosing paths wisely, as renewal follows the moments we reprieve.

A quiet place for reflection nurtures the core of our serene being,
Reading connects the mind to ideas that are both felt and seen.
We measure opinions against truths, exposing ignorance or false belief,
Adjusting knowledge as clarity brings us solace, hope, and relief.

Koraput’s isolation beckons me to journey inward, toward my core,
To chart the depths of the hidden self, explore the unknown and more.
Thoughts rise within like tides, vast yet faint, from deep within the mind,
Few reach the true surface, though their roots in my soul entwine.

At times, rashness or folly appears, born from haste or bitter strife,
Actions untampered by wisdom leave a mark on the fabric of life.
Brutality, folly, and impudence emerge, like storms we cannot evade,
Yet their weight lingers, teaching lessons as the chaos starts to fade.

Life’s journey asks we check ourselves, reflecting on each step taken,
Every exchange—high or low—brings insights we might awaken.
When equality falters, dialogue breaks, leaving some silenced or alone,
But if minds meet freely, empathy flourishes, and connections are sown.

A life well-lived is the greatest boon in this world of pain,
A triumph over hardships, where fleeting joys still remain.
Yet many youths are trapped in toil, their potential tied and bound,
The past denied their paths, where support was never found.

Family and environment shape our fates, guiding the steps we take,
However, if lacking skills or opportunities, life becomes a bitter stake.
When kids are denied care, their promise fades before it blooms,
Lost in the neglect of early years, their spirits fill with gloom.

I’ve seen the faces of children in war’s cruel, ravaging plight,
In Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere, where survival defines their fight.
Greed and power steal peace from those too weak to resist,
Snatching rights from the helpless, as selfish ambitions persist.

Man’s progress often comes at nature’s unrelenting, costly toll,
Leaving scars on earth, skies, and seas, yet failing to fill the soul.
Though man ascends, greed eclipses the harmony life once gave,
Taking much, while other beings bear the burdens he should stave.

Life’s threads weave patterns both brilliant and dim, bright and dire,
Moods shape each moment, thought, and situation that transpires.
I long to roam the libraries of knowledge that the world contains,
Books, journals, and ideas that expand life’s infinite domains.

The self is like a spectrum, with hues blending in harmony divine,
From primary colors emerge the shades shaping your life and mine.
Balance is the key here, where every hue finds its rightful tone,
Creating a vibrant palette, where every shade stands uniquely alone.

While brooding, I draw from life’s essence, refining its design,
A continuum stretches ahead, holding truths yet to be defined.
I do not wander aimlessly, though the path sometimes feels unclear,
Instead, I seek meaning, charting the horizons I hold dear.

This morning at Sunabeda invites reflection, calm and serene,
An ocean of thoughts unfolds, limitless and unseen.
Without limits, I drift, seeking hope’s islands in this vast expanse,
Where life’s waves converge, offering renewal with every chance.

How pitiful to be ignorant, a stone unpolished, rough and plain,
Blind to the self’s true worth, bound by sheer pettiness and pain.
Rising above despair reveals remedies that inspire and renew,
Even small growths in life bring rewards that are beautifully true.

Good weather nourishes seeds of growth, latent options take root,
I am porous, absorbing elements that shape life’s expanding pursuit.
Within lies an ocean, at times calm and others tempest-tossed,
A compendium of life’s phenomena, gaining wisdom at every cost.

I aspire to be benign, carrying sympathy and generosity’s light,
Inspiring others to rise above, toward goodness shining bright.
Through reflection, I embrace perspectives broad and grand,
And life’s continuum flows onward, enriched by every strand.

---

(Dedicated to Humanity on My Son Satwik’s 22nd Birthday)

Pawan Kumar,
24th December 2024, Tuesday Time 8:41 A.M.
28th July 2024, Sunday, 7:30 AM, Sunabeda, Koraput (Odisha)

 

Horizons Unfolded – A Memoir

Horizons Unfolded – A Memoir

I sit quietly on a Jet Airways (Connect) flight at Rajkot Airport, waiting for takeoff. With me are my son, Satwik, Executive Engineer Nilabh Gupta, Architect Nabin Patra, and Mr. Satish Rawat, Architectural Engineer from M/s Western Outdoors Structures Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. Their firm is the lowest bidder for the tensile fabric canopy project at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri.

Yesterday, our journey began with a 6:00 AM flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad on Indian Airlines. We landed at 7:20 AM and continued to Rajkot by taxi, driven by Pradeep Bhai, a lively local who made the long drive feel lighter. Along the way, we stopped at a roadside restaurant named Honest. The place was simple but welcoming. The Mysore Masala Dosa was flavorful, and the others chose dishes to their liking.

The 200 kilometers to Rajkot unfolded like a slow-moving canvas, dotted with fields basking in the morning glow. By 1:00 PM, we arrived at the Saurashtra Cricket Association site. The tensile roofing work funded by the BCCI stood tall—a blend of ambition and precision. It was impressive to see, though some areas required further clarity. We requested the company to provide detailed documentation of the ongoing and completed work.

After several hours at the site, we returned to The Imperial Palace hotel in Rajkot. My room, No. 206, was comfortable, with two beds. My colleagues—Nilabh, Nabin, and Satish—occupied rooms 106–108 on the first floor. A quick shower and a light lunch refreshed us for the next leg of our journey: the drive to Somnath temple in Junagadh district.

We departed at 3:45 PM. Though the distance was again 200 kilometers, the narrow, single-lane roads made the journey slower. Yet, the scenery was mesmerizing. Lush greenery stretched endlessly, while the setting sun painted the horizon in fiery hues. The clouds seemed like soft islands floating above a sea of amber light.

We reached Somnath at 7:45 PM. The temple stood majestic, glowing against the evening sky. Its aura was spellbinding—a monument to resilience through centuries of challenges. As I stood before it, I felt as if the temple itself spoke to me: “Resilience shapes not just structures but souls. The storms you endure carve the strength within you.” This thought lingered as I took in the sight, humbled by its history, significance, and the unwavering faith of its visitors.

On our way back to Rajkot, the journey was quieter. The starlit sky framed our thoughts, and the car moved steadily through the silent roads. Somnath had left an imprint on me—a profound reminder of endurance and renewal. By the time we returned to the hotel, it was late. We packed for our early morning flight to Mumbai and rested.

Now I come to the present moment, sitting by the window on this plane as it soars into the sky. Seat 17A feels familiar—coincidentally, the same as yesterday’s. Satwik, Nilabh, and Nabin sit across the aisle, their quiet chatter blending with the hum of the aircraft. Yesterday’s first flight was thrilling—a completely new experience for both Satwik and me. Flying above the clouds felt surreal, as though we had stepped into a realm untouched by the ordinary.

This morning’s flight feels like an extension of that wonder—a continuation of two days woven seamlessly together. The professional rigor of Rajkot, the spiritual calm of Somnath, and the thrill of air travel have converged into a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

At home, Usha remains the only one yet to experience air travel. I hope she gets her chance soon. My daughter Saumya, however, flew years ago to Mumbai with her grandmother, along with relatives, when they visited Daman by road.

From my window, the world below looks dreamlike. Rivers snake through valleys like silver threads, while bridges stretch gracefully across vast expanses. Clouds drift like soft waves, and the sea gleams in the golden morning light. Satwik holds his ears, struggling with the cabin pressure, while I marvel at the panorama below—a world vast yet connected.

The crew announces our descent into Mumbai. The city emerges—a sprawling mosaic of roads, bridges, and buildings. The Arabian Sea sparkles, dotted with life along its shores. A triangular water body catches my eye, its geometry standing out amidst the natural landscape. The plane descends lower, and familiar sights—railways, highways, and bustling roads—come into view.

Finally, the plane lands at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The wheels touch down with a slight jolt, grounding us once more. I see planes parked in neat rows, airport vehicles moving briskly, and the towering ATC building through the window. The pilot announces the temperature outside—28°C.

As passengers begin to rise, I pause to reflect. This journey—my second flight in two days—is much more than a sequence of events. It is a celebration of firsts, shared experiences, and the beauty of discovery. Journeys like this remind us that every horizon is both an ending and a beginning—a call to explore, grow, and cherish the wonder that life unfolds before us.

 

Pawan Kumar,

20^th December 2024, Time 00:47 AM (Midnight)

(from my dairy 12th May 2012, Saturday, 6:32 AM)

The Leader's Path: Resilience, Strategy & Growth

The Leader's Path: Resilience, Strategy & Growth

This text is a reflective guide on leadership, emphasizing resilience, patience & strategic thinking. It explores the challenges faced by those in leadership roles, acknowledging the daily struggles, failures & setbacks that come with the journey. The key message is that success comes not only from hard work, but from the ability to navigate obstacles, adapt to situations, and lead with purpose. By fostering self-awareness, team collaboration & personal growth, one can build a strong foundation for meaningful success. The ultimate aim is to succeed in good deeds, grow through adversity & contribute positively to the collective journey.

 

The path to the distant goal is long, the way is difficult to find,
Failures greet each step, but my spirit stays firm & intertwined.

Daily struggles, frustrations & setbacks try to break a man’s zeal,
But he must see beyond such trials & move with staunch appeal.
People are crafty, driven by interests, & move steadily with care,
They often forgo the greater good & stand as obstacles in the air.

Who are the motivators, inspiring others to act on their own?
They often sacrifice selves, wearing down all they’ve known.
What tolls do the winners bear, and how tight do they apply?
Time is short, progress is swift with no room to question why.

What tactics can tip the scorecard in favor of one’s big cause?
Some use manipulation to assert themselves, gaining applause.
They test others’ strength & patience, at times force overaction,
But not all formulas work—know where to apply right action.

Learning management from books varies from real-world play,
People act in their own styles, depending on their power’s sway.
They always seek their benefit, & operate in ways that mislead,
Aware of their influence, they often overstep with selfish greed.

But managing these hurdles defines the role of leader's heart,
Navigating stumbles swiftly, and knowing when to take part.
He can't afford frustration, for the outcome rests on his will,
A true leader sorts things out, never shying from what’s still.

Patience, tolerance, strategy, & quick thinking must all align,
He must assess the situation, always seeking the best design.
Commanding the moment is vital; don’t blindfold it by haste,
His goal is a success, despite the failures that we always face.

Daily work & handling stumbles test the strength of one’s soul,
Belief in one’s own power, & the drive to reach the sweet goal.
People move when guided, but their needs must be first known,
Understand their hearts-minds, & right methods will be shown.

In a world of fierce competition, there’s not much time to slow,
Keep the iron hot, shape it well, and let your big progress flow.
A leader must master both his actions and the spirit to succeed,
Learn from the failures, & move ahead without regret or need.

Life is vast, made of moments fleeting & challenges that test,
Success demands its toll but is earned through effort & unrest.
You must pass through all the processes to befit the right tool,
Refine the raw and carve your path, as you follow your goals.

Team-building and fostering intellect bring efficiency to play,
People must know their roles & work passionately each day.
Stay connected to the one’s core, & inspire creativity to rise,
Create an atmosphere of zeal, where each person can realize.

It’s not your wishes, but respecting everything in your care,
Take them along on the journey, and give credit everywhere.
They are the true resources, & transforming ideas into gold,
Assign tasks with precision, keeping focus strong and bold.

A heavy load of responsibility rests upon the leader’s back,
He thinks about what can be done as patience is the track.
Give men good space to react, and be ready for their reply,
Learn the game’s nuances, and rise when doubts pass by.

So, don’t be subdued by obstacles, but face with resolve,
The supreme life aims to succeed despite falls & evolve.

 

Pawan Kumar,

10^th December 2024, Tuesday Time 19.55 Hrs.

(From my Dairy dated 28th April 2015, Tuesday, 09:03 AM)