Before Life Starts
This poem explores the feeling of uncertainty & introspection before embarking on the journey of self-discovery & life's true meaning. Written in a reflective tone, it delves into themes of personal growth, the longing for clarity, and the aspiration to break free from the limits we impose on ourselves. It captures the fragile balance between seeking understanding and coming to terms with one’s place in the vastness of life and the universe.
Lying in bed, neck on the bedhead pillows
Nothing in the mind, just dare to open some windows.
Where this hand takes me, nothing is known
Embroiled in myriads, feel everything is forgone.
What is my role in the life yet to come?
I am just sleeping, and life has not begun.
A mirror of life—I long to see in my face
To know how I stand, and what is my base.
The commentary on life was once my dream
But perhaps forgotten now in life’s real stream.
Everything feels empty, both in mind and sight
Mired in darkness, with no glimpse of light.
I dreamt, someday I’d take a long flight
But when that day comes, the wait is a fight.
Immaturity of mind and personality, I see
Yet I yearn for some sanity in me.
Not just passing through nights and days
But standing forthright, finding new ways.
Your kindness alone shall help pave my way
If only you’d find time to embrace my dismay.
Neither the pleasure of sleeping nor dreaming
But to see life truly, in its living and meaning.
When the goddess of learning shall grant her boons
Though I’ve done little to earn her silver spoons.
The essence of life, I haven’t grasped yet
Even so, I aspire to be her quiet pet.
Essentialities of life I can chart into
Dignities of Eternity I can fit into.
Responsibilities toward self I must own and see,
And life—mine and the world’s—is true to be.
Pawan Kumar,
20th April 2025, Sunday, 12.28 P.M., Berhampur
(Odisha),
From my Diary dated 22nd August 2009, Saturday, 11.50 PM
About the Author:
Pawan Kumar is a contemplative writer and poet who reflects deeply on life’s struggles, joys, and uncertainties. His works explore themes of self-awareness, personal growth, and the eternal search for meaning in both the mundane and extraordinary. Often using poetry as a means of personal reflection, the author is driven by the pursuit of clarity, embracing both vulnerability and strength in the process of self-discovery. The author finds inspiration from their journey through life, always striving to understand the universe’s vastness and his place within it.
Very nice. I wish that you go on exploring your past in language.
ReplyDeleteTHE POEM IS VERY NICE AND NEAR TO PRACTICAL LIFE SIR.HATS OFF TO YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT AND HABIT OF WRITING POEMS AND EDUCATING US. THANKS A LOT SIR
ReplyDeleteYou are such a GEM…we wish you very well in life….
ReplyDeleteEnchanting itinerary of life with its disenchanted inscriptions
DeleteVery very beautiful sir , hats off to you sir
DeleteVery nice Sir 👌🏻🙏🏻
DeletePawan Kumarji you’ve opened a number of windows through this poem and sometimes the view is beautiful, sometimes troubled and sometimes thought provoking just as in real life. You are an excellent combination of an engineering mind and a poetic heart. Please keep writing.
DeleteVery sensitive, dark at places, deeply contemplative
ReplyDeleteSagar Mehra : Thanks in bulk for sharing. An introspective poem capturing the profound sense of existential longing and self-doubt, yearning for purpose and clarity amidst emptiness. A reflective tone invite readers to empathize with the poet’s quest for meaning and self-discovery.
ReplyDeleteArun Kumar Trivedi : Shine like sun
ReplyDeleteDaler Singh : Congratulations Pawan ji always the best.
ReplyDeleteDeepak Gupta, IES: 🫡. Simply excellent.
ReplyDeleteRabindra Kumar, CES : 👌Wonderful, keep it up .🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteProf. Virendra K Paul, SPA : Proud of you Pawan ji.
ReplyDeleteDelving deep down in being ,your articulation s are somewhat esoteric .
ReplyDeleteYou are in the process of self discovery and seeing the self in the mirror of life.