What Do You Reach for Then

Umbrella for the rain,
A shield against what falls
Sunglasses for the trend,
A gesture of fitting in

But when the storm is within,
What do you reach for then?

#roksanatales

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Someone once called me a poet, and I loved that. Being a poet feels like holding up a mirror to my thoughts, as if no other umbrella could shield me. I know I might bore others with this at times, but what can I do? I am who I am. If you love me, you must love my poetic voice, or not love me at all. If that sounds dramatic, so be it

For me, the act of creating is what truly matters. It’s the deepest part of who I am

Do you love me? Or not? Tell me

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The picture was taken in front of South Kensington Station, London on 22nd September. It was kind of a solo-explorer day. I went to visit Natural History Museum and the Kensington Gardens.

How

How do you shatter my heart like fragile glass, while your calm presence remains unshaken? How can you stay serene amidst the fragments you’ve left behind?

How do you drown my soul like a sinking ship,
while you sail smoothly on calm waters?
How can you drift so peacefully, leaving me lost beneath the waves?

#roksanatales

How is it that some people remain so calm, while the other person feels every possible emotion so deeply?

Which of these two categories do you fall into?

Quiet Peace

An evening walk, the air softly warm
Bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight …
Each step feels weightless, the world at ease
Do you ever feel such quiet peace?

Chigwell, London

One question: Have you ever been in a situation where you can’t stop thinking about someone, even though you know there’s little chance of ever meeting them? Has that ever happened to you?

I love asking questions!
And someone might respond, ‘And, I love not answering them…’

Hmm 😊

Please, Please, Please

Don’t be the devil to me
Love me instead 
Don’t close your heart, sweetheart
Let tenderness spread …

Love me in fragments
If you can’t love me whole 
But don’t vanish, my darling
Leaving scars on my soul …

#roksanatales

Sana walking

I’m truly enjoying the area I’m living in—Chigwell, a suburban town in Essex. As someone once said, “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling,” and this place has captured that sentiment perfectly for me. It’s this perfect blend of town and country, with charming Georgian houses and picturesque weather-boarded cottages that make every walk feel like a step back in time. And I think I can walk here for hours ….

Walking is healing to me; it’s my savior, my way of life. Certainly I can walk for hours, especially with music playing. Sometimes I even find myself talking as I walk, or certain words pop into my mind, and I jot them down. Later, I write based on what I felt when I made those notes. It happens every time …

I’d love to share the songs I’ve been listening to lately while walking. Though my taste in music keeps evolving, these tracks have really stuck with me …

Ever wonder how music can change the rhythm of your thoughts?

Please, Please, Please

A Ride

I wonder what an amazing ride does to you;
For it moves me more than I ever knew …
Also it heals my heart and lifts life’s gray …
Does it stir your heart and change your view?

Can I join you on a fast-paced bike ride?
Tell me!

Lately, I’ve been really into this song (included in the video). When I go for a walk, I listen to it along with some other tracks, and sometimes I can’t help but want to dance to every beat… and honestly, I do find myself moving a bit like I’m dancing while I walk …

This morning, I went to a mall in the city and we took a different route, via fast-paced Uber ride. It made me think of bike rides… if you ride a bike, do they ever get that fast?
I found myself wondering, I don’t know why!

I Wonder

Forest Fans

A dense forest lies before me
Let’s venture deep within ….

It was my birthday, 2nd September. I’m currently visiting London. On my birthday, we decided to head into the Epping forest to enjoy the scenery and take a long walk deep inside. I am drawn to these kinds of natural settings and often find myself immersed in them, savoring the tranquility and spaciousness of such an enchanting landscape.

I miss you here and everywhere ….

The Epping Forest District, rich in history and character, offers beautiful green spaces perfect for a short getaway. It’s a surprising gem near London with plenty of places to eat, drink, and enjoy local events. The area serves as a scenic link between London and Essex, delighting visitors with its many attractions. With every visit, you’ll find more than you expected.

So, why not explore it for yourself, just a short journey from the city?

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A birthday cake thrown by my littlest nephew. He calls me Amy Aunty

P.S. Is anyone from my WordPress friends living in London right now? I’ll be here till October 18th.

Her Favourite Flower

Who knew her heart could awaken once more,
after years of quiet silence,
When she believed love was a season past,
a chapter closed?

Yet here it was, blooming again like spring after a long winter …

On their third meeting, wandering through a flower shop,
His words bloomed around her,
“What is your favorite flower? I want to buy it for you!”

Her eyes widened, a breath caught in surprise
Someone cared to ask about such a small,
unimportant matter like a favorite flower!

In that moment,
The petals of her heart unfurled,
As if touched by the morning sun’s first gentle rays …
She felt
The warmth of being truly seen
The sweetness of being loved and
The softness of being deeply cared for …

She is blooming once again having her favourite flower from her beloved after a long winter of her little life …

#roksanatales

This is certainly not a small, unimportant matter at all! 

What do you think?

Hamnafs

No matter how often I gaze at you
I’m never fully quenched …
You bloom like dawn’s first light
While I glimmer like a lone star in the night …
I’ll beg the heavens to soften your glow
For these days, your presence leaves me breathless …

Hamnafs/ persian/ urdu
(n.) the person having closeness to your breath; your soulmate

What I know Now

My Dear R,

I hope this letter finds you well. As Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” With that in mind, I wanted to share some important reminders—lessons I’ve learned and wisdom I’ve gathered over time …

First, remember that happiness isn’t just a destination; it’s the journey itself. Think of each moment as a precious gem to be savored. Immerse yourself in what you love, whether it’s painting a vivid canvas, losing yourself in a good book, tending to your garden, or enjoying the company of friends. Don’t hold back. Learn the practice of “wabi-sabi.” While wabi-sabi primarily focuses on finding beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life, it also emphasizes appreciating simple, everyday moments. Appreciate more of your self-care and personal expression. Dress in your favorite outfits, experiment with makeup, or enjoy a pampering session as a way to celebrate yourself and find joy in small, delightful ways. Embrace and cherish the present moment …

Don’t overthink. Eliminate self-doubt and self-criticism. Don’t ever think you’re not enough; you are enough, just as you are. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Don’t let negative thoughts take root in your mind. Instead, focus on starting a skincare routine, eating healthy meals, maintaining regular exercise or yoga, and taking care of your personal hygiene. Remember, your brain and body are closely linked; when one suffers, the other often does too …

My dear, do you laugh often? Laughter is a reflection of our inner state of being, so let it flow freely. Find that spark that lights up your eyes. Be passionate about something—whether it’s a hobby, a project, playing an instrument, exploring nature, or even just a ride all on your own …

Seek connection and company. Share your joys, sorrows, and daily happenings with the right people. Building and nurturing these relationships is essential for your well-being. The support and understanding of others can provide strength and perspective in difficult times. But also never ever let anyone tell you otherwise or bring you down …

Read as many books as you can, starting from a young age. As George R.R. Martin said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” Reading will enrich your life and make the most of your time in the best possible ways …

Please darling don’t forget to walk daily, move, run, or dance, for ‘to keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.'” – Buddha

You have the power to create a beautiful life for yourself. Embrace every opportunity to grow, learn, and love. You’ve got this. The time is now to be bold about who you are. Hold no regrets. Try more things. Cross some lines. It won’t matter to anyone. Love yourself as you are. And remember, you are always beautiful, kind, and worthy of being loved, cared for, and respected.

Consider Oprah Winfrey’s journey. Despite facing significant challenges and adversities in her early life, she embraced every opportunity for growth and learning, ultimately becoming one of the most influential and successful figures in the world. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s true self. As she often says, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”

You’ll discover a unique happiness that comes from simply living and enjoying everyday, mundane pleasures. Imagine a painter who, after years of searching for inspiration in grand landscapes, finally finds true joy in capturing the simple beauty of a sunlit kitchen, a blooming garden, or the quiet streets of their neighborhood. Their art reflects the contentment found in everyday moments, illustrating how the ordinary can bring profound happiness.

Love deeply and passionately. Someone unique will come into your life. He won’t possess the conventional markers of success you once thought were essential in a partner. On your first date, he might give you a ride home on the handlebars of his bike because he doesn’t have a car and can’t afford to rent one. But don’t worry about these. Rather you may find that he’s incredibly funny, intelligent, and has remarkable integrity.

And lastly, be funny, kind, empathetic, caring, and respectful. Be vulnerable. Wouldn’t you agree that these qualities make life richer and more fulfilling?

You warm my heart,
Roksana

A letter to the younger self

The few coloring, drawings, paintings that I enjoyed doing in this July

However, no matter how old you are, there’s always something to learn from any moment or from anyone who is an integral part of your life right now. Learn what you can from those you admire and most importantly from the walk of your own life and apply it in real sense as much as possible ….

What do you think?

In My Dreams

In my dreams, I glimpsed you,
A shadow calling my name
From a distant place …
I walked far ahead
In a sea of chaos
Surrounded by countless faces
I turned around
Aware of your voice
Yet you remained unseen …

In my dreams, I found you
Amidst a chaotic storm
You searched for me
Worried if I get lost
Where would you find me?
You sent your words to me
And I replied with mine
But it was never quite enough
Everything remained hazy in the dreams …

In my dreams, I glimpsed you on a distant path
While I wandered through your city
A stranger to its streets
Unaware of my arrival
You found my words and raced to me
By your trusted companion
Eager for me to join your ride …

In my dreams, I saw you there
With your handsome looks, so debonair
While my long black hair did shine
We glided on the lake so fine …
It led us to a grand palace; there
We roamed like King and Queen
While you remained in silence deep
I felt a restlessness for your voice … 

I cannot tell
How long I’ll dream of you
But for now, it brings me joy
To find you in my dreams …
Though you seem distant
I long for the dreams each night
Waking at dawn’s first light
Renewed, beginning
My day with you in my heart …

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Do you see dreams?

What makes you dream about a certain person?

What if you never met someone and still you see them in your dreams!

I think it’s such a poignant acceptance of the joy found in the dreams of someone dear, even as they remain a transient part of the dreams, offering solace and renewal as the day begins …

Ya’ Aburnee

She used to be calm,
But now she’s even calmer …

She walked slowly,
But now she walks even slower …

She talked freely with the right person,
But now
She barely talks at all …

She mingled happily with her best friend,
But now
She avoids everyone …

She expressed herself openly,
But now
She keeps everything inside …

She used to dream of the stars
But now
She barely looks at the sky …

She used to dance in the rain
But now
She stays inside, dry …

She used to laugh with abandon
But now
Her smiles are rare and shy …

She used to sing her heart out
But now
Her voice is just a whisper …

She used to chase after adventures
But now
She hesitates to even try …

She used to believe in magic
But now
Her wonder seems to die …

She lost her beloved, her heart’s anchor,
Now she drifts, untethered and forlorn …

Grief has woven shadows in her days,
And joy, once bright, feels tattered and torn …

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Ya’ Aburnee/ arabic
(n.) lit. ‘may you bury me’
a declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person because of how unbearable it would be to live without them

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Have you ever felt like these for anyone?

Devoted

You say
‘I’m overwhelming’;
I don’t know
How to untangle this web of feelings …

You say,
‘Don’t be so hard on yourself;
I don’t know
How long these ache linger in my mind …

You say,
‘Deep breaths. Relax’;
I don’t know
Why my breath is fleeting and
My calm turns to fear and agony …

You say
‘Rein in your heart’;
I don’t know
What walls to build around my soul …

You say
‘Pain is inevitable’;
I don’t know
When these wounds will mend …

You say
‘I’m leaving soon;
I don’t know
Will our eyes meet ever! …

I only know
Amidst the shadows of doubt
This love remains pure …
Sanctifying me
Like a deity in devotion …

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A deep and unwavering love may persists despite uncertainty or doubt. Even when surrounded by ‘shadows of doubt’, love remain untainted and pure. Love is both a source of strength and a spiritual experience with a sense of purity and sanctity …

What do you say about it?
Have you ever experienced such love?

La Vie Est Belle

Saying ‘I love you’ doesn’t suffice …
I need to say, ‘I love you immensely’ …
Only then does my heart overflow with joy-
Ethereal and divine …

#roksanatales

Tu hai toh – muskurate hai

Nepal, I will always remember you. The experience was so surreal, it delved deep into my heart, making my soul feel the innocent emotions and pain more profoundly that I never imagined I would feel …

Wherever I went, I sensed the presence and warmth of a far away land; I feel that presence flowing through the bloodstreams of my heart. I long for the warmth, fully aware that I am that warmth; to meet the one and merge into unity, to grasp another’s essence within my soul, to see myself reflected in the light of my soulmate. I keep searching only to realize that this beautiful quest is what makes my journey so special. Once the search is over, I will be in eternal despair … So, isn’t this better?

Visiting the mandirs, temples, and stupas made the experience even more fascinated, as I never forgot to pray there. This is quite unusual for me, and I’m not exaggerating, even if it might sound that way …

I realize I love the life I lead, mainly because of my childlike curiosity, carefree nature, sense of humour, deep emotions, enthusiasm, hopefulness, creativity and the immense attraction I feel for the Mother Nature that’s innate in my heart, and the special love that comes from my little heart is the one that meets with The One who roots me with this knowledge that

I’m nothing and everything;
I’m attached and detached;
I’m wild and I’m calm;
I’m possessive and sacred;

Anyways, after the Nepal trip, I’m a bit under the weather from unknown allergies. Moreover I mistakenly attempted some crazy yoga asanas 🧘 on my own to celebrate International Yoga Day (ha ha ha). It wasn’t the wisest decision, but trust me, all my decisions are good ones so far! You just don’t know it yet. Perspective and time matter…

Keep sending good energy and blessings on my way. Keep Sana in prayers!

Namaste/ नमस्ते
Peace/ سلام

Humepenthe

In my heart, you fit …
Piece of love, complete …

child of nature; wild, unpredictable yet beautiful, caring and selfless

Humepenthe/ made up
(n.) someone who makes you forget your pain and sorrow; someone with whom you forget all your worries ….

Eid Mubarak to you All …

I’m taking a trip in Nepal now! So today on Eid Day, I went to the Australian Base Camp; It’s about 2100 meter above sea level to the north Pokhara in Annapurna region of Nepal. It was such an amazing experience. I always know I’m a child of nature …

My me-time would be about being in and around nature …

Nature is wild, unpredictable yet beautiful, caring, and selfless!

So you are!

To me …

Wishing you good health, happiness and peace in heart. Ameen

Jijivisha

So I smiled at me
During my downtime,
When the world became quiet
And the noise of the day
Faded into the soft hum
Of my own thoughts …

I found a comfort
In the echo of silence …
In the reflection of my heart,
In the gentle nod of self-acceptance,
Knowing that in the stillness,
I am enough …

I found myself
In a moment of confusion,
Flickering like nearby, distant stars…
Leaving me
To wonder,
To ponder
The newly discovered
Myself and serendipity …

Ah!
That haze in the spark …
That whisper of confusion …
And of uncertainty …
There is a path
For me …
A chance
To see, to know, to be …

So I smile  
More during my downtime,
When the world becomes quiet
And the noise of the day
Fades into the soft hum
Of my own thoughts …

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Jijivisha/ hindi / sanskrit
(n.) jijivisha is the intense desire to live (or continue living) in the highest sense of being … it is ‘the will to live’ … It is a powerful force that drives us to keep going, even when things are tough. It is the spark of life that keeps us fighting for another day

Missing You

I missed you
As I woke up in the morning and went to my little garden, I felt your absence deeply …

I missed you
When I saw the fallen leaves and petals from my Kamini flower plants, thinking, ‘If I fall like that, would you understand?’

I missed you
When I ate fruits and nuts and remembered you drinking warm water in the morning …

I missed you
When I held my book, ‘Married to Bhutan,’ but couldn’t bring myself to read it …

I missed you
While watching the film ‘A Time Called You’ as its story revolves around the lover’s rebirth …

I missed you
As you often would say to me, ‘You’re forgetful’ and here I do not know why you’ve forgotten me! …

I missed you
In that moment, feeling a deep sadness, knowing you’ve left forever, and wondering, ‘Why can’t I get him out of my mind?’

I missed you
When I remembered our laughter and heard someone call me by the name you gave me and tears fell from my eyes …

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a terrible emptiness filled my heart, and I asked myself, ‘Why does it hurt so much?’
Then I realized,
‘I miss you so much’…
As I’m left like the remains of all the things left unsaid with you …

Aching Heart

You don’t have to say a word to her
She understands
She’s a shadow fading in your light …

Is she
A whisper lost in the wind?
Meaningless, invisible?
Insignificant?
She might be …

To you

She’s a foolish heart
Sensitive to the way of the world
Bruised by the coldness of yours …
Her emotions, raw and exposed

How can she feel so broken
Lost and unhappy?
It’s a mystery to her own self!

Stupidity, they call it
For feeling too deeply …
For caring too much …
For believing so easily …
For loving unconditionally …
But even in her aching heart,
She remains
A delicate soul in a world too rough …

Being Strong

I believe in being strong,
A pillar amidst the chaos, unyielding and fierce …

Frozen moments tell half-truths

Interestingly I was very heartbroken just before taking this picture but after all the tantrums and tears from being over emotional that I’m, I walked by the sea shore, picked up some seashells and talked with just some kids playing on the beach, and only after doing all these, my tantrums were over and I started to feel beautiful, and smiling again …

Oh! The trauma of watching me in tears is always a little scary thing to the people who love me because I’m ugly in tears. Some look still so beautiful in tears, don’t you think so?

However, in my case I feel it’s more important for me that everyone knows that I’m still so much more than all the emotional baggage I carry from time to time and more than all the bad things that I might have been facing myself … .

By the way, it was a very silly matter for which I was being emotional fiercely 🥷🏻

Feeling things fiercely is not a bad thing, right?

I Am Never Not Thinking of You

Between my
Breaths and heartbeats
Your name echoes
Always in my mind …
In the morning light
In the depths of night
You are always in my thoughts …

Every fleeting second
Every whispered breeze
Carries a piece of you …
If you ever forget
If doubts ever cloud your mind
Know this truth:
I am never not thinking of you …
For you’re my constant muse …

till forever falls apart …

and if the sky falls from heaven above
oh, i know i had the best time falling into love
we’ve been living on a fault line
and for a while, you were all mine
i’ve spent a lifetime giving you my heart
i swear that i’ll be yours forever till forever falls apart’ …

this whole video just makes me so happy …

the free flowing dance, music, lyrics, and the wind in it ….

thought to share with you …

till forever falls apart

how it’s more important to have had the chance to love than to stay in love ….

isn’t it beautiful?

tell me …

I Have a Fondness …

I have a fondness for breaking apart
A fascination with the fragile
The delicate dance of hearts
Walking unsteadily on the edge …
In love …

I have a fondness for breaking apart
At times it seems
Love’s other name is
Broken hearts …
An echo of longing …
A symphony of cracks …

I have a fondness for breaking apart
In love, I find
A beauty in the fracture,
In the spaces …
Where light seeps through the wounds
Where the raw and the real collide
In a blaze of truth and tenderness …

I have a fondness for breaking apart
It’s a mosaic of
Shattered dreams
Pieced together with hope …
A courage of feeling
The audacity of connection …

I have a fondness
For the breaking …
For the way love demands vulnerability …
For the way it strips us bare …
For the way all its flaws are revealed
I have a fondness
For my unguarded heart
Breaking apart …

For in the breaking,
We find the depth of love
The resilience of the beautiful soul …
The beauty of a heart
That dares to love
Even knowing it might break …
That’s how I have a fondness
For breaking apart …

Love

You ask about my love
How deep it is for you …
And the extent of my affection …

My feelings are genuine
And my love is sincere
The moon symbolizes my love …

So tender was the kiss
That touched my heart
Such deep affection
Makes me yearn for you …

You ask about my love
How deep it is for you …
Reflect on this
And gaze above
The moon symbolizes my heart …

Srinagar, Kashmir

A Young Heart and Taj Mahal

A tender heart treads softly
There at Taj Mahal …
And the marble gleams bright
On her …
As she wears a young love –
Endlessly searching through timeless steps …

Suddenly, I can’t quite understand why I wanted those shoes so much …

I still love the shoes I wore that day, and I remember the feeling of walking around in it. It was our first trip abroad—just the three sisters, our brother, and our parents. We sisters were fond of this type of Lehenga, which was very popular at the time. So, I chose one and matched it with the perfect shoe. We bought these in Kolkata (Calcutta) and traveled from there to Delhi, then Agra, Jaipur, and other places.

On that day, we chose to wear this attire specifically for our visit to the Taj Mahal. It was such a beautiful day—I still remember it vividly. We got ready to see the Taj Mahal in person, wearing our special outfits. My jewelry consisted only of earrings and a watch. In our youth, we didn’t need any makeup, and we three sisters looked stunning in our attire. I still remember how much my father loved our outfits and took great care of us. He made sure we all took pictures in front of the Taj just like this.

Needless to say, I felt incredibly elegant in my own skin—beautiful, serene, warm, and quiet.

I was a very quiet girl back then—so quiet that my close ones used to call me ‘Dead Beauty.’

However, I wish to visit Taj again ..

Do you wish to visit with me?

Pondering

In puzzled ponder, a name I’ve heard
Though “Roksana” my soul preferred …
Yet as time passed by
A fondness did arise
Love’s influence moves my heart …
Let the name be my tender song
In love’s embrace, I truly belong …

Quiet Contemplation

Your absence has gone through me, like thread through a needle.

Everything I do is stitched with its color.”

Separation by W.S. Merwin

Nan Nikkeoya

My thoughts are scattered …
Oh dear!

Restless I feel …
My heart aches deeply …
He captivates my heart …

My thoughts are scattered …
Right now …
Oh dear!
I continually shatter my heart,
Dispersing its fragments
Until they touch
The depths of your being,
My beloved …

C’est la vie

My Dear,
It’s likely that as you were writing to me, I was walking back home from work, taking in the beauty of the flowers in my charming neighborhood …

I adore my neighborhood. The scenery is incredibly captivating with its tall trees and beautiful blossoming flowers. I frequently opt to walk home from work, as it’s only 850-1000 steps from my workplace to my home …

So, what I was saying about my neighborhood!

I really admire the shade under the tall trees and enjoy watching the breeze rustle through the colorful bougainvillea. It’s lovely to see people walking along the footpath and enjoying their time. As I passed by the mosque, I noticed people seeking relief from the scorching heat under the trees in front of the mosque. I adore the vibrant colors, the fragrant scents, and the sense of simplicity in that scene.

It was scorching heat outside. And there I found myself embracing the warmth of the surroundings. There was refreshing cool breeze and thoughts of you. It may sound unbelievable, but it’s the truth. Your presence in my thoughts remains unwavering amidst the whirlwind of life’s events. Please, believe that.

So, where was I? I was expressing my fondness for the delightful, blossoming, shady path in my neighborhood and how much I’m fond of you …

Today I took a break from work as I was feeling an intermittent cramping in my abdomen. Some rest will help me feel better. However,. Sudden leave from work leads me to think, “How can I best utilize this extra time at home?” Swiftly, I begin mentally compiling a to-do list. Eventually, I decided to walk back home…

While returning, I found myself feeling happy to see these blossoms and greens. The outside heat was too strong but I cared less and I continued walking, intermittently pausing to capture photographs.

I returned home and checked my email once again. I was so surprised to receive your mail. This news brightened my day so much that now I feel inspired to spend the next few hours painting.

I find great pleasure in painting when my heart is filled with happiness and I was very happy to read your mail. 

Your words and painting will grace my own solitude for today, now and here. 

Do you enjoy solitude?

I eagerly await your response to my somewhat poetic emails.

Have a peaceful, wonderful, blissful day!

Yours truly,
^^

Do you enjoy solitude?

C’est la vie means ‘That’s life’ 😊

Immersed

There once was a curious soul
Wondering how your days roll
What activities fill your time …
It’s something she often wonders about …
Completely immersed in the moment

When I’m happy, either I sing or I paint. when I’m very happy I do both 😊

What do you do when you’re happy or very happy?