Reflections by Roshan
Poetry
Read poetry written by Dr. Roshan Madhavjee and learn lessons of love, light and life.
Having the Strength to say no
In the echoes of my silence, a lesson unfolds,
A tale of unspoken "no's" and stories left untold.
Had I embraced the strength to speak my truth,
Perhaps my destiny would bear a different, bolder proof.
In the corridors of time, I hesitated to decline,
Fearing the hurt in another's eyes, a worry always mine.
Agreeable, a label I wore with gentle grace,
Yet beneath that facade, lay a truth unembraced.
For the shield I raised, wanting others safe and sound,
Was mistaken for weakness, my strength not found.
In the quest to guard hearts, I lost a piece of me,
A sacrifice unspoken, a silent plea.
Today, I stand with lessons etched in the lines,
A journey of "yes" that obscured my own signs.
Yet, within this reflection, a newfound power awakes,
To say "no" in the right moment, for my authenticity's sake.
Sparkles
City cars gather at the mall,
Sparkling lights, a joyful sprawl.
Smiles exchanged, goodies shared,
Post-Covid life, genuinely cared.
Universe, banish all the sadness,
Let joy fill the air with its gladness.
As Christmas nears, and 2024 begins,
May happiness be where each heart wins.
Happiness in Small Things
In life's tapestry, small moments gleam,
Truly big, as in this heartfelt theme.
Within each whisper of the gentle springs,
The vastness of joy, in these small things. ♥️
In the quiet corners of life, I found delight,
In "the little things," hidden from sight.
Once called small by those with more,
Now I see, they were riches to adore.
Reflection unveils the grandeur they bring,
In every small detail, happiness does spring.
For joy resides in life's subtle flings,
Surprising, how much from "little things" it springs.
Belief
Can shape up the extraordinary Indeed
In the wild, where traits abound,
Giraffe stands tall, elegance crowned.
Elephant boasts of colossal might,
Eagle soars with vision's keen sight.
Yet the Lion, not the tallest or grand,
Roams confidently, ruling the land.
Not in size, vision, or a majestic wing,
But in belief, proclaims himself the king.
Love and Karma
At the age of around 15ish sitting at McMillan Library and Kenya was soon to get independence - UHURU-from the British rule in about a year or two. This poem is a Comparison of just learnt Shakespeare’s Tempest with the entry of the British rule in Kenya long ago and later struggle for UHURU ( Independence) in Kenya:
In the realm where Shakespeare's ink meets the African soil,
Prospero strides, a symbol of power and turmoil.
Kenya (Mountain of Whiteness) echoes with whispers of an age,
Where the British sailed, turning a new page.
Caliban, the Kenyan native, bound by unseen chains,
His land usurped, resistance courses through his veins.
In the Kenyan sun, shadows of the past unfold,
As Prospero's legacy, a tale of power, is retold.
The British, like Prospero, weaved their colonial spell,
Their dominion, a tempest where the natives dwell.
The island, once serene, now a stage of strife,
As Caliban's song becomes a rhythm of life.
Prospero's white daughter, an unwitting dove,
Falls in love with a Caliban, stirring the tempest above.
In the dance of hearts, colors blend and bind,
Karma weaves its threads, leaving judgments behind.
For love knows not the hue of skin or ancestral tie,
It blossoms, defying the rules from on high.
In the union of hearts, a redemption song,
As Caliban and Miranda find where they belong.
The tempest subsides, the echoes grow faint,
Yet in the air, lingers a bittersweet taint.
Karma unfolds, a narrative untold,
Where love and justice find a common threshold.
Paper
In the quiet realm of parchment birth,
A paper whispers, humble in its worth.
A tree's tender gift, a silent decree,
From nothingness springs, a vast journey.
At infancy, a certificate of life,
Inscribed with promise, amid nature's strife.
In winter's chill, a writing tool takes form,
Verses etched in frost, a poetic norm.
Transformed in water to a buoyant craft,
A vessel of dreams, a nautical draft.
Summer arrives, and it soars on high,
Becoming a kite, dancing in the sky.
Yet, in the final breath, a poignant scene,
The paper transitions, a role unseen.
In the script of departure, a testament still,
As a will takes shape, the ink does spill.
Nothing, it seems, yet everything profound,
In the whispers of paper, life is bound.
A journey scripted on its fragile skin,
A tale of existence, where endings begin.
This poetic expression encapsulates the profound transformation of a seemingly ordinary entity, the paper, into symbolic significance across life's diverse phases. It symbolizes birth through a birth certificate, creativity through a writing tool, recreation through a boat and a kite, and mortality through the drafting of a will. The juxtaposition of "nothing" and "everything" conveys the inherent value and potential within the simplest elements of existence, offering a contemplative reflection on the multifaceted nature of life's journey.
Fear of Failure
Oh, the fear that grips my soul,
When the weight of failure takes its toll.
A passion burning deep inside,
Yet fear of judgment I cannot hide.
At nine or ten, I held the pen,
Published in secret, with fear, back then.
Under a pseudonym, I shared my art,
Hiding from the world, with a guarded heart.
The whispers of doubt, the shadow of shame,
Kept me silent, kept me tame.
But now I'll rise, I'll break the mold,
Embrace the fear, and be bold.
For failure is the path we tread,
To learn, to grow, to lift our head.
So fear not failure, but fear regret,
And write your story, without a fret.
Life is a Journey
Nearing 80, I can tell you, about life's winding course,
A journey where lessons bloom, and wisdom finds its source.
As years unfold, contentment grows, a smile upon the face,
But what's the secret to this joy, in life's evolving maze?
Change, the constant companion, guides us through the years,
Children leave, careers transform, as time dissolves our fears.
Embracing solitude, a friend in quiet grace,
For in the stillness, souls find peace, a tranquil, sacred space.
Gratitude, a daily practice, a hymn of thanks we sing,
For blessings large and small alike, our hearts forever cling.
Staying active, vibrant souls, in motion find their glee,
Each step a dance, each breath a song, in life's grand symphony.
Forgiveness, a balm for wounds, that linger from the past,
To set our spirits free at last, from shadows that contrast.
Limiting worldly treasures, finding richness in the soul,
In laughter shared and stories told, life's truest wealth we hold.
And as our circles gently shrink, the bonds that still remain,
Are cherished like rare jewels, in love's enduring chain.
So as I near my eightieth year, this wisdom I impart,
Life's journey is a gift, my friend, a masterpiece of art.
Embrace praise's touch,
In our blood, a trait refined,
Doubting self, we clutch,
Yet, within, doubts entwined,
Unsure of the worth we clutch,
Modesty our shield designed.
Poem to Me.. from my Mother
At a party, amidst the laughter and cheer,
Friends sipping champagne, toasting with cheer.
Each boasting of gold gifts from their dear mother,
While you share a poem, like no other.
"I got a gold xyz from my mom," they say,
As they clink their glasses, in a fancy display.
But fear not, my friend, for your gift is unique,
A poem from your ma, sealed with love and mystique.
In a heart-shaped envelope, stamped with delight,
It's a present that shines, oh what a sight!
While they may have gold, you have words that rhyme,
A gift from the heart, that stands the test of time.
For in that poem lies a piece of your mother's soul,
Words that touch your heart, making it whole.
While they may have material treasures to hold,
You have a poem, worth more than gold.
So raise your glass, and let out a chuckle,
For your gift is special, it's no mere trifle.
While they may have champagne and wine,
You have a poem, a treasure so fine.
So let them whisper and boast all they may,
About the gold gifts they received that day.
For you, my friend, have something more,
A poem from your ma, to cherish and adore.
Stamped with love and light, sealed with care,
A gift that shows how much she's aware.
That poetry and love are gifts so grand,
And in your heart, forever they'll stand.
So embrace your poem, with a smile and a wink,
For in its verses, a joyous spirit does sink.
And while they may have gold, you have something rare,
A poem from your ma, a gift beyond compare! 😜💝
Going with the Flow
In the gentle current of life's stream I glide,
Beneath the vast expanse of sky so wide.
With each ripple and turn, I gracefully sway,
Embracing the rhythm of each passing day.
No need to fight against the tide's gentle sway,
For in surrendering, I find my way.
Flowing with purpose, in harmony's embrace,
I journey with ease, in this boundless space.
With each twist and turn, I learn to let go,
Releasing control, letting intuition flow.
In the dance of existence, I find my role,
A peaceful soul, surrendered to the whole.
So I sail on, with faith as my guide,
In the endless current of life's tide.
Embracing each moment, come what may,
For in going with the flow, I find my way.
For my Child
To my child, a steadfast guide,
In the twilight of life's gentle ride.
As age bestows its tender grace,
Your presence, my solace, a comforting embrace.
In the tapestry of days, where shadows fall,
You stand as a pillar, resilient and tall.
When footsteps falter, and movements slow,
Your caring heart, a reassuring glow.
Limitations bind, yet love's spirit soars,
A bond unbroken, as time explores.
In the corridors of memories, we stroll,
You, my anchor, a compassionate soul.
A gentle touch, a whispered care,
Your devotion, a melody in the air.
Ensuring wellness, in each passing day,
Gratitude blooms, an unwavering display.
My child, a beacon in life's twilight glow,
Your kindness, a river that continues to flow.
For being the constant in my changing scene,
A heartfelt thanks, where love is serene.
Flight to Stars
Beneath the cloak of night, I meditate,
In stillness, I find my soul's true state.
A canvas of stars, a celestial choir,
Guiding my spirit, lifting me higher.
With each breath, a renewal begins,
A cleansing of soul, a shedding of sins.
Into the night sky, I release my fears,
As the universe whispers, wiping my tears.
The stars above, so distant, yet near,
Illuminate pathways, dispelling all fear.
Their twinkling dance, a cosmic ballet,
Inspires my spirit, showing the way.
In this moment of quiet, in this sacred space,
I feel the universe's warm embrace.
For in meditation's gentle embrace,
I find solace, I find grace.
So let me linger in this celestial light,
In the presence of stars, so pure, so bright.
For in their silent wisdom, I find my peace,
And in their gentle glow, my worries cease.
Gratitude Pill
In a world of pills and potions grand,
Where pharma boasts its mighty hand,
I dream of a remedy so pure and true,
A pill called Gratitude, for me and you.
For in the act of giving thanks each day,
We pave the path for blessings to stay.
The more we express, the more we receive,
A cycle of abundance, if you believe.
In every word of thanks we sow,
A seed of joy begins to grow.
It blossoms in our hearts so wide,
And fills our souls with a grateful tide.
With every dose of gratitude we take,
Our spirits soar, our burdens break.
For in the simple act of saying "thanks,"
We unlock the universe's endless ranks.
So let us embrace this pill divine,
And let its magic in our lives entwine.
For in gratitude's embrace, we find,
A wealth of blessings of every kind.
