Isn't it a wonder?

Right from the time we come into existence, there is something happening that we all have been trained to ignore but without which we would not exist.

Have you ever wondered or pondered (I wonder which is the right word to use) over the fact that some things just have to happen to move life forward? Have you ever had the realization that something had to have happened to propogate what we know as life towards it's natural progression? Now that I've used the word 'natural', have you ever thought about what that actually is?

Look at a newborn baby.... it's hungry it cries to let us know, it's soiled and it cries to let us know that it needs a change, it's bloated it cries to let us know it needs to be burped.

Advance a few years and children of a young age somehow happen to do things instinctively to grow on and prosper in their environment.

Every kid I know would have played in dirt, tasted some of it, put something unclean into their mouths or swallowed something that was not meant to be swallowed (or is it?). This brings about 'natural' immunity. Fingers are trained to grip things, throw things, pinch things, peel walls. An iron and calcium deficient child knows to peel of paint and eat it or eat chalk from the blackboard (read up on pica).

Young adults will play with their genitals to learn the pleasure that they will need to propulgate another generation. They are 'naturally' curious about their sexuality and that of the opposite sex (or same sex, whatever attracts them). 

Adults have an urge to procreate. There is a reason it is pleasurable. If it wasn't people wouldn't do it and produce generations to come. 

Old people conserve their energy and are often sitting thinking about what they have done and what else is there to do. We often look at them and wonder why they are so quiet while all the time they are quite content with themselves.

All this in the name of 'natural survival'. Would you imagine a world where none of this happened? How would we live on? 

The current scenario is a perfect example, isn't it?

The dreaded Coronavirus is a marvel of 'natural progression'. It affects the respiratory system, irritates the lining and makes us cough. This cough, in turn, makes us produce droplets that go on to infect other people, effectively propogating that virus to newer generations. If that doesn't work, it makes us sick enough that we are forced to depend on other people for our needs, thereby increasing the chances of spread to the caretaker or doctor. Even asymptomatic patients can be a miracle of survival for the virus as it is reproducing in hiding! What a wonder!! 

This could apply to all organisms, couldn't it. A regular virus that spreads, HIV, Hepatitis, the list is endless. All in the name of natural progression and survival. Could it be that Darwin just opened his mind to the possibilty and merely stated what he thought. What if we all start seeing every event this way. Every disaster is a balance, every war brings back normalcy, every death is replaced by a birth (not necessarily human). Could it actually be that matter and energy are a finite mass that just keeps changing forms. Was thanos actually accurate?

This could easily explain everything that has happened since the beginning of time if we simply allow ourselves to believe it. Right from dinosaurs and mammoths getting extinct to our population growing to the staggering numbers we have today. Right from mass deaths to birth spurts, right from natural disasters like the massive wildfires and tsunamis to mass weddings and copulation.

Could it be that I only write this as a means to replace the energy I have saved from having no work today?

Please do share your comments on this as I think it could be a great discussion!

Guardians of the city!

With hardly any vehicle movement the road seems empty,

you'll see him standing there with energy aplenty,

he will carefully watch who all come and go,

He will correctly guide you, he'll never say no!

He will bake in the sun for hours on end,

He will return your smile and a helping hand lend,

He will shout at loiterers and drive them away,

He will even punish them if they have nothing to say.

He will make them do sit ups and hold their ears,

He will help an old lady carry her burden without tears;

He will prevent chaos at any cost to keep us safe,

He will melt in the heat and continue to be brave!

He is risking his life and his families too,

Just to make sure it's safe for me and you,

He does his duty with hardly a complaint,

He wears his uniform with pride and constraint.

He is bound by the orders from above he receives,

Don't be too harsh on him if he stops you to check;

He isn't enjoying it any more than you please believe,

But he doesn't have a choice, they're all hands on deck.

He waits in line just like we all do for groceries,

he pays full price and doesn't bargain in misery,

He understands that we all are in this together,

He too misses his father, mother, sister and brother!

Let's give them the respect they deserve so truly,

let's at least smile and greet them when they seem unruly;

Let's remember that even our mood changes with a smile,

we just have more people around us all the while!

They are doing a very lonely job and they're excelling,

They've maintained law and order in times compelling,

They haven't asked us for anything in return but to stay home,

Let's give them a big hand and make sure we don't roam!

A salute to the Mumbai Police, we owe you our thanks,

Perhaps this may never reach your eyes and your ranks;

If somehow you do end up reading this, please know,

This city owes you all gratitude and much more!

Corona Paranoia - Myth Busters!

"I have a fever since two days, am I going to die of Coronavirus?"

Not every fever is Covid-19, other infections still exist for us;

Malaria, typhoid, dengue and regular flu viruses still hover around,

Don't let this fear of COVID drive you into the ground.

"I've been coughing since the past 1 month, am I losing my lungs?"

Unlikely even though the pollution is almost gone to its lowest rungs;

Most likely it's a regular cough or your smoking habit or even reflux,

Don't let it make you isolate yourself from family, that really sucks!

"My nose is running, I've been sneezing a lot, have I got it?"

Yes, you have, the common cold that is, still far more likely;

Don't ignore it but don't go into a frenzied meltdown just yet,

Get yourself to a doctor and place a well calculated bet!

"My whole body aches, my joints are sore, this is the virus for sure!"

Of course it is a viral illness, but not all of them are Corona remember;

The old viruses are still as just as infective as they once were,

Take regular treatment, stay home, stay safe and have no fear.

"I've got this rash on my skin, I read that this could happen too?"

Sure it can, especially if you avoid bathing in the lockdown;

Maintain hygiene, eat well, stay hydrated and do what you should do,

It's mostly a fungal infection, it'll spread quick and make you frown!

"There is no way I can eat ice-cream, are you mad, I'll get sick!"

You might if you can't handle cold things, but not from the virus you picked;

There is no harm in eating an ice cream in the summer, just stay cool,

Know your body and don't believe in rumours, don't be a fool!

"I went for a walk, now I have to strip, bathe and drown in sanitizer and scrub"

Calm down, my friend, wash your hands, by all means use a good handrub;

But try and think, were you in contact with anyone or anything, 

If not, don't worry, your risks are as minimal as the bathroom sink!

"There is no way I can order food from out, I'll get infected!"

Sure you can, but mostly it'll be a bad tummy that will put you to bed;

Food is prepared at a temperature that kills most viruses and bacteria,

The same risks stay as before, ordering in keeps the same criteria.

"I don't believe a word you're saying, this is just to fill your blog"

Probably true, you've got better sources I'm sure that you can log;

Like that whatsapp forward, facebook post or youtube video that you see,

and then, Google is always there for Doctors with whom you disagree!  

Would you change?

The most pressing question that we ask almost everyday

When will things go back to normal and all this go away?

Which brings to mind a certain perspective that I wanted to share,

Would you change anything, if at all, once lockdown is laid bare?

Could you imagine the freedom of going out at night?

meeting up with your friends and go see the sights,

Would you go out for dinner and dancing and drinks?

Would you be so carefree or would you dare to rethink?

Will you change the way you perceive the world and it's people?

Would you think of times when our mind was fragile and our time feeble?

Would you remember the people who barely got to eat meals everyday?

Would you remember those helpers who went home and those who stayed?

Will you still indulge yourself and buy those branded shoes and bags?

Would you consider public transport or still prefer your jags?

Could you hoard a little less, and give up on what you thought essential?

Maybe give away a lot more, shop a little less and be a little more frugal?

Will high end make up and jewellery still be as important as before?

Would throwing parties ever seem significant, or just be something sore?

Will those holidays of luxury still be Instagram worthy and true?

Or would we choose to be much simpler in all that we do?

We lived for months and months with bare essentials and contact,

we rediscovered families, neighbours, true friends and facts

we gave up on rumours and newspapers, we waited for confirmed truths,

We learnt so much in such short time, we must bear the fruits.

Lets pledge to be self reliant and start living for our health in pink,

Not for posts on social media or what other people feel and think;

Let's enjoy simpler lives and times, with our children and friends

Let's eat and drink and be merry and not worry what's around the bends!

Seize every moment and opportunity, enjoy it to the fullest and smile,

Our time is extremely subjective, the virus proved that by a mile;

There are plenty of things to worry about, illness should be the least,

Stay safe, stay healthy and continue to dream of when we'll get released!

Nurses, the backbone of the healthcare system!

Behind every successful man is a woman, could not be more true,
Than in a case of healthcare without which we just couldn't do;
Nurses and midwives are the backbone, on the strength of which we stand,
Without a nurse in the system, no hospital would exist in this land!

They are the caregivers of the people, something we could only aspire to be,
They know more about the patient that we ever could hope to see;
they connect on a level that is strange to us, right from the heart,
They sense things before we can, they give our diagnosis an art!

They care for everyone on their shift, no matter what or who or where,
They give us Doctors the respite when we're tired and need some air;
they support us when we're learning, they teach us skills with ease,
they make us in to Doctors we are, while making it seem a breeze.

They are the ones who will hold you hand when you get a real scare,
They are the ones who will sit and listen when no one seems to care;
In those magical few days after childbirth, they teach you what to do,
They hold your child and feed them and even clean their poo.

They'll change your diapers, clean your puke and give you a sponge as well,
They will rush to your beck and call at the simple press of a bell;
They will do all the work no one wants to, and do it with a smile,
they always try and make you comfortable by going the extra mile.

Nurses are generally invisible, going about their work with pride,
You hardly notice all they're doing, they're always on the side;
But can you imagine even a day, a hospital without any of them,
The system would crumble so fast, they really are rare gems.

Just look at the situation currently, with the virus looming bold,
The dirty work is still left to them, they still do what they're told;
While us Doctors walk around impersonally, giving orders left and right,
They actually talk to the patient and make them feel it'll be alright.

I can't imagine going to work for even a day without them being there,
I can't think of how we'd manage and I doubt we would even there;
So here's my tribute to you, my dear nurses who taught me my quest,

1. I wouldn't be the Doctor I am, if I hadn't learnt from the best!

Mother

A force of nature so strong, even the mightiest bow before her,
A building block so secure, the tallest structure seems small next to her;
A backbone so full of vigour and vitality, the head is always held high,
A superhero like no other, even better than captain marvel in the sky.

A beautiful mix of emotions and intelligence, she rises to all occasions,
She knows when to be headstrong and when to give in, all within reason;
She can cry tears of sorrow, joy, laughter and wonderment, all in one day,
There is nothing she cannot do, and she does it all without pay!

She can nuture, she can teach, she can get to you when out of reach,
She can cure all illnesses with her smile, she can walk barefoot for a mile;
All to make sure you are feeling alright, she never lets you out of sight,
She has the magic to do it all, she’s always at your beck and call.

She deserves to be treated like a queen, not just for this one day,
She deserves a world of happiness, and a whole lot of respect if I may;
She needs to be loved and feel loved too, and always appeciated,
She needs to have special days where everything for her is orchestrated!

She will take it all with a matter of fact, be it complaints or praise,
She will work through it all, her stoic attitude will never faze;
You see for her the days never end, her responsibility will always be around,
She just can’t let it be for someone else, to keep her famaily safe and sound!

So, let make sure we understand, she is the pillar to your palace,
She is the cement that holds all together, the shaw to your wallace;
She is the finishing touch to your life project, the icing on the cake,
She is the only one you can turn to, no matter how big the mistake!

Here is what you should do, to give her what she deserves,
Pick up things she likes to receive, from flowers to desserts;
Shower her with gifts and chocolates, at random and not just today,
Make her smile, keep her happy till the end of her living days!

Shame!

This is a show of support for all those who have been suffering,

from the ignominy of their fellow inhuman beings;

a show of strength even, to say I'm with you during

the dreaded public name and shame that we are seeing.

No one chooses to get infected or does something to get it,

The virus, you see, is a master of chaos and destruction,

It chooses it's victim, not the other way around, get it,

It happens to the best of us, even with all protection.

There are millions getting infected, they can't all have been stupid,

Doctors, nurses, stalwarts, beggars, students and even kids;

You can't possibly blame someone when they get positive,

it's not something they would have like to get and give!

For every positive case out there, there are many more that aren't,

Those people might even have ignored all norms and just got lucky,

But for the one's that ran out of luck, it's a thing that would haunt,

and we're just making it worse by being plainly disrespectful and mucky!

When it's time to support them the most, in gossip we choose to engage,

We spread rumours and lies because is sounds good and fills the page,

We start believing in words without realizing the effect and shame,

All because we're wired to find something or someone to blame!

When a person gets the disease, the first reaction is probably fear,

No one really knows how bad it can get or how long it can leer;

Instead of staying upbeat, cheerful and fighting the disease,

they're left giving clarifications and clearing doubts that everyone sees!

The family involved gets ostracized by our very own society,

The one we lived in happily just months ago, so brightly;

The pointing fingers, the silent whispers, the nasty looks and words,

Send civility and compassion for humans right out to the birds!

My sincere and earnest request to anyone reading this,

Stop, think, listen and think again before deciding something is amiss;

Give the benefit of the doubt to the patient and their kin,

no one would like to bring this to themselves and within!

Stay supportive, offer empathy, give help, hug a little and attempt to smile,

they're someone's parents, someone's friend, someone's beloved child;

If the above is too much, the least you can do is do nothing,

Stop spreading information, we have the media to do it's own nose cutting!

Lockdown weighing you down

It's been over a month and we've somehow endured,
The word lockdown seems to have been burned in our brain;
It isn't lifting soon, it will take it's time, it's just as we feared,
That's no reason to let yourself loose and go down the drain!

Sure, we're sitting at home bored out of our skulls,
even classes are now stopping, no more morning sulks,
What else is left to do, you ask, chomping away?
Stress and boredom eating is the new disease here to stay!

We want to try and emulate the masterchefs, one and all,
we experiment with wonderful looking foods and drink,
we make delicious eatables that are hard to resist and we fall
prey to the perils of our own calories, no matter what we think!

Those lovely fried fritters, those golden brown potatoes,
Those awesomely stuffed burgers with just a hint of tomatoes,
Those cheesy sandwiches and pizzas with toppings all over,
those chocolate milkshakes and ice creams for all us sugar lovers!

Most of us are already complaining of the weight we might gain,
We seem to be doing nothing but eating and laying;
but there is a simple way out, if we are ready to try it together,
Let's put aside an hour for exercising endeavours!

If you can't or won't do that, there is yet another way,
to abolish those cravings and make the eating go away;
Distract yourself when you feel like reaching out for food,
Play a game, read a book, go for a walk to change your mood.

Sit in front of your kids to stop if you have to,
They're experts at making us feel guilty about eating;
ask them to give you some work that you must do,
they'll squeal with joy, with permission to give you something punishing.

If that doesn't work either, this is the last straw,
Take a paper and pen and start to draw,
the food that you feel like eating the most,
Then log in again and finish reading this post! 

Death in lockdown

Dealing with death is one of the hardest things to do,

Young or old, rich or poor, him or her, me or you,

We all are affected equally you see, it doesn't discriminate,

It doesn't see the time or situation, it just doesn't wait!

On a regular basis, we somehow find a way to cope,

With friends and family, there's always someone to give hope;

but how, just how can you deal with it during these times,

when the world is on lockdown and dying seems a crime!

There is but one person allowed to accompany the dead,

The ambulance drivers and helpers filled with dread;

Was it the big bad scary virus that did the person in?

Was this a way for repenting for all their sins?

What if it was just an existing disease that ran its course?

What if it was those sudden things coming down with force?

All you want is for the dead to pass on towards heaven in peace,

All you need is some support, a certificate and some ease!

Before you go getting all depressed about what happened,

Spare a thought for those passing on for a minute;

Do you think they are sad if they know they're about to go,

Or just relieved that their long life has finally played out just so.

With young deaths, I can understand the feeling of confusion,

We run around seeking a reason for what seems a delusion;

The fact that we are in the state we are makes it worse,

People eyeing you with suspicion, weary eyes and what seems a curse!

It could be more difficult for those in the public eyes,

to have some dignity when one of those famous dies;

Everyone starts bringing up the reasons for the demise,

justifications, deliberations, judgements and words from the wise.

If only he did this, if only she did that, if they didn't listen or do,

The rumour mills start working overtime like feeding at a zoo;

At times like these, we require some faith and kindness,

but all we get from the public is apathetic blindness!

If you've the misfortune of dealing with someone dying or close to it,

turn it on its heels and use all your courage, strength and wit;

Make the most of the time you have at home with the ones you love,

You never know when they will get the call from above!

Spend quality time, enjoy each others company and trials,

Work out your problems, forget the past and look forward to the smiles;

Each minute is precious when you don't know when you might go,

Make every second count, stay positive and never give up hope!

If it does actually happen, try and change the way it always is,

Celebrate the joyous life that was, instead of the death that you diss;

Raise a toast to the departed and take solace in the fact that no matter what happens you are never alone, 

your real friends will somehow always find a way to reach you via a message, a chat, video call or the phone!   

Prepare to return

All good things must come to an end, wise men say,
To this I add, all bad thing end sooner or later too;
and when that fortunate time does come when it may,
It's time to be prepared and plan what we will need to do.

Another brilliant saying is "Failing to plan is planning to fail",
To this I add, there can be nothing without a plan;
When the plan is put into motion, everything sails,
and all difficulties are pulled off with ease and elan.

Quite soon we'll be in a position where we have to move on,
Restart our businesses, shops, offices, clinics and factories; 
We will come out of this storm, stronger, tougher, reborn,
We will reunite, reform, recall and rewrite histories.

It may look bleak but there is so much we can do for now,
Think about what we will need to restart and how;
Buy essentials for your staff and workers, make them smile,
protect them from the danger that still exists for a mile.

Keep the sanitizers ready and restock them regularly,
Make sure hands are washed and masks work diligently;
Restrict visitors to only those essential for your work,
Keep hours short and make sure people don't lurk.

Educate everyone involved that the resurgence be a while,
Adjust priorities, be empathetic towards problems and try to smile;
Work together with limited resources as best you can,
"This too shall pass", was rightly said by a famous man.

It may seem difficult, nigh impossible, but it has to done,
Set your mind and decide that this struggle must be won!
If you feel your spirit shake and doubts begin to creep,
Just take a breather, relax, reignite after a good nights sleep.

It isn't over yet!

We're flocking the streets, feeling free from the web spun,

The 20th has come and some movements have been begun;

This was supposed to be for essentials and a few things more,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

They made an announcement that they would relax the restrictions,

they said it's time to restart the economy and they made selections,

on who would be allowed to re-enter the streets and floors,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

Trucks can be seen moving, goods are being transported,

We're excited because our fav. ice cream and chips will be sorted;

Couriers are about to start, e-portals will deliver things for us to hoard,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

All non essential things are labelled such because they are,

we can survive a few more days if we've come this far;

Is it so necessary to get that gourmet biscuit or cake of yore,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

We're made to feel we can now order what we want and need,

We've been told that we can now go out and get on our feet;

All are restarting; Amazon, flipkart, big basket, myntra and more,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

 You may think it's alright to go back into your fitness routine,

Jog a bit, run around, take some fresh air and breathe in the scene,

Exercise those muscles, tighten those calves, biceps, abs and your core,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

Visit your favourite cousin or your best friends for a drink or coffee,

Beat the boredom, meet up for some games and some tea,

Do anything, do something, it's relaxed, let's get rid of the bore,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

The danger remains, it's just that they're now better prepared,

they're willing to let you get infected for the better good to be fared;

They need herd immunity for this menace to get out of our doors,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

A few more days of caution is all that it will take,

don't be in a hurry and make a common mistake;

It's almost over I promise but just not yet, only some more,

It isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

This is going to be the toughest of all the days to endure,

because the finish line is so close, the end so near;

it's natural to want to go and break free from the prison and gore,

but it isn't over yet, my friends, please stay indoors!

Number One.

Each and every one of us, has a story to tell about school,

Most of the times it will be, about how this teacher was so cool;

The memories that last us a lifetime, are strong and very true,

a favourite teacher is almost always at the centre of this brew!

With such good fortune and blessings, we lucked out with division A,

Where the most fascinating personality, became our teacher to stay;

With stories wide and far, we started the year with much anticipation,

now the year has come to an end, we all stand in awe and captivation.

It wasn't only our kids who learnt the meaning of hard work and discipline,

Us parents were made to work, projects, art, craft and compete to win;

At first, to be honest, we all wondered why we were being tortured,

but as the year went on, we realised that we were being honoured.

To be taught new things at this age, is indeed a rare feeling ,

All our old knowledge was refreshed, with all the layers peeling;

We finally understood the methods and the techniques you were using,

We eventually came to the conclusion that we were actually gaining.

The kids were dealt with strictly if required, along with being showered with love,

They were made to pull up their socks, in places they could soar above;

Life skills were imparted to them all, something that we ourselves should have done,

you made the most mundane tasks appear easy to do and fun!

Our children transformed into responsible beings, almost overnight, I think,

Your tips and tricks, your instructions so crisp, made everything link; 

We found out how different our children can be, at school and at home,

Your feedback for each and every student, was on point in monochrome!

Your gargantuan efforts to individually acknowledge every single child,

made us see just how much time and care you put in all the while;

From the time of sunset late in the evening to the next morning's rising sun,

You worked hard for us, dear miss, and for that our hearts you have won!

When you came for the football finals match, we were all blown away,

and no matter how many words I write, there is nothing that can say,

how very grateful and thankful we all are for all that you have done,

Ms. Ruth Fernandes, for this class and it's parents you will always be number one!!