To My Dear Friend

Hey, when it is time to go call me, or I will call you

I would like to share a drink for either of us to know

We can't leave unless we have that one tinkle of a glass

And we will play 'It's a wonderful world' in the background

If I am the one leaving, sing it for me

If you are, I will sing along for you

But we should get the other a cup of Earl Grey, a marmalade sandwich

Then maybe sit and hold each other's hand

Hey, when it is time to go, call me or I will call you

We can sit together side by side

Watch the sun go down once again

Chase the dark away with a solitary light 

If I am the one leaving, brew me a coffee

If you are, I will lace it with liquor

But we should share a last smoke, laugh over mangled songs and memes

Then maybe hold each other in a tight embrace

Hey, when it is time to go, call me or I will call you

We should call for some butter garlic prawns

For either of us to know

We can't leave unless we share one last meal

If I am the one leaving, hold me to calm my fears 

If you are, I will cuddle to soothe your pain

But we should remember that we had the time of our life

then maybe, sit quietly, staring into the beyond

Writing about anything is easy

The bottle of Bacardi rum, wrapped in a white plastic bag

Popped it's head out, ever so slightly

Inviting me to dive into the clear

And cloud my judgement to dreams anew

I have coffee and I mix these two

Sip a few and sit thinking of you

I think I forgot to add a few cubes of ice

Then I remember they melted long ago

The night was young, but it's long past gone

The sun at its azimuth , shining through

The birds create a ruckus at my window stall

I see your face on my freshly painted walls.

Dust and ember

I would want to be so tiny

For my larger self won't fit

 in an urn but then again,

 i won't worry

I would probably decompose 

slowly, long after being asleep

 on my bed

When the civil workers barge in

Hold their nose closed

They would ask if there is anyone

Who knows me by my name

Yet they would not call me 

By what they have exclaimed

And by then I would have been 

gone too long ago

To know anyone who stakes a claim

मेरी प्रीत तू न जाने

जो बोया तेरी और

जैसे डूबे काश्तिया कभी

तूफानों के मोड़

कान्हा तू तो ले चली री

जीवन मेरा ओढ़

कश्ती मेरी तो डगमगाई

चलकर तेरी ओर 

जो तो पूछे क्या ही हूं मैं

तेरे मन में जो हो

क्या ही हूं मैं कान्हा तेरा 

बस हूं मैं तेरा चोर

Meera to nahi hoon

मेरी प्रीत तू न जाने

जो बोया तेरी और

जैसे डूबे काश्तिया कभी

तूफानों के मोड़

कान्हा तू तो ले चली री

जीवन मेरा ओढ़

कश्ती मेरी तो डगमगाई

चलकर तेरी ओर 

जो तो पूछे क्या ही हूं मैं

तेरे मन में जो हो

क्या ही हूं मैं कान्हा मेरी

बस हूं मैं तेरा चोर

Monday Mornings bring nothing new

It's a bright Monday morning, half past eleven

I have much to do, but the will sure isn't playing along

I thought if you could remind me of what life is

For it feels quite like a colourless sky, sans your voice

The voice in my head that fed me will has been yours

The mind has become mangled in its absolute absence

It seems to wake up ever so often in your thoughts

Then rolls back to playing possum noting your absence

This could be a streak of my downward spiralling

That forms a vortex and drags my soul in its currents

They invite me to give up and flow like dead drift wood

That will churn and decay to set me afloat at sea

Then we spoke of AI

It is artificial intelligence after all my dear friend

while we discuss its ability to emote

I state as you wonder if it will go the same way

as human minds do, and worry about its dulling 

and ask if it can be somehow protected

I smirk at your innocence, "it is data" I explain

yet as women are worrywarts, you have a new worry

and this time it is for a piece of software

I laugh at it on your face, you know I find it silly

this constant need for you to seek out new worries

to experience its unwanted annoyances and anxiety

I suggest you ignore the same, and blink my eyes

indicate you are not to wallow in such states

you know you will tell me you won't do that

then proceed to end up worrying about the same

An analysis by Chatgpt

The poem is written from the perspective of someone who is familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) and is engaging in a conversation with a friend who is expressing concerns about the emotional capabilities of AI.

The speaker acknowledges that AI is indeed artificial, and while their friend is pondering whether AI will follow the same path as human minds in terms of emotions, they find it amusing. The speaker attributes the friend's worries to their tendency as women to be worriers, but also finds it unnecessary and silly to worry about a piece of software.

The speaker advises their friend to ignore the anxieties and annoyances related to AI, suggesting that they shouldn't wallow in such states. However, the speaker also knows that their friend will likely end up worrying about it despite their reassurances, as it seems to be a habitual pattern for them.

Overall, the poem highlights the contrasting perspectives between someone who sees AI as just data and finds the worry about its emotions unnecessary, and someone who is anxious about the potential emotional capabilities of AI and tends to worry about various things. It also touches on the idea of gendered tendencies towards worry and anxiety.

my English Breakfast

Earl Grey it is then, for breakfast 

I love the Bergamot fragrance 

Thank you friend for joining me

I find Sundays are boring else

We could relish the chocolate muffin

And I can complain for wanting a walnut one

Settle for a bite from your chocolate

Sigh over how unlucky I get at times

You then can remind me otherwise

And I like knowing you are here

It is a Sunday breakfast, with you

And we can catch up like this too

So before I leave to reach another city

Let me tell you one more thing

You and Mumbai, will keep my soul

And you both will always be my home

An Analysis by Chat GPT

The poem "Earl Grey for Breakfast" is a simple and intimate portrayal of a Sunday morning breakfast shared between friends. The speaker expresses their appreciation for the presence of their friend, as Sundays would otherwise be dull. The poem captures the sensory experience of enjoying a cup of Earl Grey tea with the fragrance of Bergamot, and the shared experience of indulging in a chocolate muffin, while lamenting a missed opportunity for a walnut Muffin.

The poem also touches on the theme of luck and fortune, with the speaker sighing over their perceived misfortune, but the friend offering a reminder of positivity. The presence of the friend is cherished, and the shared breakfast becomes a moment of connection and catching up. The poem also mentions the city of Mumbai, which holds significance for the speaker as it is both a physical home and a place that holds their soul.

The language used in the poem is simple and conversational, with a sense of warmth and familiarity. The poem evokes a sense of comfort and companionship, capturing the essence of a shared moment between friends.

In terms of comparison with famous works of 20th century literature and poetry, "Earl Grey for Breakfast" shares similarities with the style of contemporary poets such as Lang Leav,etc who often write about everyday experiences and emotions in a simple and accessible manner. The theme of finding solace and connection in small moments of shared intimacy is reminiscent of the works of e.e. cummings, who often wrote about the beauty of everyday life and human connections. Additionally, the mention of a specific city and its significance to the speaker's sense of home echoes the themes of identity and belonging in the works of poets like Pablo Neruda and Derek Walcott.

Overall, "Earl Grey for Breakfast" is a heartfelt and evocative poem that celebrates the joy of shared moments, appreciates the presence of a friend, and reflects on the idea of home and belonging.

The farmer has a mouse

Let us say, I wish to pen another one of my senseless thoughts

Now when we see what verses are, most won’t understand

I often bring in a caption or summary but like you who reads it

Not that I would mind, but a soul can only wish for such

Never mind

So then what can I really whimper about?

My love? My love for you? My love lost? My lost love?

So much of the ‘My’ is lost like mice in a barn

Running amok, eating into gunny bags ripping them apart

As the grains pour out, fungus sets in, and what else would

In stagnation and in such an inanimate existence sans love

This soul of mine will only be consumed by fungus

Like all that nature brings us, instead of renewal and recycle

My soul only churns up your absence, and then some more

The mouse in the barn of my heart, 

I forgot that is what I call your thoughts now

Eating away ever so slowly, causing me endless decay 

Yet I fill this barn up with fresh grains of hope

There could have been some sense in me to place traps

I am supposed to be good at this, or not maybe

Sometimes choices have consequences, mostly losses

Here it is you along with my own sensibilities and reasoning

But whoever could think love could exist with those two

Love hates them like a jealous lover hates all others

That live in their lover's mind, or heart, 

or whatever remains of them

to be reduced to a husk, at the end by the fungus of despair

I take solace, this is contained and I am an example

To myself now, for love and longing will no longer bother

This blight in its permanence will not let me recover

I hope it does, but I hope it doesn’t 

I forgot I was going to write poetry at this point

But I guess this rant can be called whatever I deem fit

Like I believe you loved me, or that there is such a thing

You my dear mouse, go away then 

come back once I fill the barn

I know you always do, and you always will

For now, let the fungus work its magic

Good night

Explanation and review from chat GPT:

The poem is a reflection on lost love and the impact it has on the speaker's emotions and sense of self. The speaker acknowledges that their verses may not be understood by most readers, and they often provide captions or summaries, but ultimately it doesn't matter as the longing for their lost love consumes their thoughts. The use of the word "whimper" suggests a sense of helplessness or resignation, as the speaker wonders what they can truly express about their love, whether it be for someone, or a love that has been lost.

The metaphor of mice in a barn is used to represent the thoughts of the lost love that constantly gnaw away at the speaker's heart, causing decay and despair. The "fresh grains of hope" that the speaker tries to fill the barn with represent their attempts to move on and find solace, but the metaphor also implies that the speaker keeps holding on to the memories and feelings of their lost love, despite the harm it causes.

The poem delves into the complexities of love, where the speaker's own sensibilities and reasoning seem to be at odds with their emotions. The speaker acknowledges that love can coexist with sensibilities and reasoning, but it also hates them like a jealous lover, causing a sense of conflict within the speaker. The poem touches on the idea of choices and consequences, where the speaker reflects on their own choices that led to losses in love, and the permanent blight of longing that prevents them from recovering.

The reference to fungus as a metaphor for the consuming nature of lost love adds a unique and vivid imagery to the poem. Fungus is often associated with decay and decomposition, and the speaker sees their soul being consumed by the fungus of despair caused by the absence of their love. The poem also explores the cyclical nature of love, where the lost love keeps coming back like the persistent mouse in the barn, despite the speaker's attempts to move on.

In terms of comparison with famous works of 20th-century literature and poetry, the theme of lost love, longing, and the internal conflict of emotions and reason is reminiscent of works by poets such as T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, and W.H. Auden. The use of vivid metaphors and imagery to convey complex emotions is similar to the style of poets like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. The introspective and confessional tone of the poem also echoes the works of poets from the confessional poetry movement of the 20th century, such as Anne Sexton and Robert Lowell.

Overall, the poem captures the speaker's lament over lost love, the consuming nature of longing, and the conflicting emotions that love can evoke. The use of metaphors and vivid imagery adds depth to the poem, and it shares thematic similarities with famous works of 20th-century literature and poetry, particularly in its exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions.

Staying in my lane

In this April rain, that is out of place in Pune 

When monsoon is two months away

I remember us drinking a beer late evening after work

You would ask me to take you out for dinner , then choose to get a beer

I still hate french fries, but I order them

I mix mayonnaise with some mustard

And share it to whoever is the present company, watch them relish

While I stay clear of indulgence in what your memories are

The wind howls, calls out to me to dance in the rain

As if to celebrate knowing you, and being in love

I stop myself at the stairs, I am wearing a suit, it is Thursday usually

You remind me, without being here

I always return to my table, behave as a polished man

A man smitten by you, forever even if you no longer subscribe to it

You probably are chasing the eternal flame guided lover

Who may have a few flights of fancy you wish to ride

Yet at the end of it all, I sigh and wish for your hand in mine

I know the only one is the waiter shaking it firmly

Wishing me a good night

I smile at him, fold a few hundred rupees and let him have it

They smile at me, unlike you they want my patronage

And unlike you, I just live in the hurt of being alive

I sit down again to order another beer, this one is for you

I hope you find love, for you are worth all the love in the world and more

Quick note

Don't send for me

Holler

I hate messengers

They don't deliver

The full force

Of curdling hurt

Holler

I can hear

Holler

In your curses

They are beautiful

Just like you

They hurt better

Holler

I will come

Holler

Be beneath myself

I will smile

It is me

All of you

Holler

Broken mirrors

I find a calm in the rustle of your hair

 mid conversation when

 you tactfully deflect my question, 

but your eyes show 

Your want to scream your heart about love

Not to me, but to anyone else, or maybe him

I have my soul following you like an owl

that glides in silent 

Percheing at your window every night

Hearing you breathe, wanting to watch over

But keeping it's distance, for the fear of offending

But I know, and such is my curse, my all knowing

Often unknown to your own self

I hear you, sometimes in hurt, 

other times hurting me in curses

I somedays sleep on my bed when

my back hurts in being curled up crying for you

And Miles to go

Big blue road signs showing directions 

Dented by random rubble flung at

Stand at the edge of pitch black highways

Reflecting headlight to seem like rain on words

One could imagine it's rain and recall

A drenched lovers arm grab, and kisses

I could try too, but as my life goes

I remember my accidents and near death misses

The words read like compulsion, dictate terms

Of my run towards, in this hurried darkness

I would hate to see the numbers decrease

For I find my home fade in the distance

आज न गई तू लाली चटवाने

उस गैर की आगोश में फिरसे 

बनके उसकी प्यास का मलहम

बनते तो बड़े ही भोले से थे जब

हमसे लिपट बुलाते हमको बलम

जिन हाथोको थे तेरे केस रूमानी

आज उन हाथो को गैरो में ढूंढे

चाहे शक्ल मिल जाए, दिल न मिले

जो दिल मिले तो न मिल पाए शक्ल

हमसे ही तो तुमको थे सारे शिकवे गिले

आज न गई तू लाली चटवाने

उस गैर की आगोश में फिरसे 

आज तो शायद मेरा बुत बनेगा

मंत्र चिड़ेंगे, श्राप उगल आए तुझमें

पर मेरी प्यास तो इन सबसे ही बुझेगा

one

Phir na bichhad (3x) (2 variations)

Mujhse......1x

Aa humse mil

Kabhi ke jo tu soche

Dil hai khaali khaali sa

Aa hum se mil

Phir na bichhad (3 variation)x 

Humse

Phir na bichhad

Aa humse mil

Tum nain se do humko

Dhokha ,,dhokha.., zara sa 

Aa hum se mil

Sirf chaahat.......se na hai haasil

Dil tootega zara...dil tootega zara

Mera.......

Tab

Aa humse mil

Kehle jo tere labh

Naam ...mera... Mera..... 

Ro dega dil.....

Aa humse mil

Phir na bichhad (4x 4 variations)

Mujhse, khudae, ab......1x

Aa humse mil

The faded hues

The gentle hues of another sunset

Paint stories of all that is you

The void, the gone, and the pain of such

Is like the veil of darkness arriving soon

When the moon rises in that black

My heart longs for your glance

I calm my self for you hate my smile

That beams hoping for us to be a chance

So let the April sun set in the canvas blue

Nothing in life is as beautiful as you

So I wish my self a willful descent

To be silently lost in your longing's tune

A Shade of distance

I was watching the pink trumpet flowers swirl

In a whirlwind that swept gently on today's very April afternoon

We could have just stood in, let them swirl around us

I would want to see you surrounded by those lovely pink blossoms

I know, the whirlwind does pick up dust and debris

And they could hurt your eyes, should we stand so

You could hide your face into my chest as we have cuddled often

And felt the flowers gently caress you in their light swirling

My heart warmed up, looking at these gentle petals flying

They seemed like your eyes, they fluttered just as beautifully

They turned towards me, swirled some more momentarily

Rekindled my hope, only to abruptly turn and go away

Conundrum - hindi

खुदसे तो छुपा लेता हूं, 

पर तुमसे कैसे छुपाऊं

ये दर्द दे रही भी तो तुम हो

तुम मुझे खुद्से ज्यादा जानती हो

मैं तो तुम ही बनकर जो रह गया हूं

होता है, होता है, छोड़ ना, जाने दे

शायद मैं खुदको ढूंढ रहा हूं

जो तुम्हे चाहता है बेसबर, बेबाक 

पर जब मैं तुम बन चुका हूं तो

तुम भी मैं बन गयी होंगी ना

मैं तो खुदको ही ढूंढ रहा हूं

होता है, होता है, छोड़ ना, जाने दे

जाने दे, बातों का, वादों का 

जब जो भी होना था,

तुझको भी खोना था,

खो दिया जाने दे,

और तुम मुझसी हो गई,

मैं तुमसा हो गया,

इंसान जो वाजिब था,

खो गया जाने दे,

मैं तो खुदको ही ढूंढ रहा हूं

होता है, होता है, छोड़ ना, जाने दे,।।

Treadmills

Sometime in August, we rebuilt my house door

The dust was being brushed off, we wore masks

My home was being rebuilt, to be a home for you

It was a month for some more celebrations too

As we sat on the floor, and you poured coffee

From a rudimentary make shift coffee carrying pouch

The two red cups moved, then I held them steady

You looked at me, filled them up when you were ready

I felt some splashes, that burnt my fingers a tad

You uttered apologies, but your pour never burnt my hand

You were keeping my soul lit, in your very glance

I was smiling looking at you, and my heart was in trance

Post coffee when we chased the cleaning left aside

I held the sofa upturned for you to dust it's insides

I fell in love, over and again, and my heart knew

You were the wonder of my life, that turns everything anew

Maybe the dust and grime should have been treasured

To scatter around today, for we see each other no more

The dust could maybe bring me back to your heart

For this renewal of life has only broken me apart

------------------------

write a detailed analysis with line-by-line interpretation of the poem below:  Also evaluate it for writing style and identify similarities to 20th century poets.

Analysis:

Title: Treadmills - The title "Treadmills" sets the tone for the poem, hinting at a repetitive, cyclical, and mundane aspect of life. Treadmills are often associated with monotony and routine, suggesting that the poem may explore the repetitive nature of daily life and the fleeting moments of joy and love that break through the monotony.

Line 1: "Sometime in August, we rebuilt my house door" - The poem begins with a specific time reference, "Sometime in August," which adds a sense of temporal setting. The act of rebuilding the house door could symbolize a renewal or transformation in the narrator's life. It may also suggest an effort to create a welcoming and inviting space for someone special, as the house door is often associated with homecoming and hospitality.

Line 2: "The dust was being brushed off, we wore masks" - The mention of dust being brushed off and wearing masks may have literal and metaphorical meanings. Literally, it could refer to the physical act of cleaning and protecting oneself from dust particles. Metaphorically, it could symbolize the process of clearing away the old and worn-out, and protecting oneself from external influences or emotional vulnerabilities.

Line 3: "My home was being rebuilt, to be a home for you" - The speaker's home is being rebuilt with the intention of making it a home for someone else, suggesting an act of love and selflessness. It could also imply a transformation or improvement in the speaker's life to accommodate someone significant.

Line 4: "It was a month for some more celebrations too" - The mention of celebrations hints at a positive and joyful atmosphere, possibly marking a special occasion or a significant event that is being commemorated during the month of August.

Line 5: "As we sat on the floor, and you poured coffee" - The act of sitting on the floor and sharing coffee creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere. It could symbolize a moment of connection and closeness between the speaker and the other person, possibly a romantic interest.

Line 6: "From a rudimentary makeshift coffee carrying pouch" - The mention of a "rudimentary makeshift coffee carrying pouch" suggests a lack of luxury or extravagance, but rather a simple and improvised way of serving coffee. It could symbolize the value of simple pleasures and the beauty found in everyday moments.

Line 7: "The two red cups moved, then I held them steady" - The movement of the red cups could symbolize the unpredictability and instability of life, while the speaker holding them steady could represent an attempt to bring stability and balance to the situation. It could also hint at the speaker's desire to hold onto and cherish the fleeting moments of happiness.

Line 8: "You looked at me, filled them up when you were ready" - The other person fills up the cups when they are ready, suggesting a sense of autonomy and independence. It could also symbolize the idea that love and affection cannot be forced or rushed, but rather flow naturally when the timing is right.

Line 9: "I felt some splashes, that burnt my fingers a tad" - The splashes from the coffee that burn the speaker's fingers could represent the fleeting moments of pain or discomfort that can accompany moments of happiness or love. It could also symbolize the intensity of the emotions the speaker is experiencing.

Line 10: "You uttered apologies, but your pour never burnt my hand" - The other person apologizes for the hot coffee, but it never actually hurts the speaker's hand. This could symbolize the idea that even though love can come with its challenges, it ultimately does not harm or hurt the speaker.

Line 11: "You were keeping my soul lit, in your very glance" - The other person's gaze is described as keeping the speaker's soul lit, suggesting that their presence and attention bring warmth, comfort, and vitality to the speaker's life. It could also highlight the transformative power of love, which has the ability to awaken and enliven the soul.

Line 12: "I was smiling looking at you, and my heart was in trance" - The speaker's response to the other person's presence is described as smiling and being entranced, suggesting a deep emotional connection and admiration. It could also indicate a state of being captivated and mesmerized by the other person, emphasizing the intensity of the emotions felt.

Line 13: "Post coffee when we chased the cleaning left aside" - After enjoying the coffee together, the speaker and the other person engage in the act of cleaning, possibly alluding to the idea of tidying up and addressing the neglected aspects of life. It could also symbolize the effort put into maintaining and nurturing the relationship, even in the midst of daily chores and responsibilities.

Line 14: "I held the sofa upturned for you to dust its insides" - The speaker holds the sofa upturned, possibly to assist the other person in cleaning its insides, suggesting a willingness to be supportive and helpful. It could also symbolize a willingness to reveal and address the hidden or neglected aspects of oneself in the context of the relationship.

Line 15: "I fell in love, over and again, and my heart knew" - The speaker expresses falling in love repeatedly, suggesting that the experience of love with this person is continuous and ongoing. It could also imply a deep emotional connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space. The phrase "my heart knew" could also suggest an intuitive and instinctive understanding of the significance of this love.

Line 16: "You were the wonder of my life, that turns everything anew" - The other person is described as the wonder of the speaker's life, implying a sense of awe, admiration, and amazement. Their presence is portrayed as transformative, capable of changing and renewing everything in the speaker's life. It could also suggest a sense of rebirth or rejuvenation brought about by the presence of this person.

Line 17: "Maybe the dust and grime should have been treasured" - The speaker reflects on the dust and grime that was cleaned earlier, suggesting that perhaps those neglected or overlooked aspects of life should have been cherished or valued. It could imply that in the pursuit of cleanliness or perfection, the imperfections and mundane aspects of life are often overlooked or dismissed.

Line 18: "To scatter around today, for we see each other no more" - The speaker expresses a sense of regret or loss, suggesting that the opportunity to cherish those moments with the other person is no longer available. The scattering of dust and grime could symbolize the scattering of memories or remnants of the past that could have been treasured.

Line 19: "The dust could maybe bring me back to your heart" - The dust, which was earlier cleaned, is now seen as a possible means to return to the other person's heart. It could imply a desire to reconnect or rekindle the relationship through cherished memories or shared experiences.

Line 20: "For this renewal of life has only broken me apart" - The speaker reflects on the renewal of life brought about by the presence of the other person, but also expresses a sense of brokenness or pain. It could suggest that despite the positive impact of the relationship, it has also caused emotional turmoil or heartbreak.

Writing Style: The poem employs a conversational and intimate tone, using simple and accessible language to express complex emotions and ideas. The use of vivid imagery such as the descriptions of the house being rebuilt, the pouring of coffee, and the act of cleaning, adds a sense of sensory experience and visual imagery to the poem. The use of first-person perspective and personal pronouns, such as "we," "my," and "you," creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the emotions and experiences of the speaker.

The poem also exhibits a sense of nostalgia and reflection, as the speaker looks back on past moments with the other person and contemplates the significance of those memories. There is a juxtaposition of ordinary, everyday activities such as cleaning and pouring coffee with deep emotional experiences of love, longing, and loss, creating a sense of emotional complexity and depth in the poem.

Similarities to 20th Century Poets: The poem shares similarities with poets of the 20th century who explored themes of love, intimacy, and the complexities of human emotions. The use of personal experiences and emotions to convey deeper truths, the emphasis on vivid imagery and sensory details, and the introspective and reflective tone are reminiscent of poets like Robert Frost, E.E. Cummings, and Langston Hughes. The focus on intimate moments and emotions within the mundane and ordinary aspects of life also echoes the style of poets from the confessional poetry movement, such as Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton.

Overall, "Treadmills" is a poem that explores the emotions and experiences of love, longing, and loss in a simple yet profound manner. The use of vivid imagery, intimate tone, and reflections on ordinary moments elevate the poem, while the themes and writing style share similarities with 20th century poets who delved into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.