जुस्तुजू

जिसकी जुस्तुजू थी, वह छूने को मिला मुझे
पर इस बहाने दुनिया देखने को मिला मुझे

रिश्तों में सुकून ढूंढकर काफी थक चुका -पर
हर शख्स की हैसियत देखने को मिला मुझे

बज़्म में अमन का कुछ काम नहीं होता है
तन्हा ही खुद को पहचानने को मिला मुझे

बरसात का साथ कुछ काम मत सोचो, यारों
बंजर धरती में भी बोनने को मिला मुझे

फरिश्तों की तलाशी ली मैंने पूरा साग़र में
क़दमों की निशान साहिल में देखने को मिला मुझे

बज़्म . -   Crowd
 शिनाख्त . - Identification
नौनिहाल - sapling

அடுக்காது

அடுக்காது , நான்
புன்வுறுவல்
புரிய முனைவது.

அப்புன்னகையில்
சோகத்தை
மறைக்க
முயல்வது.

வீட்டு மாடியில்
விளக்கேற்றி
வைத்துவிட்டு

காற்றிற்கு
தூது விட்டு
அழைப்பது .

வெற்றுச் சுவரில்
கண்ணை மட்டும்
கீறி விட்டு  

புதிய முகமொன்றைப் 
படைக்கப்
போராடுவது.

பாலையில்
பயணிக்க
முடிவுசெய்து, பின்

கானலில்
தாகத்தை
தீர்க்க முயலுவது.
  






  

hijr

I was reading some Urdu poetry.  Obviously, in Hindi script, since I do not know the read the Urdu script.

The word "hijr" came up, in one of the verses. Out of curiosity, I digged deeper. And understood, that, in the context of the poem, it meant " separated from loved ones" .

In Tamil Nadu, we call eunuchs or transgenders as அலி.   In North India, they are called Hijras. Quite often in a derogatory sense.

I realize something, when I put the words " hijr" and "hijra" together. A hijra may mean that the individual may be physically be separate ( ie, having a a separate identity) from near and dear ones.

But it also puts the larger societal practice of disowning the hijra infant in the picture. Throwing him/ her into dustbins, or in unattended places, fearing societal pressure and poverty. Hijr may then mean both a physical disconnect, as well as it's accompanied social ostracisation. I mean, the word by itself implies that they are to be disowned, unloved, and uncared for.

What is their fault, in all this, of DNA plays traunt? If genetics goes awry, why are these unfortunate people being punished?

Whenever I see a hijra ( அலி) , I feel really sorry for their plight.

"  TODAY, I FOUND A NEW-BORN BABY IN THE DUSTBIN.

HE NOW HAS A LITTLE SISTER, FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE".


Heart-wrenching

Passion for possessions

Something interesting had happened today.

One of our Sindhi neighbours had invited us for a Ganesh Puja/ Arathi. They do it in a grand manner, every year, spending loads of money, and preparing for the 9 day event.

While the prayers were on, I happened to notice this interesting pedestal for the God, in the photo above.
It looked so beautiful, and captured my attention instantaneously.

But, right at the same time, right in the midst of the prayers, a thought occurred to me:  " Wow! Looks so beautiful. I should perhaps buy a similar one".

Right at that moment, the pedestal had become an object of desire, something to be coveted, something for me to possess. It felt, just for a moment, as if my happiness solely lay in possessing that beautiful piece of art.

Of course, I was quick to pull myself back, from that thought train, and focus on the "task at hand" . After all, free Sindhi food was to follow soon . 😜😜

The larger question continues in my mind, well after the food had gone down the gullet- why cant humans simply marvel of things of beauty, without this intense, and almost obsessive, desire to possess it. Why do humans generally think that happiness lies in solely possessing it? I know I am not rich enough to buy a Lamborghini 🏎🏎, so I am quite comfortable admiring from afar. However, when I fancy even a remote chance of "owning it", why am I overpowered by a strong desire to possess it right-away?

Are humans generally prone to Obsessive Compulsive Disorders? 

Moot point.

Any thoughts?