My Poems

Infants gambol about their home With blooms and toys, But they return to mom's bosom For the real joys. Children frolic about the streams, In meads and hedges, But to their home they return for Their real flowerage. Youths do rush about crazy for World's whole treasure, But they return for real living To own life and career.  Adults get sunk into the labour With dedication, But this's the return to raise well Their own children.  The old trudge about the yard Of their nursing shed, But lastly they return for rest To their death bed. -- N. P. SAMAL 

Mom tells papa to bring home some tomatoes, But he gets home with a bagful of potatoes.  Papa says he will not take dinner because he is ill, Then at midnight he tells mom to cook for him a big meal. In the morning, mom prepares  horlicks for me, But papa drinks it up and tells he is sorry.  I whatsapp beautiful quotes to papa on the Father's Day, But he thinks this is my homework  for school essay.  When I whatsapp papa 'I love you' emojies, He thinks this is my homework  for school drawings.  When I tell papa my new dress 'on fire' (=fashionable), He runs to put out fire with a bucket of water. When I encourage papa, saying 'go off' (=rock on), He feels sad and hurriedly  gets off... But my papa is the best papa for me, For, in him dwells the God of humanity.                                        -- N P SAMAL 

                                    (1) When papa cheered on the night parrot🦜, Mama did wonder; Papa said, 'Long after it disappeared, now It does appear.' When papa cheered on the goblin shark🦈, Mama did wonder; Papa said, 'Long after it disappeared, now It does appear.' Mama said, 'When will, Mahatma Gandhi appear?' Papa laughed and said, 'A human, after death, returns never.'                                      (2) When papa grimaced at the giant panda🐼, Mama did wonder; Papa said, 'It will disappear forever  Sooner or later.' When papa grimaced at the snow leopard 🐆, Mama did wonder; Papa said, 'It will disappear forever  Sooner or later.' Mama tensely said, 'Will we, papa, disappear forever?' Papa laughed and said, 'I may, bu t my Mama will disappear never.' - N P SAMAL 

' Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama!', The beggar calls at the door; When Mama gives him food, He smiles and leaves full of cheer. 'Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama!', The hawker calls at the door; When Mama buys ice cream, He smiles and leaves full of cheer. 'Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama!', The fruiterer calls at the door; When Mama buys some fruit, He smiles and leaves full of cheer.  'Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama!', The sheep bleats at the door; When Mama gives some rice, It smiles and leaves full of cheer. 'Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama!', The crow caws at the door; When Mama gives some bread, It smiles and leaves full of cheer...  Many call Mama each morning n ot for business, But with a desire to see h er lucky face. - N P SAMAL 

I do remember the days  When I was Mama's age, I had not closed Alphabet; But now she writes stories, essays.  I do remember the days When I was Mama's age, I dared not alone to take a step; But now she shows me my ways. I do remember the days When I was Mama's age, I committed many mistakes; But now she rights me, and judges. I do remember the days  When I was Mama's age, I dreaded to open books; But now she reads nights and days. I do remember the days  When I was Mama's age, I dreaded to play games; But now she has won many prizes. I do remember the days When I was Mama's age, I failed to mean out words; But now she teaches me language.  I do remember the days  When I was Mama's age, I couldn't make out my youth; But now she can make the images -- A new sun, new moon, next age. - N P SAMAL 

Mama's God is not Hindu or Christian, Nor Muslim, Sikh, of any other religion; Mama's God is made of humanity, A true human is her Almighty.  Mama's God lives not in a shrine -- Any temple, mosque or church buildin'; Mama's God lives in each human -- A child, an old, a beģgar, or a poor man. Mama's God teaches her not violence, Intolerance, hatred, bigotry or biases; Mama's God teaches her love, justice, Truth, honesty, kindness and peace. Mama's God stalls not mind or muscle, Nor makes her fatalistic and idle; Mama's God feeds her, grows her,  Gives her strength to live with cheer, forever.  - N P SAMAL 

When the mind is pure and pious, At peace and oneness with others; In that mind, God lives, Always lives, always lives. When the heart is true and just, With love, kindness, value of trust; In that heart, God lives, Always lives, always lives. When the body is bright and clean, With sacredness of a shrine; In that body, God lives, Always lives, always lives. If mind sees, heart feels, and body serves, For the person all good, all righteous; In that person, God lives, Always lives, always lives. - N P SAMAL 

Come back, come back, come back, son! Dogs are moaning, Your mother is dying; Your father is gone. Your father is gone. Come back, come back, come back, son! Death is stalking, Darkess is growing; Rises not sun. Rises not sun. Come back, come back, come back, son! Wind is not blowing, Leaves are not coming; Many winters gone. Many winters gone. Come back, come back, come back, son! My arms are dropping, My bosom is drying; I can't be alone. I can't be alone. Come back, come back, come back, son! My breath is stopping, My skin is cooling; My coffin is done. My coffin is done. - N P SAMAL 

Help him, help him, help him live, He is Aayush, the orphan boy; He has none for his health to give, Give him foods, give him soy. Help him, help him, help him play, He is Aayush, the orphan boy; He has none for game and glee, Give him friendship, give him toy. Help him, help him, help him grow, He is Aayush, the orphan boy; He has none for his wants to know, Give him his needs, give him joy. Help him, help him, help him learn, He is Aayush, the orphan boy; For his needs, he has none, Give him books, give him way. - N P SAMAL 

The trumpet makes tootle-trill To charm the listeners, But they don't listen long, as It turns monotonous.  The drum makes crack and clap To charm the listeners, But they don't listen long, as It turns monotonous.  The tabla makes bass and stroke To charm the listeners, But they don't listen long, as It turns monotonous.  The guitar makes woogah-woogah To charm the listeners, But they don't listen long, as It turns monotonous.  The cymbals make clang and crash To charm the listeners, But they don't listen long, as It turns monotonous... Each one wants to be a charmer But turns charmless, And feels embarrassed, alone, And soundless. The harmony, then, groups them all To play a chorus, Then they find they're honored with Rush of listeners.  -- N P SAMAL 

Mama says 'No!' to monkey who wants To go to her school, The monkey gets piqued and makes  'Growl, growl, growl!'. Mama says 'No!' to squirrel who wants To go to her school, The squirrel gets piqued and makes 'Growl, growl, growl!'. Mama says 'No!' to parrot who wants  To go to her school, The parrot gets piqued and makes  'Growl, growl, growl!'. Mama says 'No!' to sparrow who wants To go to her school, The sparrow gets piqued and makes 'Growl, growl, growl!'. But all her friends do go behind her As she leaves home, And look at her through the window From outside the classroom.  Mama angrily tells them to go back  From her school, But they get piqued and make 'Growl, growl, growl!'. - N P SAMAL 

One day, Mama bought a locket Of Lord Ram, And two more for her friends  Mary and Sabnam. Her friends were delighted for her Love and affection, But they didn't take the locket For their religion.  Sabnam was a Muslim girl, Mary was a Christian; They begged Mama's forgiveness  For their rejection.  Mama was shocked to know such Discrimination, And threw away her own locket For such provision.  Then, she promised not to use  Any Hindu emblem, And to eradicate such practices  Of communalism. Mary and Sabnsm were quite impressed  With Mama's true nature; They also took oath to do the same With her together.  - N P SAMAL 

"Ah, honeysuckle!...honeysuckle!", Mama cried in pain When a goat ate up the shrub In her garden. Then she prayed to God, in anger, To punish that pitiless creature.  "Ah, poor goat!...poor goat!", Mama cried in pain When a wolf ate up the goat In her garden.  Then she prayed to God, in anger, To punish that pitiless creature.  "Ah, poor wolf!...poor wolf!", Mama cried in pain When a tiger ate up the wolf Behind her garden.  Then she prayed to God, in anger, To punish that pitiless creature.  "Ah, poor tiger!... poor tiger!", Mama cried in pain  When she found the tiger dead Behind her garden.  Then she prayed to God, in anger, To punish that pitiless offender... Mama does cry for each one killed  And curse each killer, But little Mama knows not this is The handiwork of Nature. - N P SAMAL 

One day, her teacher told Mama  To draw her father; When Mama drew him out, He looked to be the Creator.  One day, her teacher told Mama  To draw her mother; When Mama drew her out, She looked to be the Nature.  One day, her teacher told Mama  To draw a woman; When Mama drew her out, She looked to be a swan. One day, her teacher told Mama  To draw Dr. Radhakrishnan; When Mama drew him out, He looked to be an ocean. One day, her teacher told Mama  To draw R. N. Tagore; When Mama drew him out, He looked to be her teacher. One day, her teacher told Mama  To draw her best teacher; When Mama drew it out, It looked her own picture... Mama's drawings for the students, Were each a fun; But her teacher was astonished At her imagination.  - N P SAMAL 

I shall be human, I shall be human, Not inhuman to others; I shall belong, I shall belong, Not be strange to others. I shall intuit, I shall intuit, Not pursuit others; I shall create, I shall create, Not clash with others. I shall derive, I shall derive, Not deprive others; I shall donate, I shall donate, Not exploit others. I shall be kind, I shall be kind, Not rude to others; I shall be polite, I shall be polite, Not impolite to others. I shall love, I shall love, Not hate others; I shall care, I shall care, Not ignore others. I shall be moral, I shall be moral, Not immoral to others; I shall help out, I shall help out, Not hinder others. I shall strive, I shall strive, Not bank on others; I shall conquer, I shall conquer, Not be failure for others. - N P SAMAL 

Daily graves, daily funerals, But life goes on; Deaths thwart again and again, But life goes on. Before birth, child dies, But life goes on; Leaving new-born, parents die, But life goes on. Son dies before the dying old parents, But life goes on; A day after marriage, husband dies, But life goes on. Your kith and kin betray you, But life goes on; Shocks and insults pound you, But life goes on. Accidents bag death after death, But life goes on; Bombs blow our body into pieces, But life goes on. Through wars, murders, riots, ruins, Life goes on; And droughts,floods, storms, quakes, But life goes on. Through pains, poverty, afflictions, Life goes on; Through falls, fractures, traumas, Life goes on. Through rises, falls, drags, pushes, Life goes on; With tears, smiles, doubts, defiance, Life goes on. Limping, hopping, walking, running, Life goes on; Goes on, goes on, goes on, goes on, Life goes on... - N P SAMAL

We all feel various pains from mini to maiming; They're all a part of life as cronies  of living. Pains do cleave to life from birth to death; Some pains do spread on skin and some beneath. Pains of bones, of muscles and of organs, Pains of mind from losses, from worries and wants. Pains do endless roar as human cries and lows; Cease not self-made wounds and  those by the foes. We heal some, bear some, from some we get no riddance, Yet some pains grow on and bring more malignants. By dint of money, you may put pains on hold; Can you escape the dying pains of the old? Life as a mortal treaty, has pains and penance, And there is no life and living with no sufferance.  - N P SAMAL 

There's a giant living in you - Asleep in you, awake in you - I see a giant living in you. There's a giant living in you - Goes with you, comes with you - I see a giant living in you. He has got a hideous build Of all sins of the vicious wild, To hear he's rude, to see weird.  He gets to eat all savage feed Of envy, conceit, anger and greed; He grows in you with animal creed. In blaze of intolerance, he boils, Hatred and revenge, he breathes And on prowl to create violence.  Unkind, unsparing is he ever, Without gains, he loves me never, And my pains, he fetes over. He does wish I bow to you, He does wish I obey you, Unjust or just, whatever are you. He wants to dominate the whole - Immovables, movables - all things, sole; He wants to lord over all mortals. Then - I'm shocked to see a giant in me, What I do to you, when so you do to me; To destroy you, the giant gets ready. Now - I see a giant in every other  And so, we do fight each other  And are doomed to hell - a...

At eighty of her age, on a night, Mama's grandma died; Papa cried, mom cried, all cried, So Mama cried. Next day, Mama asked her mom, "Where's grandma gone?" Mom, with tearful eyes, said, "She's gone to heaven." "Where's heaven, mom?", asked Mama eagerly; "There's it, above our head.", said Her mom straightly. "Wow, so grand and beautiful  The heaven is!", Looking heavenward, Mama said  With kind of a craze. "There must be lots of goodies  For my grandma!"; "Yes, yes, there're so many goodies  For her, Mama.", Her mom responded positively, As Mama went on, "Won't you go, mom, to the grand And beautiful heaven?" Bemused with Mama's question, Mom giggled and said, "Sure, my love, some day I'll go  To that heavenly guild." Little Mama, so naive to follow Her mom's euphemism, Said,"Will you go alone, mom? Won't I go with you, mom?" Mom's heart ...

One day, Mama stepped on a cobra While playing in the farm; But the snake moved away, Doing Mama no harm. One day, Mama slipped off While playing on the roof; But she was caught mid-air By a monkey troop. One day, Mama fell into the well While playing with her friend; But water soon dried up And she stood on the sand. One day, Mama's dress caught fire While lighting a lamplet, But before fire touched her skin, It got put out. Water, fire, snake, or accident, Or any other danger, Has never harmed my Mama  For her divine nature.  -- N P SAMAL 

One day, the school was running  As usual; Teachers were taking classes - all Individual.  The April sun had surpassed Ten o'clock; Bright looked all classrooms - Sunlight struck. Suddenly the whole things turned Utterly dark; So fast did clouds swallow the sky, None could mark. Struck thunders, struck lightning, Heavy fell raindrops; Gusts of wind hit windows, doors; Students sat awestruck.  But Mama didn't swerve a bit Against any danger, For, school walls stood like a fort, So were windows, doors. Yet, she, each passing moment, Grew more impatient; And cried loudly to the surprise of The teacher and students.  Before anyone knew the reason, Stopped the thunderstorm; Mama stormed out of school  And ran towards home. Wading, hopping, running through  Pools and piles on road, Mama got home and rushed straight  To the backyard.  In dread she shook, as buffeted  Was her whole garden, And her all beloved friends were Nowhere around seen. She loo...

One day, Mama had a fever at A high temperature, That she couldn't open her eyes, Nothing she could utter. Her parents called in a doctor  Who innspected her And detected that her fever  Was very severe. So, strong doses of medicines He prescribed for And advised complete bed rest One-month long and more. When Mama realized this, she Had a strong fear, Not for her health, but loss of Her school she'd suffer. "Chirp! Chirp!", a sparrow flew in Through the open door, Then monkey, squirrel, pigeon And every other. All her friends from her garden Rushed to her With their songs, wishes, prayers  For her cure. To people's wonder, next day, She had no fever, And she went to school with all Her friends behind her. - N P SAMAL 

There was a boy called Loon in Mama's neighborhood, Who habitually did wrongs And was very crude. He would use foul words and Behave vulgarly And make sundry mischiefs  Daily and nightly.  He read in Mama's school  But was a truant And moved here and there Like a vagrant. With bad older boys, he'd take Ganja and heroin, In his tiny belly, he'd guzzle  Litres of wine. He'd harm animals and birds And destroy plants, Over no reason, he'd quarrel  And create disturbance. A nut, loon, idiot, foul-up...he  Was every bad figure; Because he was a small boy, People would endure. His doting parents were blind To his wrongful acts And would brazen it out if You made complaints. Because he was their only child, They'd pamper him, And provide nourishment to his Each destructive whim. Suddenly, one day, Loon fell Seriously I'll; Despite all treatments, his  Illness wouldn't heal. And he died in hospital after A long suffering; Many years has past, his parents Are ...

Jema reads in Standard Four, grandpa is fifty four; They always play together as student and teacher.  Grandpa becomes a student, Jema his teacher, Both play pranks in the class on each other.  "Have you done your homework?", gravely Jema says; "Sorry, Ma'am! I was ill yesterday.", grandpa apologizes.  "Okay, d'you obey your parents?", Jema enquires; "Yes, Ma'am, very.", grandpa says in his response.  "Good boy!", Jema approves of grandpa's character; "Ma'am, may I ask you a question?", grandpa does counter.  "Yes, you may ask, but tomorrow  I'll answer; Now you go home, your today's  class is over.", c unningly Jema defers. -- N P SAMAL 

Jema loves to play pranks  on her grand father Who's fifty four but behaves like a child of four.  When grandpa till late morning  doesn't awake, She puts a plastic snake on him and shouts, "Snake! Snake!" She puts a plastic mosquito on the grandpa's back, "Oh, how much blood it's drunk!", she shouts at wisecrack . She puts an air horn on the seat of grandpa's chair, When he sits,"You farted! You farted!", she shouts in cheer. When grandpa goes to watch TV  in the evening, She hides the remote and says it's gone outside for playing. While grandpa is sleeping with his mouth open, She puts ice cream into his mouth  and shouts, "A fun! A fun!" She puts a plastic apple in grandpa's breakfast plate And laughs out loud when on it he takes a greedy bite... Many such pranks, Jema plays on her grand father  Who behaves like a child of four, but he is fifty four.  -- N P SAMAL 

Jema loves her grandpa who is fifty four And always behaves like a child of four.  He plays Jema's student  also her teacher, And plays pranks on her like a prankster. While Jema is fast getting ready  for her school, He hides her shoes and stockings  in his towel.  When Jema gets pocket money  from her parents, He asks her to buy him beer and cigarettes.  While Jema at her study table is getting a short snooze, He puts a feather or something  into her nose. While Jema on her toy guitar  is playing a tune, He hides behind her and sounds meow, meow, meow... While Jema in garden is feeding sparrows and crows, He hiding under a bush sounds bow, bow, bow... Jema gets angry over each mischief  grandpa makes, But soon she does laugh out loud as he waves chocolates. A lot does Jema love her grandpa  who is fifty four, Though he always behaves like  a child of four. -- N P SAMAL 

I SEE YOU -- On the edge of cliff On the roof of reef Down melting glacier  Your head in mouth of man-eater; I SEE YOU -- In front of speeding train  On fins of flying plane  At every low and height On wings of Time's each flight; I SEE YOU -- With rising-and-setting sun At bright-and-tawny horizon  With living-nonliving-all matters In your palm is the whole universe... I SO SEE -- Your selfies your greener pasture  Your selfies your basic shelter -- In your selfies your each posture In your selfies your each gesture  In shows of your each cut manner Stately does stand the vogue Nature -- So worth-some, so unique, so sole So unbeatable for one and all -- With looming of your self In picture-perfect statuettes  Taller, larger, fancier you stand  Than all humanity's greats. THEN I SEE -- Each of your selfie has your picture  With kind of a grin weird and insecure! Your selfies have turned all bone dry Clouds of Autumn do not spray  Your ho...

I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I can see, smell and feel And I can hear. I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I do cry, sing and laugh  And I have anger. I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I'm a human, like you, Though you abhor. I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I do live on your wastes, But I don't abhor. I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I've grown in garbage dumps, In sling of my mother.  I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker, I'm with my nasty brethren, In this putrid squalor.  I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; Like hens, crows, vultures, I'm a scavenger.  I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; Source of my life and growth  In this daily litter. I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I've got to work through rags To quench my hunger. I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; A victim of dumping yards As well as a victor.  I'm a rag-picker, I'm a rag-picker; I'll one day ...

We are one, we are one, Diverse however  By creeds, sects, religions, Castes and colors.  We are one, we are one, Though we differ, Like colors of the rainbow  All together.  We are one, we are one, All a union, Like musical notes of a Lovely nocturn. We are one, we are one, Despite difference, Like marigold, rainbow rose, Or peacock iridescence.  We are one, we are one, All in one home - Children of one mother in Entire macrocosm.  We are one, we are one, The cogs of Creator, Or building blocks of this Unique Nature.  - N P SAMAL 

There's the open sky over my head, The celestial home with endless spread; When I look deep into the yon, I get drenched in a fascination.  There's the open sky beautiful and bold, All heavenly charms, it firm does hold, That I long for its soft touches And to hold it in my embrace.  There's the open sky deep and wide, On flights of wind I wish to ride Through white clouds and  flocks of birds, Into serene blue's cosy innards. There's the open sky cool and calm, As I stare at, it sprinkles a balm Over my body, mind and soul, Permeating through the triadic whole. There's the open sky kind and gracious, It spreads its love pure and pious; Sucks in all mundane rows and roars, And blessings and bliss on earth pours. There's the open sky lavish and grand, Rich in marvels this celestial land; With starry blossoms, lunar blooms, Iridescence of its sunny plume. There's the open sky days and nights, With world's all Empyrean delights; Permeates a subtle force...

Let's be free from the shakles  Of self and biases, Of castes, colors, cessations, Of conflicts and clashes; Let's break the bondage of  Dogmas and divisions, Of spite, untruth, violence, Of sects and religions. Let's be free from the clutches Of  ego and ignorance, Of envy, anger, hatred, cruelty  And intolerance; Let's break free from the shell Of  falsehood and defiance, Of delusion, superstition, schism, Of pride and insolence.  Let's not admit to the weight  Of lures and luxuries, Of wants, desires, illusion,  Of lies and vagaries; Let's not admit to pressure of  Bribes and nepotism, Of powers, injustice, threats, Of greeds and groupism. Let's spread ourselves with Light of the sun, Let's flow with water to the Boundless ocean; Let's fly in the heaven with The wings of wind, From earth to sky to universe  Let's ourselves find. Let's reside in the freedom of Divinity, Of love, truth, peace, kindness  And humanity; Let's flight t...

When Mama finds smiles on your face, She smiles sweetly with divine grace. When Mama finds tears on your eyes, She feels a strong pity and tearfully cries. When Mama finds values in your words, She accepts your words as her standards.   When Mama finds values in your work, She imprints your work as a footmark. When Mama finds you are kind to all, She wishes you are safe from evils all. When Mama finds you are ever peaceful, She wishes for your life be all beautiful.  When Mama finds your love for all, She wishes none to you be unjust at all. When Mama finds in you all good manners, She wishes one and all be your followers.  When Mama finds all virtues in you, She figures out you as God's view. Always She wishes to be one like you, And be an icon of each human virtue. - N P SAMAL 

How people for life do vilely vie, When each one will one day die! How people be spiteful and selfish,  When they live on common service! How people think themselves wisest, When wisdom comes from the rest! How people crave for worldly things, When the things have short lastings! How people make gangs and foes, When each comes alone, alone goes! How people do have evil biases, When they believe in divine graces! How people turn against others' soul, When soul belongs to Supreme Soul! How people madly laugh at others, When they do shed their own tears! How people don't forgive others, When they themselves do all wrongs! How people break laws, and truth, When none has true rights and ruth! How people commit inhuman deeds, When they rejoice over human breeds! How people do endlessly wish for, When dreams come, then disappear! How people wish for immortality, When they kill the Soul of Divinity! How people draw a foolproof life, When life is fitful, weird and brief! How people figh...

How all take birth and how they all die, How youngs become old and weak one day! How flowers blossom and how  fruit grow, How some trees grow tall, how some low! How some live in water and some in the land, How some swim and some walk,  run and stand! How birds have wings and how  they fly, How some fly low and how some  fly high! How some animals live and die  in jungles, How some live with humans in  towns and vills! How some animals feed on leaves  and grass, How some animals feed on other animals! How some species are strong and powerful, How some species are powerless and feeble! How some are big like elephants  and whales, How some are small like moths, bugs and cells! How some are always angry and violent, How some are always calm and innocent! How some are friendly always to each other, How some are hostile always to each other! How lives are all diverse from one another, How all have same birth and death, however! - N P SAMAL 

"I am a girl!", Mama shouts w ith joy When she hears the valor of Rani Lakshmi Bai.  "I am a girl!", Mama shouts w ith buoy When she hears the spirit of Malala Yousafzai.  "I am a girl!", Mama shouts w ith zeal When she hears the service of Florence Nightingale.  "I am a girl!", Mama shouts w ith glee When she hears the resolve of Marie Curie...  Mama hears about  great women everyd ay; On each great woman, shouts she Proud, glad, and gay.  She vows to be a g reat woman o ne day, And prove that a girl is greater Th an a boy.                                                   -- N P Samal

Mama sees all her friends Cute, comely and coy, And asks them if they see her Cute, comely and coy.  Mama feels all her friends Gentle and innocent, And asks them if they feel her Gentle and innocent.  Mama hears their voices  Soft, sweet and shy, And asks them if  her voice is Soft, sweet and shy.  "In each, you're better than us.", Her friends reply, "You're kidding me!", Mama says Smiling and shy.  Away from her friends, Mama  Feels lonesome and sad, And asks them if they feel As lonesome and sad.  "We feel more lonesome and sad!", Her friends reply, "You're kidding me!", she says Smiling and shy.  - N P SAMAL 

Life is a matter, yet illusory It feels, Or an illusion, through matters It deals; Our ease, owes, body, bones,  All possessions : Each from nowhere, to nowhere  Returns. Life is transitory; and ordinary, And strange, Each instant feels undying, Each gets a change; Whatever we now own, then them We disown, And after we disown, back them We own. But when we die, we lose us, all, Forever, And do never return be a human Or monster; For, death is a flight of life from Each resource, Back to soil, air, water and fire-- Life's true source.  With the law of the Ultimate,  None can dispute, Kings, dictators, demons, who'er-- Divine or brute. - N P SAMAL   

One day I dreamt I was  Sachin Tendulkar, Then I did take oath to be  A great cricketer. One day I dreamt I was  Kishore Kumar, Then I did take oath to be A great singer.  One day I dreamt I was Uday Shankar, Then I did take oath to be A great dancer. One day I dreamt I was  Louis Pasteur, Then I did take oath to be A great inventor. One day I dreamt I was  A police officer, Then I did take oath to be one To grind each offender. One day I dreamt I was an Indian soldier, Then I did take oath to be one To win each war... All dreams have died now One after another, And I'm going to die as a Non-achiever. - N P SAMAL 

Wildly, I've reveled at the sight Of  blooms and berries, And sailed down swift streams With no worries.  Gayly I've played up and down The bubbly rocks, And swung by the banyan roots Over swamps and crocks. I've enjoyed songs of birds From trees and hedges, And chased down butterflies  Among reeds and roses. With joys and zest, I've guzzled  Junks, drugs and drinks And sweared heavily at others Round, round my swings.  Sitting on the big cat's back, Standing on summit, I've shouted, I've dictated, By right, by conceit.  From dreaming by the day to Dreaming by the night, Many a promise I've made to Break through the limit. From land to sky to sea, like  Ruler of The Three, I've looked down upon others All and sundry.  If I'd conquer time and death And live forever, I've, so, grown, glorified me, Defiant to future. Today, I'm shocked at me as a Phantom on mirror, Body shakes, heart shrinks, In fatigue and fear. Ground are my age and bones,...

Fingers at work on the guitar,  Thinks up the musician  In quest of notes and tones To create immortal rendition.  The painter has sunk deep The bristles of vision To pull out new colors  Of the progressive Creation.  Rapt are they in their work,  The rest in oblivion; Through their work,  They do bring whole revolution.  Inspire do they, charm do they, With their perfection, For, their work is given  In the interest o f civilization.  Apostles are they, they bring Transformation; The world is at the feet  Of these votaries of PERFECTION.                                                  -- N P SAMAL 

Sitting on a tree branch, Thinks a kingfisher, "How can fish survive  In airless water?" Then, in a wishful mind, He thinks on, "Did I live in water, many I'd feast on." Looking up into the sky, Thinks a dolphin, "How can birds fly in air With their 'fins'?" Then, in a wishful mind, He thinks on, "Did I fly in sky, I'd flee Shark invasion." Many wishes are made  In many a  mind and mood, But all are caught forever  In o wn life or food. - N P SAMAL 

An aeroplane rises up to a height, But a rocket rises up above it; A camel runs to a length forward, But a horse runs to a farther yard; A white shark dives deep into sea, But a whale dives into deeper belly : There're heights in the air, There're lengths straight afar, There're depths in the Nether : There're limits we reach or never. A depth, a length, a height, however; To our limit we dive, run, or soar. Whither we dive, whither we soar, Whither we rise; we must know before.  You may win over others however, But your own limit you can't better. - N P SAMAL 

Tribals grow among trees, Among beasts, birds and bees, Moors, meads and mountains, Farms, falls and fountains. Roots, nuts, fruits and honey... Everything grows like money; In love and rearing by Nature, They've got a caring mother. Birds sing in sweet refrains, Plants offer grains and gains, Flowers bloom with balmy smells - Roses, lilies and bluebells.  Cool and cozy grass and green, Water, air, all pure and clean; Sun, moon, heaven and stars Touch mangroves, palms, cedars. Rainy, spring and summer, Autumn, due and winter; Nature changes sweetly ever For their fortune round the year. There's no rich or poor, No biases of castes or colors, No demeanor or dishonor, All are equal and together.  They are on their means and ways, They serve themselves nights and days, They are content with what hours pay, Virtues they obey and live thereby. Before they go to sleepy rest, They revel at the nightly fest Over gruels of lentils and jawars, Over country ale and game roosters.  T...