An explosion of joy erupted in her heart,

At the birth of life in her womb.

She is elated and exalted at the fortune,

She’s been called to be a part-taker in creation

Each passing month makes going tougher

Every sleepless night made her tired

As the little one playfully kicks and moves

An array of hope streaked on her face

Everyday therefore became a special day

For she knows, she’s no more the same

The agony, anxiety and terror

Became tears of joy at the birth.

The pain unbearable bore she to tell you

"I love you"

Every warm tear rolled by my cheek

Every whipping thought flashed through my mind

Every dusk of my day made me weak

Every one whom I came across was no mild.

The repressed pain of my mind reflected

The last drop of my burning joy

The lonely petal of my heart released

Mighty waves of unending cry.

Knowing not what happened I cried.

Whole world turned its back on me I felt

Wanting to know the meaning of life, I prayed

I knew at last, love is the ever-lasting joy I cherished.

Every singing bird taught me the music

Every wagging flower taught me to live

Every shining star made me rejoice

Every smiling face asked me love.

Smiling even at the face of cruelty,

Makes you and me remarkable.

Loving others makes the life lively,

Serving others makes life meaningful

 The entire mood of nature had transferred from a state of sober and slumber to sudden burst of bustle. There was a sudden gush of cool air streaming all over. The clouds in their black jackets had enveloped the clear sky. At last, there were drops and drops showering down. No sooner the dry, parched lips of earth sucked the first drop than there followed an array of hefty, round rolls of water splashing against the sulking face of the earth.

 In fact, when I woke up this morning listening to the platter of rain I felt like standing by the window enjoying the cool breeze that went caressed me for a long time. For, this marvelous blessing of the heaven does captivate me. And truly enough, it did not let me go even as Mr. Ranga Babu, head of the English department and lecturer in English, was describing how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth had plotted to assassinate King Duncan during our Special English class.  I could see myself staring out from the classroom at the outburst of the sky with my eyes dancing along those pearly drops as they splashed around.

 It was indeed a celebrating time for those who love rain. And I do not think anybody would have sung ‘rain rain go away..’ even when people were stranded because of the incessant rain. But instead, many would have preferred a day out in the rain- I was not an exception.

 Take a break to enjoy life

 It was a thrilling experience for me when I walked under the naked sky that was pouring water all over me. Needles to say very seldom people like to get wet in the rain. We preferably avoid the risk of walking down the road in the muddy water. We are afraid that we might fall sick. Therefore , we quietly refrain from all these and confine ourselves into our stuffy rooms in front of mind-boggling problems. We are satisfied with the monotonous, boring stuff. Nobody wants to take a leave from the daily routine and enjoy life. To get wet.

We have no time for enjoying a rain, for appreciating a flower, to be eluded by a butterfly, to marvel at a rainbow. Nature has purposely decked herself with such soothing attires. But we are too busy to take note of all that until we get some terminal illness or end up at the table of a psychiatrist. Spend time with nature and you will experience a dramatic change in your life. It is now you can bring about change in your life, not tomorrow.

                                                                          Deepu Paul

SOCIETY OF ST PAUL: There was a man, who was so filled with despondency that he decided to commit suicide. He started his long walk across the city towards the bridge, which was to be his jumping-off place. However, he promised himself that if he met one smiling, happy, friendly-looking person on the way, he would turn back from his harsh errand. Oddly, the story ends without answering the question, whether or not he could save his life. The tale however poses a question; one of those haunting personal questions; which pop into the mind now and then. If that man had met you, would he have turned back and taken up his life with a measure of courage? Well, would he? It might sound quite silly and you may say ‘I am happy, can’t you see?’ We are all busy striving to make our lives as happy and comfortable as possible. We are so busy attaining this goal that there is no time for us to spend with ourselves. If I ask you, how many of you could have helped that man take a u-turn in his life, I am sure most of us would hesitate for a moment before giving an answer. In fact, it is very difficult for many of us to smile or laugh readily and openly. We have kept ourselves so solemn and serious that even the comedians will be scared of coming near us, fearing that we would brainwash them. The older we get the more somber we become.

Be different

The smile, that is really genuine, is something that springs from within. It will not only enhance our appearance but will enrich our lives and also the lives of those with whom we come into contact. Of course, people can be difficult and may never wear a smile on their face. But we can be different. If you look for a smiling face to give a smile be sure you are out on an endless journey. Smile at the world and you will see everyone smiling back at you. You put on a long face and you will see how the world is sneering at you. Now, “it is all in the way you look at it” as the Roman philosopher, Epictetus said. If you have a smileless face, reflecting the state of our heart, you are sure to find many smileless faces on your way. On the other hand, flash a smile at someone, even if she/he is a stranger to you or even let him/her be a bully looking stranger you will be surprised to see him surprised and trying to reply with a smile. Do you want to make the world smile? Smile at yourself and then at those around you. Remember the two men who looked out of the prison bars; one saw mud while the other saw the stars. Look at the better side of everything and you have it.

Do you not feel more relaxed when you smile? A warm smile on your face surely makes you someone accepted in a group. A smiling person will have a wider circle of friends than a serious-looking person can ever have. You can never be charming until you learn to smile readily. Can you ever think of a gloomy and charming person? People become approachable and look younger when they smile. After all, it is the easiest medium by which we can communicate. Moreover, it is the only language that is used all over and understood by all. And of course, it is all free of cost, so why not start smiling?

deepu ssp