Geetima Baruah Sarma, 21 january 2014
Dew-drops,
Adorn a morn,
Glitter like pearls,
Cling on to cobwebs,
Rest on petals and grass,
As if to herald the golden sun,
And shine with a bright sparkle.
[Published in 'HighOnPoems' on 21 January 2014]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 4 january 2014
Days pass by
and I sometimes
wonder...
Why do we do
certain things?
Helping an old man
to cross the street
and helping a child
who has lost his way.
Perhaps, for the
love of mankind
and sympathy
towards one another,
that we go forward
to extend
a helping hand
even to a stranger.
[Published in 'Induswomanwriting.com' in January 2014 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 3 january 2014
He left his footprints,
For us to trail,
His legacy unparalleled,
‘Mahapurush’ we hail.
Born at Bordowa,
Nurtured by his grandmother,
A child prodigy,
His pilgrimage thereafter.
Founded a new cult,
'Ek Saran Naam Dharma',
Preached doctrines of 'Vaishnavism',
Set up 'Namghar' and 'Satra'.
Composed devotional songs 'Borgeet',
Wrote 'Bhakti Ratnakar', 'Kirtan Ghosha',
Created one act plays 'Ankiya-Naat',
Innovated the dance form 'Satriya'.
An inspiration for all,
A great humanitarian he was,
Enriched Assamese culture and literature,
Lived for hundred and eighteen years.
He is Srimanta Sankardev,
An outstanding personality ever,
A versatile genius of creativity,
The saint, scholar, and reformer.
[Published in ‘iBuzzle’ on 3 January 2014]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 4 november 2013
She kept awake
whole night long,
her eyelids
refused to bow
and a thought
whirled
round and round.
Seconds, minutes
and hours gone,
slumber stood
at the threshold,
the moon sailed
through the sky
reflecting light
all around
but her thought
recurred
round and round.
She felt miserable
and it seemed as if
huge black curtains
were forcefully
pulled before her,
blocking her vision
of radiant light,
leaving her
farthest behind,
leaving her
all alone,
all by herself.
[Published in 'Induswomanwriting.com' in November 2013 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 23 october 2013
Do we analyse what we lack?
Do we judge where we stand?
We feel uncomfortable seeing others
Standing on pedestals.
We try to pull them down
Instead of pulling ourselves up.
A sand-clock looks
Half full and half empty.
Why not try to fill up the void?
Perhaps we lack an asset.
The asset of courage,
The courage to move forward,
To judge ourselves,
To assess where we lack.
[Published in 'Fire Bird Poetry' on 23 October 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 10 october 2013
O winged ones,
You come in thousands
From distant lands
To enjoy the cool lap
Of the winter season
And enjoy your sojourn.
Don’t you feel weary
Flying across the miles?
I overwhelm with
Feelings of wonder
As I observe your unity,
Strength and splendour.
[Published in 'PoemsClub.com' on 10 October 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 8 october 2013
Time waits for none,
A moment if we shun,
We'll find the difference,
Its worth, packed with chance.
It can make us or mar us,
Every second depends on us,
Whether we plan properly,
Or be idle, lazy and sleepy.
It's certainly a great healer,
Also life's best teacher,
The perfect time is the present,
To utilise it and win a present.
[Published in 'Fire bird poetry' on 7 October 2013 and 'PoemsClub.com' on 9 October 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 1 october 2013
Born to our great motherland India,
We regard you as 'Father of the Nation'.
Your greatness was your simplicity,
Your life was an example of integrity.
You followed the teachings of ‘Gita’,
Kabiguru entitled you ‘Mahatma’.
Gandhiji, we love to call you ‘Bapu’,
We, the nation, pay homage to you.
[Published in ‘iBuzzle’ on 1 October 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 24 september 2013
We are born free,
Yet find ourselves,
Fastened with shackles.
Attachments confine us,
Inflict pain at times,
A search for solace sometimes.
We yearn to break free,
Escape and flee,
To somewhere unknown.
But can we live alone,
Or can we stay long,
In a place unknown?
Responsibilities summon us,
Relationships beckon us,
To bring us back to reality.
[Published in 'Boloji.com' on 23 September 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 10 september 2013
Season’s yield,
Granaries filled,
Mid-January,
Festival Bhogali.
Uruka evening,
Enjoyment and feasting,
Building the Bhelaghar,
Pranks with the neighbour.
The morning after,
Obeisance to the God of fire,
Burning the tall Meji,
Made of bamboo and paddy.
Sunga pitha, kaath aloo,
Customary delights of Magh Bihu,
With friends and families,
Flavours of Assamese delicacies.
[Published in ‘Poetreecreations’ on 8 September 2013]
Short note: Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival of Assam, a state of north-east India. The festival is celebrated in mid-January, marking the end of the harvest season. Bhogali means feasting and enjoyment. It is also known as Magh Bihu as celebrations are held in the month of Magh, the tenth month of the Assamese calendar. On the eve known as Uruka, people gather for a community feast with friends and families. A variety of dishes that include meat and fish are cooked over wood flame. Using bamboo and paddy, a temporary hut called Bhelaghar and a tall structure known as Meji are built. Merriment continues throughout the night as youths play pranks like stealing vegetables from the neighbour’s garden. Next morning, offerings are made to the God of fire and people enjoy the traditional delicacies like sunga pitha, kaath aloo etc.
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 4 september 2013
Dark clouds of depression
loomed in her mind,
followed by long sighs,
accompanied by sobs.
Few minutes later,
came a heavy downpour
of salty water,
continuing for an hour.
The clock ticked
and as the cell beeped,
a smile peeped
through the wet cheeks.
Had she gone out of her mind
or was there a reason for it?
A misunderstanding?
A coincidence, that's it!
The name announced on media,
a deceased victim of the blast,
matched with the name
that was close to her heart.
Relief approached
as she answered the beep,
sent to her by one
who was close indeed.
[Published in ‘Indus woman writing’ in September 2013 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 22 august 2013
Through an introspection,
One can analyze any reaction.
Situations remain the same,
But we try to put the blame.
When do we feel good?
When do we behave rude?
When everything goes our way,
We feel good, happy, and gay.
If anything turns turtle,
We become unstable.
Circumstances make us dependent.
But, don’t we like to be independent?
Well, attitude should change,
Evade incidents out of range.
Instead of regulating the outer,
We should try managing the inner.
Controlling outer events and past,
A difficult task, but forgetting is a must.
Contriving the inner-self and thoughts,
Would work wonders and achieve lots.
[Published in 'iBuzzle' on 20 August 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 16 august 2013
My mind was filled
With too many thoughts,
Thoughts of the past,
Thoughts of the future,
Thoughts about my near and dear;
I began to worry,
I was unhappy,
I felt so heavy.
One night, I saw in a dream,
A stranger on a train
Sitting opposite to me
And asking me,
‘Why are you unhappy?’
I was shocked!
Had he the power to read my mind?
He said slowly,
‘Let go everything,
Fix your mind on the Almighty,
Think of Him
And He shall think about you.’
I woke up with a start!
Who was this stranger?
I thought,
Well, let me try.
I let go everything,
Began to think of Him,
My worries disappeared,
I felt so happy and so light!
[Published in 'Poetreecreations' on 15 August 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 12 august 2013
Bad days do not last long,
One should have patience,
To overcome them all.
As the day ends,
Darkness rules all over,
But not for long.
With the change of seasons,
Winter brings about chill,
But not for long.
Trees shed off leaves,
Appear like dead trees,
But not for long.
Hurdles emerge in life,
Rays of hope seem shadowed,
But never for long.
[Published in ‘Buzzle’ on 8 August 2013
This poem was chosen as "Poem Hunter Member Poem of the Day" on 13 August 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 6 july 2013
Dreams began to wane
as she faced distress
and she proclaimed
there were lots to express.
Physical tortures
day in and day out,
character assassination
by holding doubt,
restrain imposed
on pursuing her career,
severe criticism
for not being fair,
harassment by
demands of dowry
and an heir
on the first delivery.
Her endurance one day
lost the bound
and extreme courage
she finally found.
To get rid
of the evil monster,
she sprinkled pesticide
in a fried lobster.
Hours later,
the neighbours gathered,
'self-slaughter'
they all murmured.
None suspected
it to be a mystery,
'self-defence'
she sighed silently.
[Published in ‘Indus woman writing’ in July 2013 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 24 june 2013
In the corner of her cheeks,
There was a sweet smile.
That reflected her heart’s contentment,
And displayed a horizon of happiness.
A bolt from the blue one day,
Crushed her innocent smile.
Concealed her enthusiasm,
And made her miserable.
Her cheeks now fail to show,
That charming exquisite smile.
Which could perhaps make,
The faint stars twinkle.
Brighten up myriad lamps,
Kindle hope in the heart of a forlorn.
[Published in ‘Buzzle’ on 20 June 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 19 june 2013
She speaks through her steps,
Dancing and revolving,
Expressing her art,
Going beyond the self,
A bond with the Supreme power,
A complete surrender
Of the mind and the heart,
A performance
Filled with true devotion.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Friday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 7 June 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 18 june 2013
Unpleasant feelings veil her
And she laments in agony,
Helplessly observing from the horizon…
Evergreen trees and dense forests
Mercilessly being cut and cleared,
Modern endeavours by humans
Damaging the beautiful environment.
She sheds tears in pain
And makes a silent appeal…
Plant and conserve trees,
Make the surroundings green,
Love Nature, save environment.
[Published: 'Your Space' of the e-journal 'Muse India' on 5 June 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 30 may 2013
The cold wind knocks,
And the dead leaves fall,
One after another,
And the tree stands revealed.
A song of sadness flows,
Through the solitary branches,
Feelings of loss and destitute,
Alas! No leaves to swing and smile.
The season has arrived again,
And solitude reigns all around,
I feel sad,
When I look at the fallen leaves.
The wide green leaves that,
Once adorned the huge tree,
Are now brown, scattered, lifeless,
As they lie beneath the bare tree.
[Published in ‘Buzzle’ on 30 May 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 23 march 2013
peak summer
frolic in a pond
rural lads
[Published in 'Your Space' of the e-journal 'Muse India' on 22 March 2013]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 12 march 2013
Sightseers swarm
To catch your glimpse,
Your spray of colours
On the lofty peaks.
Your appearance delights
One and all,
To experience rejuvenation…
A new day, a new life.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 29 September 2012]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 11 march 2013
My heart yearns,
To go a long way,
Far across the fields,
Across the echoing hills,
Towards a place enchanting,
Lovely and silent,
Beside a gurgling stream,
Where I can see myself,
My reflection...
And speak out my feelings,
My tormenting desires,
To ease a heavy heart,
In the serene atmosphere.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 11 August 2012]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 7 march 2013
Bordoichila rushes
To greet her mother,
Enthusiasm turns wild
And some heavy shower.
Proceed of destruction
All throughout the way,
Lightning, thunderstorm,
Trees tremendously sway.
Her advent conveys
Onset of spring season
And Assamese worldwide
Enjoy their Bihu celebration.
[Published in the e-magazine 'Bordoichila' on 14 April 2012]
Short note: 'Bordoichila' refers to a thunderstorm that hits Assam and the neighbouring states (North-East India) during the spring season every year. As the powerful wind lashes, trees get uprooted causing severe damage to houses, light posts etc. According to a common belief, 'Bordoichila' is the name of a bride, who longs to meet her mother and with her long hair unfastened, she dashes towards her home for an annual sojourn.
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 1 march 2013
Life becomes tedious
By workload and stress,
A daily routine trails
If nothing found fresh.
A reunion of course
May change the way,
As har ek friend
Jaroori hota hain!
Families introduced,
Extends friendship,
Experiences shared,
Association grows deep.
It’s been a long time
Since we all met,
A get-together once more,
Come, let’s celebrate.
[Published in the website of Assam Engineering College 1984-89 Batch on 9 March 2012, on the occasion of their Second Get-together]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 28 february 2013
A simple man, loved countryside life,
"How 'bout city life", proposed his wife,
Her naggings bitter,
He made a murmur -
"Another issue to start a strife."
[Published in the e-magazine ‘Frog Croon’ in March 2012 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 21 february 2013
(Dedicated to my mother)
You smiled at me,
Even though you were in pain,
You sacrificed for me,
Never thought about your gain.
You brought me up,
With lots of love and affection,
You stood by me,
Giving me utmost protection.
You inculcated in me,
Good habits and values,
You patiently taught me,
Prepare savoury menus.
You still care for me,
Although I stay remote,
You are divine to me,
My precious gift from God.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 4 February 2012]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 19 february 2013
O mother, let me acknowledge
your selfless toil and pristine love
that you've always showered on me
and guided me to the right path in life.
Even today, when I'm beside you,
your face beams with sheer delight
and your tender heart can understand
all my emotions even though it's a trace.
Sacrifice, patience, trust...
ever shine through your actions,
wisdom, affection, inspiration...
ever reflect in your words.
You led me by example and
instilled courage to face challenges,
your vision - noble and lofty,
Oh! I simply admire your simplicity.
Inculcating values and self-reliance,
you taught me how to be independent,
I'm always proud of you, dear mother,
O God, take care of her forever.
[Published in 'Your Space' of the e-journal 'Muse India' on 2 February 2012]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 13 february 2013
Behold the beauty of Brahmaputra, (Assam)
Travel to Tawang for tranquility, (Arunachal)
Look at Loktak Lake the lifeline, (Manipur)
Cherish the charm of Cherrapunjee. (Meghalaya)
Cemetery at capital conveys courage, (Nagaland)
Balance on bamboos bring beams, (Mizoram)
Palaces of princes provide pleasure, (Tripura)
Rafting on river renders relish. (Sikkim)
[Published in the e-magazine 'Fried Eye' on 1 February 2012]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 7 february 2013
The voice of a commoner,
The problems of the poor,
Woes of the downtrodden,
Issues of suffering women,
Anyone to hear their story
And restore lost glory,
By lending a patient ear,
To redeem without fear?
Perhaps, a prolific writer
With mighty pen power,
By delving on violation issues,
Highlighting oppressed issues,
Acknowledging responsibilities,
Shouldering difficulties,
Concerning the victimized masses.
[Published in 'Utkarsh', the School Magazine of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Umrongso, Assam for the year 2011-12]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 5 february 2013
A rivulet thronged,
Obeisance to the rising sun,
Celebrations…
Rituals performed at chill dawn.
Burst of crackers,
Twilight sky illuminated,
Earthen lamps lit,
Fragrance in the atmosphere.
The wait ended,
As the sun appeared on the horizon,
Knee-deep in water,
The devotees offered their oblation.
[Published in the e-journal 'Indian Review' on 2 January 2012]
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