Karina Pandya

As the meandering branches scratch and sway, Drifting leaves perform ballet. The monsoon breezes stir and grown as chances of stormy weather are full-blown Its been so long since you slipped away Ten years gone by in such disarray That rainy night when it all went wrong I never stopped listening to our Monsoon song The upbeat song which made me smile Oh, how that song was so worthwhile! But, now the branches have all fallen down I'm a little bit lost in my own hometown. So while the monsoon breezes stir and groan Its different now, I am on my own. 

Twenty-five or more million people in the city tonight This city is an inevitable element of the poetry I write. There is hardly an escape from this carnival ride that I am on Oh, I’m stuck up on this trip; words delude me till their gone     Emotions are fickle, unsure if friend or foe Can I even trust them? I do not even know! A conundrum to say, with meanings I yet do not know But, as I begin to write them down, It’s as if I already know, My woes are far from over; my anguish will never go.   We, the poets of this city each breathe fire of our own Waiting to tell you some of our hidden secrets, our stories yet unknown For within the flames that we may ignite We try to awaken within you a ray or two of light    Like a string full of dispositions, soothing the mind and soul What is poetry, if nothing but words to make us feel whole? The journey from a diary, to a book and now the mike Can you see the similar...

Good, better, best – we always never let it rest. We always want the very best; It only counts if we succeed. Not how much we suffer or bleed. It only matters if we get it right; Not how much we try our might! It’s just like a success race Which is moving at a very quick pace It’s growing at a tremendous speed; Competition is in the lead!

When we are young we do not realise That some of us are not so wise. Whoever’s born will someday die, And no one can answer the question why. Death is the biggest fear of all. Each wants to avoid this diving call. So, use every moment as a cherishable one, Fill your life with a lot of fun, Make today a memorable day, Or else, you will someday have to pay!

My choices steered my fate, Reflections of who I am; Uncertainty everywhere. A prism of hope, Luck - Oh lady luck! Choosing, Hope! 

Hey little voice in my head, I want to talk to you, yes you my dear friend! I’ve been hearing your constant chitter-chatter and wanted to tell you that I have my own voice! You are of course my source of inner strength, you help me to overcome obstacles and give me the power of positive thinking and even self-love. Without you, I wouldn't have this much perseverance so I owe quite a lot to you, my friend. Nonetheless I have to say that despite all of this, most of the times you tell me that I’m not good enough. This hurts! You invariably work up battles up in my head, that certain people are up against me and that I may never ever get appreciated! Life is full of changes and I am growing every day, but you my inner voice – you’re constantly criticizing me. You are so important for my self-growth and I don't want to hate you nor do I even want to push your voice back; resist you and fight you. You are a great friend, but just take it easy on me at times; I kn...

Trapped in confusion and trapped in insecurity – I slowly began to love myself. “Would they talk to me?” or “Did I even cross their mind? I felt so invisible, without their validity. Were these tears fragments of a distant past? One where I was beseeching for a place in a society that I hadn’t known?     With courage, I braved this emotional suffering and pain. But, there was something missing – I didn't love myself.” Feelings of inadequacy were always present and I couldn't understand why. Yet, I couldn't get myself to get them to like me; or even accept me.      Did I do anything wrong, I had no insight. But, one thing was that I just wanted them to like me. My confidence was low and I had limited beliefs about myself. Did this reflect in my talks, I didn't think so…   I didn't connect with others and I knew I had this social anxiety building up inside of me. All of this changed though; the day I began to Love myse...