Walking Alone On Lovers' Bridge

I've had just enough time to...   look at Lover's Bridge

Taken of the Lover's Bridge in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor, Malaysia

I remember the rickety old “Lovers' Bridge”

Where the waves slapped against the slanted legs

Letting out mournful sighs that I thought, was sweet

I brushed down my hair ruffled by the unruly winds

And enjoyed their vehemence for I thought, that was sweet

I smiled at the gray clouds for blocking out the intense sun

And was thankful the approaching storm was still far away

In your eyes, I saw no doubt only affection

And was happy that day, on Lovers' Bridge

Today, I walk alone, on Lovers' Bridge

The waves are mournful

The wind cruel

I am only grateful to the clouds

Kind enough for holding back the rains

And add to my misery

Eden Is Between Ithaka and Home

I've had just enough time to...   look for Eden somewhere between Ithaka and home

Taken of a Himalayan valley from the edge of a mountain

Eden is between Ithaka and home

But they are in different directions!

Can you take your heart to Ithaka

And not think of home?

Can you stay in the comfort of your home

And not yearn for Ithaka?

I packed my bags and sleep under the stars

Heading for Ithaka

When the journey gets too arduous

And my steps too weary

And home came in my sleep

I know it is time to return

Eden is not a place in some mystical land

Eden is between home and Ithaka

_______

Ithaca 

When you set out for Ithaka

ask that your way be long,

full of adventure, full of instruction.

The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,

angry Poseidon - do not fear them:

such as these you will never find

as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare

emotion touch your spirit and your body.

The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,

angry Poseidon - you will not meet them

unless you carry them in your soul,

unless your soul raise them up before you.

Ask that your way be long.

At many a Summer dawn to enter

with what gratitude, what joy -

ports seen for the first time;

to stop at Phoenician trading centres,

and to buy good merchandise,

mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

and sensuous perfumes of every kind,

sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;

to visit many Egyptian cities,

to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.

Have Ithaka always in your mind.

Your arrival there is what you are destined for.

But don't in the least hurry the journey.

Better it last for years,

so that when you reach the island you are old,

rich with all you have gained on the way,

not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.

Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.

Without her you would not have set out.

She hasn't anything else to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn't deceived you.

So wise you have become, of such experience,

that already you'll have understood what these Ithakas mean. 

Constantine P. Cavafy

Wishing You A Little Bit Of Everything

I've had just enough time to...   wish everyone a little bit of everything

The sun finally breached the the distant Himalayan hills and clouds

Wishing you a little of everything

A little bit more joy, a little bit less sorrow

A little bit more peace, a little bit less strife

A little bit more progress, a little bit less obstacle

A little bit more fulfillment, a little bit less work

A little bit more variety, a little bit less of the same

A little bit healthier, in mind, body and spirit

A little bit wealthier, in what really counts

A little bit stronger, to weather the storm

A little bit happier, with enough to share

For a little bit is all you need but I wish you

Lots and lots of love in the coming year!

_______

Himalayan Dawn, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Santoor

Navigation By Fingers

I've had just enough time to...   navigate by fingers

Taken on the road one dark night along a lonely stretch from Tianjin to Beijing, China

The night is dark

The road unfamiliar

The stars covered by clouds

The only light

From the smartphone

Navigation by fingers

Led us to be found

_______

Loneliness and emptiness

Since I left all behind

Only memories in my mind

Blue lights from the screen

Black universe all around

And I can't hear no sound

Everything is lost

Everything is gone

Everywhere I go

I find myself alone

Endless days passing by

I have fallen too deep

I navigate and dream

Blue lights from the screen

Black universe all around

And I can't hear no sound

"Syrian - Navigation"

How Can A Heart Hold So Much Sorrow?

I've had just enough time to...   hold some sorrow.

Taken in Taiping, Malaysia under the Rain Tree.

The still water 

Beneath the Rain Tree

Gathered the tears 

Of a thousand drops

Of hanging leaves 

Distressed by August tales

Of wandering clouds 

From a distant land

Where morning songs

Were drowned 

By thundering hooves

Stirring up a dust storm

Swept through the land

Into every home

Choking and stifling

And when the rain came

It was no salvation

Except burying everything 

In mud

Hidden 

Except for the tales 

Carried by the wind to 

The drifting clouds

Caught by the Rain Tree

Coalesced 

Into the pool beneath it

How can a heart hold so much sorrow?