Nostalgia

I wanted to tell you that day, I got second place in the school’s singing contest, hooray! But silence held me; what triumph could I claim? Two voices only, a competition so lame! With a hollow victory, I feared your disdain. What I didn't tell you, and what you ought to know, Is that I conquered my fear, and let my voice flow. I learned long ago to bite my tongue, And nod along to every word you strung. "It's safer that way," Baba used to say, "Avoids trouble any day." But sometimes my words just had to break free, All that was bottled up, pouring out of me. Then, swift as a shadow, the spotlight swung to you, And suddenly, I became the reason you felt so blue. I'm forever in your debt, it's true, For all you've given, and all you still do. But sometimes, I just feel like I'm not really there, My endless efforts floating on thin air. There's always someone else you hold in high praise. For once, did I not make you proud with MY subtle wa...

These days, I don't bother racking my brains much. When it comes to even drafting an online complaint about a botched service, I let Generative AI do the heavy lifting. My energy, instead, is wholeheartedly focused on filling my virtual cart before hitting "order" on the grocery app. The last thing I need is another delivery fee, thanks to forgotten ingredients! It feels like a distant dream now, the freedom to spin words and create something from scratch, without the incessant buzz of pending chores or ticking deadlines. The last time I attempted to write, I remember locking the door and plastering a "Do Not Disturb" label on it. That's the level of focus I need these days. Also, this might sound odd, but while I value staying in touch with people, the mere thought of phone calls sets my nerves on edge. When I dial back, I desperately hope they don't pick up. Music, parties, or booze? Sounds like a recipe for bliss, right? Not in my case. At the first w...