Perennial Poetry

 Hold a Hand We never know What someone must be feeling, Whether they’re in joy or in the deepest sorrow, For they could be celebrating, or they could be grieving. Our sole job is to be kind, Be empathetic, make them feel heard and seen; All they might need is a holding hand, To help them cross over the stream. Sometimes one doesn’t need advice, Just an assurance that it will be okay Can be more than wise, It could supportively uplift their day.  Try to be there for someone, Even if it’s for a few moments; For you could be their shining Sun, While they rearrange their broken fragments. Empathise with kith and kin, Be kind to a stranger, For you never know who you might be saving, Always take the chance to make someone’s day better. We, humans, are social beings, And hence, thrive on understanding and communication. So may we always have good intentions, And strive to make healthy and healing connections. -Jaanvi Veluguleti  

  Her When the whole world praises her beauty, Only she knows the stories behind her scars, The things she goes through quietly, And the days she feels like she’s put behind bars. Sometimes she fakes a smile, For the sake of her and everyone else; She is appreciated for her unprecedented style, But who cares about the things she never tells? She wears her heart on her sleeve, She undoubtedly is an admiration; But would anyone really believe The life she lives behind people’s perception? She cares and she loves, She offers endless support without hesitation; But she also cries and questions Her worthiness despite the external perfection. She knows her scars mark her stories, They make up who she is; Despite all her glories, There is always more to who she is. -Jaanvi Veluguleti

  Nature’s Power There’s calmness in nature’s quiet; The silence whispers volumes of wisdom. Once one starts to dwell in nature’s delight, One experiences unparalleled freedom. Nature’s stillness brings me comfort and peace; Just looking at the incomparable sight Turns my anxiety to ease, And reassures me that I will be alright. When the world pushes me towards exhaustion, Nature pulls me back to the greatest solace ever, And reminds me that slowing down is the golden key to creation; In that moment, I feel the greatest support ever. The serenity of nature, It contains every answer; Amidst our fast-paced culture, Nature’s stillness gives me the greatest power. Nature is my best healer, Nature is my greatest teacher, Nature will always be my strongest supporter, Nature will forever continue to be my most worthy inspirer. -Jaanvi Veluguleti

Sorrow And Strength What do I tell myself, When the thought alone makes me cry, When the place reminds me of it, The grief that was witnessed by the midnights? How do I console myself? What words do I say to myself? When I uncontrollably burst out into tears, But try to restrict them to the edges of my pillow? Grief, fuelled by rage Caused due to deep hurt, Causes an ache in my heart, And the loop reiterates all over again. My mind says fine, now you can let go, And for a moment I think I can keep it all together; Then suddenly the feeling of angst comes back, With tears sticking down my eyes, I sob helplessly. The aftermath of my sorrow is always prayer; I realise I can convey my feelings to the higher power, So I pray, I say every bit I want to say, And slowly, bit by bit, my grief starts to fade away. I am aware that there’s always prayer, But I need to bawl my eyes out, To let go of withheld emotions, And pour back in my cup of optimism. For your smallest or deepest grief, Remember