THE JOURNEY’S END.

Buried in the sand

at the river’s edge,

a tiny droplet of water

listened to the soft whisper

of the river’s memorable journey-

life’s rocky turbulence

now and then a joyful calm.

She flowed from the mountains

cascading down like a fountain

of sheer grace and power,

through winding forest terrains,

nurturing the thirsty trees, bushes,

the indwelling souls, the arid earth.

She frolicked and hummed playfully

with one and all – pure, innocent,

full of delight!

They exchanged experiences,

shared and learnt beautiful lessons!

Love overflowed, kindness rained.

They basked content in the warmth

of the glorious Sun. Life was complete

as it always is…

Seasons came and went.

The river rejoiced mirroring

their changing hues, embracing

each passing Spring, Summer,

Autumn and Winter’s exquisite images

cheerfully – always a blithe spirit!

Boats ploughs silently

on her heaving breasts

of endless patience and beauty.

The haunting melodies

of the boatmen, the rhythm

of the oar’s ‘splash splash splash’

keeping a mesmerising beat.

The little droplet was enthralled

with their fascinating stories,

their transforming experiences!

At times, storms raged relentlessly,

the winds howled like banshees,

dark ominous clouds would

envelop the skies.

Through it all, the river knew

only to flow continuously

on its committed destination –

home to the mighty ocean.

The tiny droplet missed nothing,

not a moment even! Just listened

to the river’s wise words

in wrapt attention, deep contemplation,

in silent meditation, waiting, yearning.

Time went by. Life transformed slowly.

One day, in a perfect moment in time,

perhaps pre-ordained,

clouds gathered, lightening struck,

rains came down in a deluge

as it did countless times.

But this time, it touched the tiny droplet

ever so gently, carried it into the river’s

long waiting, welcoming arms,

‘Come. Together we will flow

to our final destination –

home to the infinite ocean.’

Bio

Shalini Nandkeolyar is multitalented! She has a diploma in acting from the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts and has acted in a number of plays. 

She studied English Literature and Philosophy and has a degree in Business Management. 

She is gifted singer and has a music album of Bhajans called, Arpanam. 

She enjoys writing poetry. Her poems are exquisite, full of beautiful imagery and dripping with wisdom. Some of her poems have been published in a literary journal, ‘Rainbow’ and magazines. 

She is a Reiki Master, an evolved and committed seeker on a path of deep surrender.