A tribute from a daughter to her mother — raw, real, and full of love.
This poem reflects the unspoken bond between children and the mother who gave them everything without asking for anything in return.
If you’ve ever wanted to tell your mother what words always failed to say, this one’s for you.
It’s about strength passed down quietly, about homes built with love, and the ache of seeing your parents grow older.
🎧 Listen. Feel. Remember.
📖 Share this with someone who still believes in the power of a mother’s touch.
#EchoesBeyondInk #PoetryForMothers #SpokenWord #MotherDaughterBond #HindiEnglishPoetry #EmotionalPoetry #PoetryThatHeals
Growing up, we heard stories of war—
of how it didn’t just tear cities and borders,
but every life it touched.
As a child, I believed we were better than that.
That the world was changing.
That we would never return to such darkness.
But history has repeated itself—louder, bloodier.
The whole world feels like it's in survival mode.
There are so many wars,
sometimes it feels like the end is near.
Or maybe… I am cynical.
This poem is my attempt
to hold that anxiety,
to give shape to the sorrow.
This…
is The Language of Ashes.
We think of roads as routes—taking us from here to there. But in a country like ours, they are more than that. They are witness, memory, rhythm. They carry weddings, funerals, protests, and poems. They stretch through cities and silence, wealth and want, dust and concrete. This poem is a tribute to those black tar veins that run beneath us all—and never ask where we’re going.
This poem is a tribute—not a claim.
I was not born Dalit, and I will never pretend to carry the weight that community does every day.
But I do stand here today, as a woman with rights, dignity, and a voice—
because a Dalit man named Dr. B.R. Ambedkar fought for all of us.
This piece is my way of honoring that fight.
It is not to speak instead of anyone, but to speak with the fire he left behind.
If my freedom carries even a trace of his legacy—then I will not stay silent.
I add my voice not to take space, but to amplify what he lit in the darkness.
W.B. Yeats' 1919 Poem "The Second Coming" Is More Relevant Than Ever in Today's Political Climate
Written in the aftermath of World War I, during a time of global instability, W.B. Yeats’ powerful poem The Second Coming captures a world on the brink of collapse. Over a century later, its themes of political chaos, the breakdown of societal order, and the rise of dangerous extremism continue to resonate. Yeats describes a moment when traditional institutions fail, leadership falters, and an ominous new force begins to rise — a scenario that mirrors many aspects of today’s political unrest and polarization.
Rich with symbolism and spiritual depth, The Second Coming has become one of the most quoted poems in modern political discourse. Leaders, activists, and artists often turn to its haunting lines — “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” — to describe moments of upheaval, division, and the fear of what might come next. In an era marked by rising authoritarianism, misinformation, and fractured democracies, Yeats’ vision feels eerily prophetic.
Agha Shahid Ali sang of longing, in verses woven with loss and light,
A Kashmiri soul in exile, dreaming of home through the hush of night.
This poem is about missing someone deeply and feeling the pain of being apart. Agha Shahid Ali writes about love, loss, and longing, using the word "tonight" at the end of each couplet to show how strong these feelings are in the moment. Each part of the poem expresses a different emotion, but they all connect through this shared sense of sadness and yearning.
At the end, he even mentions his own name, which is a traditional part of the ghazal style. The poem mixes old poetic traditions with personal, modern feelings.
*"Ek Gaye aur Ek Bakri"* (A Cow and a Goat) by Allama Muhammad Iqbal is a fable-like poem that conveys profound moral lessons. It tells the story of a cow and a goat living together peacefully, symbolizing the values of unity and empathy in society. Despite their differences, the animals cooperate and share resources, reflecting the importance of compassion and mutual support in human relationships.
The poem highlights social justice by showing the cow's generosity toward the goat, emphasizing that those who have more should help those who have less. Iqbal encourages the idea of sharing and caring, which leads to a harmonious and just society.
At its core, the poem teaches that kindness, empathy, and cooperation are essential for building strong communities. Iqbal's simple yet powerful narrative reminds readers that unity and compassion are key to fostering peace and progress in society.
Do you remember your first cycle? Riding a cycle was akin to flying! In this short story I attempt to capture the love of dreaming and the strength of perseverance .
Premchand’s short story "Poos Ki Raat" (A Winter's Night) is a poignant depiction of rural poverty and human suffering. It follows Halku, a poor farmer, and his wife as they struggle to survive a harsh winter night. Halku sacrifices his savings, meant for a warm blanket, to pay off his debts, and is left to endure the freezing cold while guarding his crops from wild animals.
The story explores themes of poverty, helplessness, and human endurance. Premchand portrays the brutal realities of the peasant's life in colonial India, where debt traps, harsh winters, and hunger strip them of dignity and comfort. The biting cold becomes a metaphor for the oppressive socio-economic conditions that Halku and others like him face.
Despite his hardships, Halku chooses rest over protecting his crops, symbolizing the futility of relentless toil. The story subtly critiques the social injustices of the time, evoking empathy for the marginalized farmer class.
A poignant short story written by Madhavrao Sapre, that depicts pain, suffering and societal disparity. Tune-in to find more.
At its core, The Gingerbread Man is a cautionary tale about pride, overconfidence, and the consequences of not recognizing danger. The gingerbread man’s repeated taunt, “Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” reflects his arrogance and belief in his invincibility.
In terms of theme, it explores the idea of hubris leading to downfall, a common trope in many folk tales. The story’s playful tone and rhythm make it accessible for children, while its deeper message serves as a warning to be cautious and humble.
"Ring Out, Wild Bells" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson is a poem that celebrates the arrival of a new year and calls for positive change. The speaker urges the "wild bells" to ring out, symbolizing the end of old, negative aspects of society such as sorrow, falsehood, and injustice, while welcoming new beginnings filled with hope, peace, truth, and love.
The poem reflects a desire to leave behind the pain and mistakes of the past and embrace a brighter, more harmonious future. Its themes of renewal, social progress, and optimism make it a timeless expression of hope for a better world.
At its core, this story seems like a lighthearted, whimsical tale, but it carries themes that reflect deeper social issues. The old woman’s struggle to care for her children represents poverty and the overwhelming challenges of motherhood, especially for those with limited resources. The shoe, an unlikely home, could symbolize cramped living conditions or the lack of a stable, comfortable environment.
Despite the playful tone, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe hints at themes of survival, struggle, and the pressures placed on caregivers, especially women, in times of financial difficulty. It serves as a reflection of the hardships faced by those who are tasked with nurturing and raising children in less-than-ideal circumstances.
James Wright's poem "Beginnings" reflects on the beauty and complexity of starting anew. The poem juxtaposes the natural world with human experiences, using imagery of fields, rivers, and other elements of nature to symbolize new beginnings. Wright captures the tension between hope and uncertainty that comes with starting over, as well as the sense of renewal that follows.
In "Beginnings", Wright also hints at the fragility of life and the impermanence of moments, reminding readers that each beginning is both a promise and a risk. The poem explores the vulnerability of opening oneself to change while also embracing the potential for growth. Wright’s use of simple yet evocative language reflects his deep connection to nature and human emotion, making "Beginnings" a meditation on the cycles of life, transformation, and resilience.
It’s a subtle but profound poem that speaks to anyone who has faced the challenges of starting over
William E. Stafford's "A Ritual to Read to Each Other" is a contemplative poem about the importance of genuine communication and understanding in human relationships. Stafford highlights the consequences of miscommunication, urging readers to remain mindful of each other's true intentions. The poem uses the metaphor of a traveler lost in the wrong direction to emphasize how easily people can become disconnected when they fail to listen carefully to one another.
Stafford suggests that if we do not "read" each other's signals properly, we may lead ourselves into isolation or misunderstanding. He calls for empathy, clarity, and the shared responsibility of staying connected to avoid losing sight of one another in the complexities of life. Ultimately, the poem advocates for deeper human connection, built on honest, attentive dialogue.
"Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye is a poignant poem that addresses the themes of death, grief, and eternal life. In this short but powerful piece, the speaker, who has passed away, comforts their loved ones by urging them not to mourn or cry. The speaker reassures the grieving that they have not truly departed but instead continue to exist in nature's elements— the wind, the sun, the stars, and the rain.
The poem offers a sense of solace, suggesting that death is not an end but a transformation. Frye uses nature to symbolize the ongoing presence of the deceased, conveying the idea that their spirit lives on, and they are forever part of the world around their loved ones. The gentle and hopeful tone helps ease the pain of loss, offering a comforting message of spiritual continuity.
In *"A Challenge to the Dark,"* Charles Bukowski explores themes of existential struggle, the inevitability of death, and the human spirit’s refusal to surrender to darkness. The poem portrays a battle against the void, symbolized by darkness, which can represent death, despair, or the overwhelming nature of life’s challenges. Bukowski’s imagery of "running full speed" into the night captures the urgency of this fight, while also suggesting a sense of isolation and determination. The protagonist refuses to be passive, choosing to face life's harsh realities head-on.
Bukowski’s characteristic raw and minimalist style intensifies the emotional resonance, showing how even in bleak circumstances, there is a fierce desire to live, to resist. The poem encapsulates the human experience of confronting fear and mortality, highlighting both the futility and the necessity of continuing the struggle. It’s a stark reminder of our fragility and resilience in the face of life’s darkest moments.
"Who Will Cry for the Little Boy?"* by Antwone Fisher is a poignant poem that reflects deep emotional pain and abandonment. Written from the perspective of a man recalling his troubled childhood, it explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the longing for love and care. The repeated question, "Who will cry for the little boy?" emphasizes the speaker's unresolved suffering and the absence of compassion in his early life. The poem captures the heartache of carrying childhood wounds into adulthood, while also suggesting that the act of acknowledging one’s pain is a step toward healing and self-compassion.
"When You Are Old" by W.B. Yeats is a poignant and introspective poem that reflects on love, aging, and regret. Written in the form of a dramatic monologue, the speaker addresses a future version of the beloved, imagining her as an old woman looking back on her life. The poem is structured in three quatrains, with a gentle and reflective tone that evokes a sense of melancholy.
The poem opens with the beloved being asked to read from a book when she is old and gray, reminiscing about her past. The first stanza sets the scene, focusing on the physical changes that come with age. The phrase "nodding by the fire" suggests a quiet, solitary moment of reflection. In the second stanza, the speaker contrasts the superficial admirers who loved the beloved for her beauty with the speaker's own deep, unwavering love for her "pilgrim soul"—a metaphor for her inner self, character, and spirit. This love transcends physical appearance and endures through time.
The final stanza shifts the tone to one of regret and loss. The speaker envisions the beloved's realization that she missed out on a love that was true and profound. The image of "Love fleeing" personifies love as something that was once close but is now distant, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the past.
This poem is part of Plath's collection Ariel, which was published posthumously in 1965.
"Childless Woman" reflects the intense emotions and inner turmoil Plath experienced, particularly relating to themes of femininity, motherhood, and identity. The poem explores the sorrow and sense of loss that comes with the idea of being childless, capturing feelings of emptiness, longing, and the social expectations placed on women to fulfill traditional roles. Plath's use of vivid imagery and stark language highlights the profound sense of isolation and despair that can accompany the experience of childlessness.
