By Chaandneeka Choudhury
Mentored by Goldie Kasturia
(Budding writer attending Takhte’s Creative Writing sessions)

In a peaceful town, the shadows dance.
Two souls found solace in a fleeting glance.
He, a boy with dreams like the sky,
She, a girl whose laughter could make the stars sigh.

Beneath the old wood, where the sunlight weaves,
They carved their names in the autumn leaves.
With hands intertwined, they shared secret dreams,
The world faded around them, or so it seemed.

They roamed through the gardens where the sunflowers bloomed.
In each other’s presence, their holding hands were consumed.
The sun’s rays fall on their youthful faces,
The two youths filled the empty spaces.

In the warmth of the summer, they danced in the rain.
Every droplet was a promise, and every smile was a refrain.
They spoke about eternity with their hearts open wide.
Not knowing that time would soon take a stride.

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, and months turned to years.
The seasons turned colder, and love faced its hunts with fear.
They watched as the leaves, once bright and pleasing,
Fell gently to earth with sorrowful feelings.

“Will the stars still remember us, far apart?”
He asked with a burn inside his heart.
“I’ll hold you forever in memories, dear.
Through laughter and tears, you’ll always be near.”

But life, like a river, flows wild and free.
And fate had a plan they could not foresee.
Opportunities beckoned; calling them far,
To chase distant dreams, to follow a star.

They lingered a moment, then turned to depart.
Two paths diverge, each bearing a heart.
With one final glance, a promise unmade,
They stepped into futures where memories fade.

Years rolled on like the tide on the shore,
Each heartbeat is a reminder of what came before.
He chased the horizon; she danced with the moon.
Yet echoes of laughter would beckon them soon.

And so, in their journeys, though miles may divide,
In the whispers of autumn, their spirits collide.
For love is not lost, though the distance may sting.
In the heart of the seasons, their memories take wing.

Here’s to the boy and the girl who once knew,
The power of love in the moments they grew.
Though paths may be parted and time may be cruel,
Their story lives on, a beautiful jewel.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Stuti Manda

From the women of the past, 
To the women of the future. 
We write to thee, 
As a note for you to heed. 
You must have heard the stories of princesses, 
Being rescued by their princes
Though it is of utmost importance that you know, 
That you don’t need to sit around waiting to be saved. 
You must have heard the stories of great women,
Who didn’t bend to the rules of society and demanded equality. 
But do not feel dejected, 
You, too, will do great things in your life. 
You, too, will face obstacles, 
But you, too, will overcome them, proving so many people wrong. 
Even if you stay home for your family, 
You, too, are doing a great deed. 
You now have to make sure, 
That a woman achieving anything is a norm. 
From the women of the past, 
to the women of the future.

Takhte Writers & Publishers, organises the ‘India-Ireland Poetry Fest’ on the theme ‘Care, Courage and Commitment’.

For centuries, countless hours were nuanced to consider the context of coherent understanding of the 3 Cs, ‘Care, Courage and Commitment’ for noteworthy living. The ideals related to it we create, derive and share. So let’s construct to comprehend the 3Cs, and you can write on any one or all.

The festival aims at bringing together the poets and poetry of both countries on a single platform to express in unique compositions.

The fest is open to children and youth (aged 11-24) from India and Ireland. It is a month-long activity from May 10, 2022, until June 9, 2022. We are honoured to have the good wishes from His Excellency Shri Akhilesh Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Ireland and also he has graciously agreed to be the Chief Guest of the virtual book launch / valedictory event (Date to be announced).

Best juried poems will be published in an e-book (with ISBN), and an E-Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to the winners. Post book launch, an e-Certificate of participation for ones who could not make it to the e-book.

You are welcome to write and submit the poems using the Google Form https://forms.gle/qWKuHwWzuNQnBm1c9

Make sure your poem is in English, original, never published and within the limit of 500 words. It could be any poetry genre (allegory, elegy, ekphrasis, fable, lyric, hymn, ode, paean, parody and so on) under the above theme. Please note participation is free.

For any queries, write to takhtevov@gmail.com, #91 9311845524