कर करम तू कर करम

हो भले ही सूक्ष्म 

लेकिन कर करम तू कर करम

अमूल्य है, तेरा जनम 

न व्यर्थ में तू कर खतम

व्यवहार रख सबसे नरम

तू ना मगज को कर गरम

न बने कोई दुश्मन चरम

परिश्रम ही तेरा इक धरम

राहें रहेंगी न सुगम

आहट से लेकिन मत सहम

गर हो जखम तो रख मरहम

तू रख कदम सबसे अहम

न कर वहम, न कर शरम 

तू बढ़ाए जा अपने कदम

कुछ ज़िंदगी में रख नियम

न क्षीण हो मन का संयम

शांति बने मोटी रकम

यह ध्येय हो सबका प्रथम

हो भले ही सूक्ष्म 

लेकिन कर करम तू कर करम

-प्रशान्त सेठिया

Wet Reflections: A Tale of Neglected Towel

Oh, dear towel upon the balcony wide,

Neglected and forgotten, left outside.

Last night's raindrops adorned your woven strands,

In nature's embrace, you felt the touch of her hands.

Gently you soaked, drenched in moonlit dew,

Silent witness to the night sky's magical view.

Yet, as morning arrived, you awaited my care,

Unaware of the plight that soon you would bear.

When I approached, you shivered in the breeze,

Cold and wet, a victim of my negligence, please,

Forgive me, dear towel, for leaving you there,

Exposed to the mansoon, without any care.

Now I hold you in my hands, heavy and damp,

Once a source of comfort, now in need of revamp.

Yet, through your wetness, a lesson is taught,

The value of responsibility, a lesson hard-fought.

For you, dear towel, have taught me today,

That actions have consequences, come what may.

I'll dry you gently, with warmth and embrace,

Apologizing for the discomfort I've caused in this place.

And as you regain your softness and shine,

Know that you'll always hold a place in my mind.

For in your dampness, I see my own flaw,

A reminder to be mindful, to adhere to life's law.

So, let this be a lesson for you and for me,

To treasure what we have, both wild and free.

For even in mishaps, there's wisdom to glean,

In a towel's wet plight, a story unseen.

-Prashant Sethia 

Beat the Heat: A Guide to Staying Cool and Hydrated

When the heatwave strikes, it's time to be smart,

To protect yourself and take care of your heart.

Drink water, plenty of it, to stay hydrated and cool,

Coconut water and lemonade can also be a useful tool.

Don't forget to eat, even when it's hot outside,

Skipping meals is not the way to stay cool or abide.

Choose light and refreshing foods, like fruits and salads,

They'll provide nourishment and won't leave you feeling unclad.

Stay away from heavy, greasy meals, that will make you feel slow,

And don't forget to snack, on some nuts or some fresh guava to go.

Keeping yourself fueled is key, during the heatwave,

So don't skip your meals, and your health you'll surely save.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine, they'll just dehydrate,

Choose light-colored, loose clothes, so you won't suffocate.

Stay indoors if you can, during the hottest time of day,

Fans and ACs will help to keep the heat at bay.

Take a cool shower or bath, it'll help to lower your heat,

And avoid any strenuous activities, that's important to beat.

Wear a hat or use an umbrella to create some shade,

Check on the elderly and vulnerable, for whom the heat may be a blade.

If you feel dizzy or confused, it's time to take a break,

And seek medical attention, for your health's sake.

So when the heatwave comes, 

just remember these rules,

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and be smart, not fools.

-Prashant Sethia 

Water: A Precious Gift of Life

Water, clear and pure,

A precious resource, so secure,

A source of life, a gift so true,

Without it, what would we do?

In the mountains, water cascades,

Creating streams and waterfalls, such a lovely parade,

Flowing down to valleys below,

Quenching thirst, helping crops grow.

In the oceans, water roars,

Creating waves and tides that soar,

Teeming with life, such diversity,

A vast expanse, such a beauty.

In the cities, water flows,

Through pipes and faucets, it goes,

A necessity, such a need,

For hygiene, for drinking, for plants to feed.

In the storms, water pours,

Creating floods and thunderous roars,

Challenging our might, such a test,

Reminding us that nature is the best.

Water, in all its forms and guises,

Teaches us to adapt, to improvise,

To cherish what we have, and be wise,

For water is life, and that's no surprise.

-Prashant Sethia

Second Hand

Once upon a time, in a land far away,

Lived a girl named Lily who loved to play,

With toys and clothes, books and more,

She always wanted to have them all.

One day, as she looked around,

She saw her toys scattered on the ground,

Some were old and some were new,

But all of them were loved and true.

Then she heard a story so sad,

About a boy who had no toys, no dad,

No food to eat or clothes to wear,

Lily's heart was filled with despair.

She thought about the toys she had,

The ones she didn't play with, the ones that sat,

Unused and forgotten on her shelf,

She knew what she had to do herself.

Lily gathered up her things,

The toys, the clothes, the books with wings,

She knew that she had plenty more,

Toys she didn't need anymore.

She packed them up in a big old bag,

And set out to find the boy who had,

Nothing to call his own,

Lily knew she wasn't alone.

She found the boy and gave him her gifts,

His face lit up with such a lift,

He hugged her tight and said "Thank you",

Lily knew what she had to do.

She knew that giving things away,

Could brighten up someone's whole day,

That something old could be new,

When given to someone who needs it too.

And so, from that day on,

Lily made it her mission,

To give away her old things,

To those who needed them with affection.

She learned that giving things away,

Could bring joy in the most amazing way,

That something "Second Hand",

Could make someone else's life grand.

-Prashant Sethia 

Wish For New Financial Year

As the old financial year comes to an end,

We reflect on the challenges that we did contend,

The pandemic wreaked havoc on our economy,

But we stood strong, with resilience and solidarity.

We faced job losses, closures, and economic strife,

Yet we persevered, determined to survive,

We tightened our belts, cut back where we could,

And we stayed hopeful, as we knew we should.

Now a new financial year dawns upon us,

And we're ready to face it, without any fuss,

We'll rebuild, recover, and grow once again,

And we'll put the lessons of the past year to good use again.

May this new year bring us prosperity and wealth,

May our hard work and determination be our greatest strength,

May we seize opportunities as they come our way,

And may we emerge stronger, brighter, and better each day.

So here's wishing you all a new financial year,

Filled with hope, success, and lots of cheer,

Let's work together to make it a year to remember,

And let's make our dreams and aspirations come true, forever.

-Prashant Sethia 

The Mystical Sky

The sky above, so vast and wide,

Is a canvas painted by nature's pride,

A mystical masterpiece, ever-changing and bright,

A wonder to behold, a pure delight.

The sun rises and sets, a daily show,

A fiery ball, with a radiant glow,

The sky transforms, a canvas anew,

A palette of colors, an ever-changing hue.

The stars twinkle, a celestial dance,

A cosmic symphony, a mystical trance,

The moon glows, a silver orb on high,

A guiding light, in the darkened sky.

The clouds float by, a dreamy sight,

A fluffy canvas, so soft and light,

The wind blows, a gentle breeze,

A soothing touch, that puts our minds at ease.

The sky above, a mystical place,

A canvas of beauty, a heavenly space,

A reminder of the wonder that surrounds,

A mystical sky, that forever astounds

-Prashant Sethia 

Unanswered Questions

Come gather round, all you seekers of truth,

And listen close to this ballad, forsooth,

For I sing of the questions that haunt us all,

The mysteries that make our minds enthrall.

First on the list, a question of old,

That philosophers have pondered, so bold,

What is the meaning of life, we ask,

Why are we here, what's our task?

Next, we come to a puzzle profound,

That scientists and scholars astound,

What's the nature of reality, they say,

Is it all illusion, or is there a way?

Then there's the riddle of time and space,

That physicists seek to embrace,

Is time a river that flows on by,

Or an illusion that we can't deny?

And what of the soul, that elusive spark,

That makes us more than just flesh and bark,

Does it live on when our bodies die,

Or does it fade away with a final sigh?

Then there's the question of destiny,

And whether we're fated to be,

Are our lives predetermined, or free,

Can we shape our own destiny?

And what of love, that sweet mystery,

That fills our hearts with such ecstasy,

What makes it bloom, what makes it last,

And why does it hurt so when it's past?

These are the questions that we can't ignore,

That keep us up at night, wanting more,

Though we may never find all the answers,

We'll keep seeking, like curious dancers.

So let us keep asking, keep exploring,

For in the questions lies the key to adoring,

This life that's full of mystery and wonder,

And in the search, we'll never go under.

-Prashant Sethia 

Carrying Life: The Pregnancy

Pregnancy, a miraculous time,

A life growing within, a joy so divine,

But complications can arise, from start to end,

And impact lives, leaving wounds to mend.

Early on, morning sickness may take hold,

Weary and nauseous, unable to be bold,

But it pales in comparison to the fearsome things,

That can happen later on, when trouble sings.

Gestational diabetes, a condition to dread,

Affecting both mother and child, a problem widespread,

High blood sugar can lead to complications dire,

And impact the lives of both, like a burning fire.

Pre-eclampsia, another scary foe,

Causing high blood pressure, with symptoms in tow,

Headaches, swelling, vision changes, to name a few,

And if left unchecked, can cause harm anew.

Placenta previa, a condition of concern,

When the placenta covers the cervix, a danger to discern,

Bleeding can occur, with risk to mother and child,

Leaving them both in peril, emotions running wild.

But sometimes, despite all the care and concern,

Complications still arise, causing hearts to churn,

Preterm labor, miscarriage, stillbirth, and more,

Leaving families broken, hurting to the core.

Pregnancy, a time of great hope and love,

But also a time of vulnerability, like a dove,

Complications can impact lives, leaving scars behind,

But with care and support, strength can be defined.

-Prashant Sethia

Nature's Realm: An Imaginary World Without Humans

In a world beyond our reach

Where humans never trod

Nature reigns supreme

And all is touched by God

The mountains rise up high

And the rivers flow so wide

Forests stretch out for miles

With no sign of human pride

The animals roam free

Without fear or threat of harm

In this world without us

Nature’s balance is the charm

No buildings pierce the sky

No cars rush to and fro

The skies are crystal clear

And the winds are free to blow

The oceans are pristine

With no plastic to be found

The coral reefs are thriving

And the waters make no sound

In this world without us

Nature thrives and grows

The earth is truly beautiful

And its wonder only grows

So let us take a moment

To imagine what could be

If we gave the earth a chance

To be what it should be.

-Prashant Sethia 

Women: The Pillars of Our Lives

As the world celebrates Women's Day,

Let us take a moment to convey,

Our gratitude to the women around us,

Who make our lives so beautiful and precious.

From the mothers who nurture us with love,

To the sisters who stand by us like a glove,

From the grandmothers who impart wisdom and grace,

To the wives who light up our lives with their embrace.

And let's not forget the daughters so dear,

Who fill our hearts with joy and cheer,

The women in our lives, each and every one,

Are blessings that brighten our day like the sun.

With their strength and resilience, they inspire us,

Their love and care, never tire us,

They give us hope and help us rise,

To reach for the stars in the skies.

So let us raise a toast to the women around,

Who make our world a brighter and happier ground,

Let's pledge to support and empower them,

And create a world where they can shine and ascend.

For they are the backbone of our families and society,

And their contributions are vital for our prosperity,

So let us cherish and celebrate the women in our lives,

On this Women's Day, and beyond, with all our might and drives.

In conclusion, let us always remember,

The women in our lives, with a love so tender,

And honor their strength, courage, and grace,

As we journey through life, at our own pace.

-Prashant Sethia 

The Power of a Smile

A smile is a powerful thing,

It can light up a room and make hearts sing,

It's a universal language we all understand,

Expressing happiness, joy and love at hand.

It can bring people closer,

Break down barriers and make us bolder,

It's a symbol of hope, a ray of sunshine,

A way to connect and make hearts intertwine.

A smile can heal a broken heart,

Mend the pieces, and give a fresh start,

It can turn a frown upside down,

And help erase any negative frown.

It can bring comfort to those in pain,

Ease their sorrows and make them feel sane,

It's a gentle reminder that life is good,

And happiness is waiting just around the hood.

A smile can make us feel alive,

Free us from our fears and help us thrive,

It's a reflection of our inner state,

And can bring us to a much better fate.

So, let us all smile and spread joy,

Be the change we want to see, and not just employ,

A small act of kindness can go a long way,

And make someone's day, come what may.

Smile is a powerful thing,

It can make our hearts sing,

Let us embrace its power and spread it wide,

And make the world a happier place to reside.

-Prashant Sethia

Tears

Tears fall down our cheeks,

When we're sad, they often speak.

They trickle and they flow,

A sign that we're feeling low.

Sometimes tears are happy too,

When we feel love, they come through.

They sparkle and they shine,

A sign that we're feeling fine.

Tears are like little drops of rain,

They wash away our hurt and pain.

They cleanse and purify,

A sign that we'll get by.

So let your tears fall if they must,

Don't hold them back, just trust.

They'll help you heal and grow,

A sign that you'll flourish and glow.

-Prashant Sethia

Missing You

I sit here, thinking of you,

And all the things we used to do.

I remember the way you laughed,

And all the good times that we had.

I miss the way you used to smile,

And how you made my life worthwhile.

I wish that you were here with me,

So I could hold you tenderly.

The days are long, the nights are cold,

Without you, my heart feels so old.

I long to see your face again,

And hold you close like we were then.

But until the day we meet once more,

I'll keep your memory close to my core.

And know that even though we're apart,

You'll always have a place in my heart.

-Prashant Sethia

Golden Hour

As the darkness fades into the light,

And the day breaks out of the night,

The sun begins to rise, so bright,

And fills the world with golden light.

The horizon glows with fiery hues,

As morning breaks and light ensues,

And birds take flight with joyful muse,

As dawn's chorus fills the morning news.

The world awakens from its sleep,

And shadows long begin to creep,

As sunbeams warm the land and steep,

And the earth begins to gently leap.

The beauty of the Golden Hour,

Brings peace, hope and inner power,

And fills the soul with love and dower,

As day begins its glorious flower.

The air is crisp, the sky is clear,

As the sun climbs higher without fear,

And the world basks in its warming cheer,

As the golden hour slowly disappears.

But though it fades, its magic remains,

A memory etched in hearts and brains,

A reminder that beauty always sustains,

And new GOLDEN HOUR will come again.

-Prashant Sethia

One of The True Lover - Mira Bai

In a small state in the North

Lived a mystic who was full of worth

Mira Bai was known for her song

Her voice and spirit could never be wrong

She sang to her lord and her bhakti did grow

Her songs were heard from the high hills to the low

Devotional and powerful, her songs bled pure love

Her faith and spirit were ever-above

Travelling from town to town, she was in rhythm 

Spreading her messages in her incredible poem

All became enchanted by her voice so sweet

Even kings and queens at her feet would meet

Her devotion to the almighty was so strong and true

To her lord, Mira Bai sang her song of love anew

The mystic of Rajasthan, she will remain in our hearts

Her divine love forever with us should now impart

-Prashant Sethia