Changes...

From the advent of time
Change has been our way of life.
While some species are extinct
Some others endure and thrive on...
Children become adults
Birds leaving their nests.
Distances are conquered
Worlds are discovered
Language and Laws
Culture and Conventions
Desires and Dreams
Are constantly on the mend
We turn a new leaf
Discard the old
And embrace the new.

Like the mist on a mountain

Change creeps up behind you 

And all of a sudden you realise

The past is long gone

The future has arrived.

Even as the world evolves

Somethings remain solid

Like the earth beneath our feet.

But, the mystery of life,

The quest for understanding,

The search for self

Are always relevant no matter the age.

In everything give thanks...

I think this poem is very well suited to give thanks for all the good things and every blessing  bestowed upon us this year. At this point in my life, this poem is so fitting.  Happy thanksgiving everyone!

Gettin' together to smile an' rejoice,
An' eatin' an' laughin' with folks of your choice;
An' kissin' the girls an' declarin' that they
Are growin' more beautiful day after day;
Chattin' an' braggin' a bit with the men,
Buildin' the old family circle again;
Livin' the wholesome an' old-fashioned cheer,
Just for awhile at the end of the year.
Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door
And under the old roof we gather once more
Just as we did when the youngsters were small;
Mother's a little bit grayer, that's all.
Father's a little bit older, but still
Ready to romp an' to laugh with a will.
Here we are back at the table again
Tellin' our stories as women an' men.

Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer;
Oh, but we're grateful an' glad to be there.
Home from the east land an' home from the west,
Home with the folks that are dearest an' best.
Out of the sham of the cities afar
We've come for a time to be just what we are.
Here we can talk of ourselves an' be frank,
Forgettin' position an' station an' rank.

Give me the end of the year an' its fun
When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers.

Edgar Albert Guest

Hope

"Hope" is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops—at all

And sweetest in the Gale is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm

I've heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest Sea
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

Emily Dickinson

Without hope, there are no dreams of tomorrow.
Dare to dream, dare to hope.

Orphanages - Service to mankind or Booming business?

The best opportunity life can provide you is to serve your fellowmen.

Childhood is that stage of life when one is helpless and if not entirely, atleast partially dependent on another for living. Being orphaned at birth or the formative stage of life when one is extremely vulnerable is the worst imaginable plight. Orphanges are considered a sacred place and those who run are well respected and revered for dedicating their lives to helping kids.

Wanting to sponsor a child, last week I went to a renowned orphanage at the outskirts of the city that has been functioning for over 40 years. After the sponsorship, we were given a tour of the place. The home for the elderly admits only paid members and pensioners. And 200 kids lived in the ashram. While there were vast playgrounds and a huge dining area, it was a rude shock to see the sleeping quarters of the children. It was a small hall with doors on either walls and a very tiny 2*2*1 feet shelf on a cupboard to hold all their belongings. The worst of it is that forty students share this hall and sleep in horrible bunkers. But the home boasts an extensive collection of birds - almost of all types including a number of peacocks, parakeet and exotic birds - a personal hobby of the fellow who runs the place. 

While one can argue that a life of luxury is impossible for kids in welfare, a healthy environment, good food, education are bare essentials for growing up. And considering the donations received by the place, it is reasonable to expect  healthy accommodations.

I do not want to believe that the donations are not spent on the kids welfare. But I couldn't help being suspicious. I am planning to write to the owner once I receive the details of the kid I have sponsored.  I'm helpless on what to do in this matter and only hope and pray that everything is well.