Now and Here (poem)

The wick of sovereignty is seldom lit,

as abstinent as they might feign ,

once times perilous , yield to wit ;

It is the epoch of despotic reign…..



The manors, once bustling with ambrosia,

now wither in vain ,

acquiesce for a morsel gone by,

as parched as can be , without rain……….



Hitherto all but one perish,

“Ludicrous it was!”Some doubt;

as goes on the insane bout ,

A moment’s notice seems unfeasible

yet an hour did he cherish.

----------R.Ajay.Kumar

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

In the quiet expanse of the present moment, the poem "Now and Here" whispers a profound truth, urging us to embrace the immediacy of life. It speaks of the fleeting nature of time, where each second, once it passes, becomes a distant memory, and the only reality that truly exists is the one we are living right now. The poem draws our attention to the subtle beauty that surrounds us, in the rustle of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, and the gentle embrace of a breeze. It is a call to pause, to breathe, and to find joy in the everyday miracles that often go unnoticed. "Now and Here" is a gentle reminder that life is not a destination but a journey, and the most meaningful moments are not found in some far-off place or future time, but in the here and now, in the depths of our own experience. Through its verses, the poem encourages us to let go of regrets from the past and fears of the future, to live fully in the present, and to appreciate the richness of the world as it is, right before our eyes.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The wick of sovereignty is seldom lit,

as abstinent as they might feign ,

once times perilous , yield to wit ;

It is the epoch of despotic reign…..



The manors, once bustling with ambrosia,

now wither in vain ,

acquiesce for a morsel gone by,

as parched as can be , without rain……….



Hitherto all but one perish,

“Ludicrous it was!”Some doubt;

as goes on the insane bout ,

A moment’s notice seems unfeasible

yet an hour did he cherish.

----------R.Ajay.Kumar

This piece is a true masterclass in how to present information with both intellect and elegance. The writer's unique writing style is truly captivating; it's vibrant, insightful, and possesses a distinctive voice that makes the reading experience immensely enjoyable. This isn't just writing; it's a conversation. The article's structure is meticulously planned and executed, guiding you through its various facets with a natural and intuitive rhythm. This seamless flow allows for deep engagement with the material. Furthermore, the unparalleled clarity of the ideas conveyed is a major strength. Complex notions are distilled into their essence, presented with such sharp focus that you come away with a profound and unambiguous understanding.

 

[Simran Rai]

The wick of sovereignty is seldom lit,

as abstinent as they might feign ,

once times perilous , yield to wit ;

It is the epoch of despotic reign…..



The manors, once bustling with ambrosia,

now wither in vain ,

acquiesce for a morsel gone by,

as parched as can be , without rain……….



Hitherto all but one perish,

“Ludicrous it was!”Some doubt;

as goes on the insane bout ,

A moment’s notice seems unfeasible

yet an hour did he cherish.

----------R.Ajay.Kumar​

This poem is a haunting reflection on the erosion of sovereignty and dignity in the face of authoritarian rule and societal decay. With evocative imagery and a somber tone, the poet crafts a vivid landscape where power is misused and survival becomes a privilege. The opening stanza sets the tone with the metaphor of a sovereignty that is “seldom lit,” suggesting that true autonomy or justice is rare, especially under oppressive circumstances. The phrase “epoch of despotic reign” echoes a world dominated by control and fear, a theme that runs through the entire piece. The second stanza deepens the sense of loss and desolation by contrasting past abundance with present suffering. The manors, once symbols of prosperity, now beg for sustenance—symbolizing perhaps not only economic ruin but a deeper moral and cultural collapse. The use of “parched as can be, without rain” poignantly captures a yearning for revival that seems increasingly out of reach. The final stanza introduces ambiguity and introspection, with the mention of one surviving amidst destruction. The tone shifts subtly from collective suffering to individual endurance. The line “Ludicrous it was!” suggests incredulity at this survival, while the closing lines imply that in a world where time and life seem cheapened, even an hour of cherished existence stands out as a triumph. The poem’s structure, alternating between imagery of grandeur lost and the rawness of survival, makes it a powerful meditation on the toll of tyranny and the fragility of hope. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead invites the reader to contemplate endurance, dignity, and what it means to hold on to meaning in a crumbling world.​