The Cell Phone Speaks [song]

I went for a bath in the Goan sea
no longer is chatter my stock in trade
from language's babble at last I'm free
who'd think I'd gain this from a simple wade?

I went for a bath in the Goan sea
the network of fishes seemed lithe & bright
it's hard to say quite what attracted me
to dive into water devoid of fright

I went for a bath in the Goan sea
the custom of bathing though not my wont
who seek the dim object of liberty
must hazard chill paradox & cruel taunt

I went for a bath in the Goan sea
the going gets tough when the bluff is called
no jabber remote now ensorcells me
in measureless silence my soul enthralled



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Poem's 1st line borrowed (with modification) from Nitoo Das

14th Way of Looking at Happy Birthday [song]

happy birthday   Barack Obama
why are you dubbed   Mr. No Drama?
may great peace today   fill & surround you
not unlike your pal   the Dalai Lama



The title alludes to this: 13 Ways of Looking at Happy Birthday

13 Ways of Looking at Happy Birthday [song]

1
Happy Birthday to you
life though fleet -- you're not through
even if time's an illusion
there is a lot here to do!

2
Happy birthday to thou
there is no time like now
may your days pass in wonder
at the great cosmic wow

3
Happy birthday my friend
heed the prayer I have penned
filled with thanks for life’s blessings
may your joy find no end

4
Happy birthday old chum
lest you deem our song dumb
we’ve a few humble presents
may they not prove ho-hum

5
Happy birthday you nerd
do you feel life’s absurd?
from philosophy’s vantage
what is gold? what is turd?

6
Happy birthday young dreamer
we’re aware you’re a schemer
when time’s joke is discovered
we heartell it’s a screamer

7
Happy birthday old-timer
are you a social climber?
in society’s structure
is there room for a rhymer?

8
Happy birthday mine sweet
this is not Easy Street
amid struggle we’ll snuggle
can’t you hear my heartbeat?

9
Happy birthday ascetic
am I being poetic
when I offer you cookies
claiming they’re dietetic?

10
Happy birthday great Om
you're all life’s hidden loam
every day is your birthday
every heart is your home

11
Happy birthday Nirvana
I will meet you mañana
in the meanwhile I’m going
to enjoy a warm sauna

12
Happy birthday little baby
do we love you? more than maybe
in the playground of existence
may delightful all your play be

13
Happy birthday impersonal city
you are exciting but it’s a pity
I’ve not more friends in your goodly precinct
who recognize when I’m being witty

"the moon on a stick" [song]

I want the moon on a stick
‎& the sun on a string
I want eternity quick
like an infinite sting

I want to fly in the swing
where the sky has grown thick
with cool cosmic bling-bling
I want the moon on a stick


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Note: the first & final lines of the song are borrowed from Marc o'Guiotto (Facebook status update)

"can you explain?" [song]

This photo was taken the year I took birth
in Washington (where I would later reside)
things happen by happenstance here on the Earth
where rivers are lengthy & ocean are wide

what makes the man smile?   & can you explain
how little true knowledge   gets held in my brain?

"the stars I pocketed" [song]

I should've brought sun home with me
I ought've packed moon in my tote
the stars I pocketed would be
considerably less remote
    at least I've got rain in my shoes
    & clouds enough to croon the blues

I might've stashed yon sylvan stream
within my knapsack just for you
I could've pocketed pure dream
commingled with crystaline dew
    at least I've lodged truth in my cap
    with oceans' fantasy on tap