riddhima_das's Journal

The sun was setting, painting the sky
in hues of amber, rose, and violet dye.
My eyelids heavy, my body weary,
I trudged along the path, dusty and dreary.
Fatigue weighed on me like a leaden cloak,
each step more arduous than the last I took.
I longed for rest, a respite from this plight,
when a tiny speck of red caught my sight.
Upon a leaf, a ladybug so bright,
seemed to glow with its own inner light.
Unfazed by weariness, it crawled with grace,
reminding me of nature's vibrant face.
I paused to watch this miniature wonder,
its delicate legs ambling forth to ponder
The vast expanse before its compound eyes,
a world of green where possibilities lie.
The ladybug's unhurried, steady pace
filled me with calm in that sunlit place.
Though small and fragile, it possessed a spark
that pierced the veil of tiredness, dark.
With renewed vigor, I straightened my stride,
the ladybug's resilience as my guide.
Through fatigue and trials, I'll persevere,
embracing life's marvels, ever-near.
For in that moment, the ladybug's flight
illuminated the path towards daylight.
Weariness may linger, but hope takes wing
when nature's tiny miracles take the stage and sing.

Hello Isa :)

6.5 miles

So many plants have dried out :(

I watched All That Breathes today, and it left a profound impact on me. The documentary follows two brothers, Nadeem and Saud, who run a makeshift bird hospital in New Delhi, India, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured black kites – birds of prey that soar above the city's polluted skies.

All That Breathes is a poetic and immersive exploration of the complex relationship between humans, animals, and the environment in a rapidly urbanizing city. Through stunning cinematography and an intimate portrayal of the brothers' lives, the film captures the harsh realities of Delhi's deteriorating air quality, overflowing landfills, and the consequences of human encroachment on natural habitats.

The brothers' tireless efforts to save the black kites serve as a metaphor for the city's collapsing ecology and deepening social fault lines. Their work is not just about rescuing birds but also about preserving a delicate balance between humans and nature in a world increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and societal tensions.

Despite the grim realities they face, Nadeem and Saud's unwavering dedication to their cause is a testament to the human capacity for compassion and resilience. Their love for the birds and their commitment to making a difference, no matter how small, is both inspiring and humbling.

The film also touches on the brothers' personal struggles, their differing perspectives on life, and the challenges they face as Muslims in a city plagued by religious tensions. Through their story, All That Breathes reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of treating every living being with kindness and respect.

Overall, this film is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human-animal-environment relationship, inviting viewers to reflect on their own role in preserving the delicate balance of life on our planet. I highly recommend you watch it - you can view it in Hindi & English.

[written late evening of 05.24.2024]

I walked on a trail today.

Here's what I noticed:

6 or so rabbits. Many dragonflies...? Crows, a lot of shrubs.

The rabbits were a delightful sight, hopping about and nibbling on the lush greenery. Their twitching noses and perked ears made them seem ever so alert to any potential danger. I couldn't help but smile at their adorable antics as they darted across the path, disappearing into the undergrowth.

The dragonflies were a mesmerizing presence, their iridescent wings catching the sunlight as they gracefully danced through the air. I watched in awe as they hovered, dipped, and soared, almost as if they were performing an intricate aerial ballet (I did ballet for many years before recently leaving it behind... I was quite advanced in training). Their vibrant colors added a touch of whimsy to the natural surroundings (though the wind was a little intense).

The crows, ever-present sentinels of the trail, announced their presence with their distinctive caws. Their sleek, black feathers glistened as they swooped from branch to branch, keeping a watchful eye on the happenings below. Their intelligence and adaptability were evident in the way they navigated the landscape with ease.

The trail was lined with a tapestry of shrubs, their verdant foliage creating a lush, inviting atmosphere. The various shades of green, punctuated by the occasional burst of color from wildflowers, painted a serene picture. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze added a soothing soundtrack to my journey - what is the need for music?

Each step revealed new sights, sounds, and sensations, reminding me of the beauty that can be found in the simplest of moments. I wish I had sat down for a bit.

Today was a day.

Actually, it's not even over yet.

Today has been a day.

I think I saw a white-headed woodpecker today.

Wish I had a photo.

But I guess you'll just have to take my word.

The park unfolds, a leafy maze,
sunlight dappled through a haze
Of emerald leaves, a canopy,
where branches reach for the wide, blue sea.
A giant oak, a timeless sage,
with gnarled bark whispering tales of age,
acorns dot the path below,
where playful squirrels come and go.
Willows weep in graceful sighs,
their branches brush the butterflies,
a symphony of flitting wings,
a silent dance the willow sings.
A row of maples, bold and bright,
their leaves like flames that burn so light,
a splash of color against the green,
a fleeting glimpse, a vibrant scene.
Each tree unique, a living form,
whispers secrets in the storm,
Rooted deep, a verdant choir,
the park's green heart, forever higher.