In the delicate weave of our lives, some threads leave indelible marks, shaping our world in profound ways. One such thread, woven into the fabric of the poem presented, takes us through a nostalgic journey of love and loss, expressed through the poignant metaphor of parallel lines and the cherished memory of a beloved pet.

The Intersection of Memory and Pet Reality

The poem begins with a nostalgic nod to the simplicity of school days, where the concept of parallel lines was a fundamental lesson in geometry. This seemingly trivial educational concept transforms into a powerful metaphor for the relationship between the speaker and their pet. The parallel lines, which in mathematical terms never meet, symbolize the distance and separation that eventually come to define the relationship with the pet. The realization that they were parallel lines too—meant to exist alongside each other without convergence—adds a layer of emotional depth to the speaker’s reflections on their pet.

A Day in the Life of a Pet

As the poem progresses, it shifts to a personal recount of the relationship with the pet. The speaker describes the pet’s presence as an integral part of their daily routine, illustrating a bond built on mutual presence and affection. From the physical reminders of the pet’s presence, like paw stains on clothes, to the reserved spot in the car, the poem captures the profound impact of the pet’s companionship. These small details—such as the pet’s annoyance at the neighbor’s boy playing the flute—paint a vivid picture of a pet who, despite being “annoying” at times, was cherished beyond measure.

The innocent Loyal Pet

The pet, described as a “cute little creamy puppy” and a “labrador by breed but an emotional fellow in nature,” symbolizes innocence and unwavering loyalty. The speaker’s affection is evident in their description of the pet as the most “innocent creature,” and this emotional connection is what makes the loss of the pet so poignant. The contrast between the pet’s innocent demeanor and the harsh reality of its absence highlights the depth of the speaker’s grief over their beloved pet.

The Bittersweet Reality of Parallel Pet Lives

The metaphor of parallel lines resonates deeply, as it reflects the inherent sadness in the realization that some connections, no matter how close or meaningful, are destined to remain unfulfilled in the traditional sense. The pet’s departure, described as “fortunate” in having met but “unfortunate” in never truly intersecting, underscores the bittersweet nature of the relationship with the pet. It’s a reminder of how some bonds, while profoundly influential, are fleeting and cannot be reclaimed.

Preserving the Memory of a Cherished Pet

The final verses of the poem reflect a sense of resignation and ongoing connection. The speaker continues to rest on the terrace, a place once shared with the pet. This act of maintaining a routine, despite the absence of the pet, signifies an attempt to hold on to the memories and preserve the bond with the pet in the face of loss. The difference now is palpable—the speaker’s life has irrevocably changed, yet the memories of the pet remain a source of comfort and bittersweet reflection.

In essence, this poem captures the beauty of a relationship with a pet that, while never fully intersecting as hoped, was deeply impactful. It eloquently explores the themes of love, loss, and the enduring nature of memory, all through the lens of a relationship with a cherished pet. The use of mathematical metaphors to convey emotional truths adds a unique and thought-provoking dimension to the narrative, making it a poignant tribute to a beloved pet.

The Poem

I remember my school going days,
When parallel lines were taught in the geometric process,
Years passed then I met you,
Couldn’t realize we were parallel lines too,
Loving you I wasn’t aware,
Losing you would be a nightmare,
The photographs take me to the memory lanes,
You aren’t here but my clothes still have your paw’s stains,
You could recognize me from a distance far,
The front seat was obviously reserved for you in the car,
You allowed nobody to sleep next to me,
I got really trapped if in the house stayed guests any,
Sometimes you made annoying expressions and sometimes looked cute,
How can I forget your irritated face when the neighbor’s boy played flute?
My morning started with your face,
And it was enough for me to deal with the day’s stress,
You were a cute little creamy puppy when I first saw you,
Then you got acquainted with me in a moments few,
A labrador by breed but an emotional fellow in nature,
I think you were the most innocent creature,
How selfish you are?
How can you without me stay among the stars?
It was fortunate that we met,
Unfortunately parallel lines never intersect,
You know what I still rest on the terrace,
Just you are no more with me that’s the difference.

-Sunaainaa Mohanty

In the rush of modern life, where mornings often begin with a flurry of activity and stress, there’s one ritual that has remained a steadfast companion for many: the humble cup of tea. A recent poem beautifully captures the essence of this beloved beverage, turning an everyday act into a celebration of sensory pleasure and emotional solace. Let’s delve into this poetic tribute to tea and explore why it resonates so deeply with so many of us.

Tea and Tradition: The Morning Routine

The poem opens with an evocative description of the first sip of tea. The “brown substance” is more than just a drink; it’s described as an invigorating force that makes every cell “dance.” This imagery underscores the immediate, almost magical effect that tea can have on our bodies and minds. It’s a vivid portrayal of how this simple beverage can transform our state of being from sluggish to spirited, setting the stage for the day ahead.

One of the poem’s highlights is its portrayal of tea as an integral part of the morning routine. It’s not just about the tea itself, but the entire experience that surrounds it. The reference to “headlines, printed papers” and the classic “Parle G biscuits” paints a picture of a comforting ritual that many people cherish. This connection to other morning habits illustrates how tea seamlessly fits into our daily lives, enhancing the entire experience of starting the day.

Tea and its elements

The sensory experience of tea is another focal point of the poem. The poet describes the “aroma of ginger, cardamom, and cloves,” evoking a rich tapestry of scents that mingle and envelop the senses. This olfactory delight is complemented by the “silky” texture of the tea’s surface, adding a tactile element to the experience. The attention to these details highlights how tea engages multiple senses, making it more than just a drink but a fully immersive experience.

Emotional Impact: From Sip to Spirit

As the tea makes its way from the poet’s tongue to the stomach, it transforms into a source of vitality and enthusiasm. The poem emphasizes tea’s role as a “stress buster,” suggesting that even on the busiest of days, a cup of tea can provide a much-needed boost. This emotional comfort is a key reason why tea is so cherished. It’s not just about physical refreshment; it’s about the psychological uplift that comes from taking a moment to savour a well-brewed cup.

In the concluding lines, the poet praises tea as an “elixir potion” and an “energizing emblem.” These phrases encapsulate the dual role of tea: as a vital source of energy and a symbol of comfort. The gratitude expressed towards tea underscores its significance in daily life. It’s portrayed not merely as a beverage but as a crucial element of daily existence that helps us navigate the challenges of life with a bit more ease.

Tea as a Savior: An Emblem of Energy

This poem offers a heartfelt tribute to tea, illustrating how a simple morning ritual can hold profound meaning. By highlighting the sensory pleasures and emotional benefits associated with tea, the poet elevates it from a mere beverage to a cherished ritual that enriches our lives. Whether it’s the invigorating first sip, the comforting morning routine, or the stress-relieving qualities, the brown liquid has a special place in our hearts.

In essence, this poetic celebration reminds us of the significance of our daily rituals and how something as simple as a cup of tea can have a transformative impact on our lives. It’s a testament to the power of small pleasures and the joy they bring, making every day a bit brighter and every challenge a bit easier to face.

The Brown Liquid

The first sip of the brown substance,
Makes my every cell dance,
My morning routine it does enhance,
The headlines, printed papers are a match to it,
How can I forget the flavor of Parle G biscuits,
I blow the fluid to take my sip,
The aroma of ginger, cardamom and cloves absorb my nostrils deep,
A bit sweetened and a bit milky,
The skin over it looks damn silky,
From the moment it touches my tongue,
To the walls of my stomach all the way long,
Spirited and lively I feel,
For the next working hours I have to deal,
No doubt a stress buster it is,
Even if am late for my work, a cup of it I can never miss,
From the first light to the tiring hours it is the elixir potion,
Not just a brownish liquid, it is an emotion,
Its every sip continues to solve all my problems,
Can we declare it as the energizing emblem?
The most important part of all our lives, agree?
Thank you for being our savior,
The Cup of Tea!
-Sunaainaa Mohanty