The Deeds of Time [Again]

Hello Universe 194

The year comes to a close and brings with it an opportunity to reflect and engage with who you were and who you are becoming. I am reflecting through the poetry I wrote in 2024, and republishing some of my favorite ones.

Today’s poem was written as part of a realization that “Time” is my most covered and favorite topic on Hello Universe, and was the 150th poem on this newsletter. Now that we are close to the 200th post (coming in just 6 weeks), it felt apt to look back at this poem today, because nothing blows my mind just like thinking about the almost of 4 years (!) of time I’ve spent writing this newsletter.

Alright, poem starts in 3… 2… 1!

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It hurts to be rejected
and it hurts to be told "No!"
It hurts to be dejected
and it hurts to be told "Go!"

It's strange to be the one 
who always wants to go so far.
It's strange to be the one
who always has to work so hard.

It's so confounding when
life just refuses to behave.
It's so perplexing when
your vision has you enslaved.

It's then my friend you stand right up
and pull up both your socks.
It's then my friend, you chill, light up,
and think about your folks.

Think too about the blessings that
this world's bestowed on you.
Think too about the lessons that,
you've learned from things you do.

Think of the demons and the fears,
you slayed to come right through.
Think of the dreams that got you here,
believe that they'll come true.

Know this, my friend, life can get bad,
and stay so, faaaar too long,
know too, my friend, you can feel sad,
and worry you're not strong.

But time, it knows to play its game,
it gently chugs along,
Yes time, it keeps things not the same,
and right comes out from wrong.

So trust that time, this time, will play
the game it plays each time.
So trust that time, each time, will say,
"It's just the way of time."

It's just the way of time, you see,
to challenge those who try.
To make them wonder how to be 
persistent and not cry.

The ones who find the patience
are the ones that get the treasure.
The ones who find impatience,
stay the ones without the pleasure.

So learn to trust that time, my friend,
will carry out its deeds,
Right from the start, right to the end,
each moment, just a seed,

A seed that slowly grows into
a young tree of tomorrow.
A tree of happiness that grew
from years and years of sorrow.

Rejections and dejections? 
Make them fuel that pushes you hard.
Confounded and perplexed? 
Make those feet walk wide and far.

Walk forth with care, and love your soul, 
embrace your path with might.
Nourish your body, play your role,
and you will find your light.

Remember you're permitted to
be rested and be free.
Remember you're committed to
the future that you see.

Take care of you, my friend,
because you're all you'll ever get,
from start of life towards its end,
from parties to regrets.

That's all I think, I had to say,
I'll keep you in my thoughts.
While time will come and have its way - forget you, I shall not.

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That’s it! Thanks for reading edition 194 of Hello Universe.

I’m curious to know - how did your “Time” feel this past year? Did it go by super quickly? Or was it a slow and steady snail?

It was a quick blur for me - I sure can’t tell if yesterday was January 1 2024 or not - this year has just gone by in a flash for me!

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Some Fun Stuff

Looking back at some of the stuff I shared this year, here are some videos that stood out as my favorites of the year.

1. Shatranj Ke Khilari: Satyajit Ray was India’s most ambitious and world-renowned filmmaker, someone who revolutionised film storytelling at the world stage. Shatranj ke Khilari was his first and only film in Urdu / Hindi, and it is a funny satire, with just enough serious moments to stun you and make you feel the weight of a historical moment, as the last independent princely state in India became annexed by the British East India Company. I have loved every moment of this movie since I saw it back in February, and I insist that you see it too! After all, it is available for free on Youtube with English subtitles.

2. a word from a bug: An important message from a bug that I saw in the middle of the year and felt my heartstrings get tugged. Special thanks to Hello Universe reader Rubaina for sending this in.

3. Animation vs. Physics: I don’t think anything in 2024 gave me as much joy as this beautiful animated short that I saw way back in January - it is intelligent, mind-bending, and an illustration of the weirdness of the same topic we discussed today - time. Do watch it again even if you’ve seen it before, it will hit just as hard this time.

That’s it for this week, see you next Tuesday!