150 editions! What a ball. Thank you for being an amazing reader of Hello Universe, I owe it all to you.
I was wondering what to publish as the 150th poem, and so I went back and read everything that I’ve published here, to try and identify the most prominent themes that I have spoken about. And the biggest themes that jumped out were:
Today’s poem, inspired by some recent life experiences, and inspired by these themes, is dedicated to you dear reader. Thank you for 150 weeks together!
Alright, poem starts in 3… 2… 1!
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 ambition 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 make your way 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 that 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 its 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 perseverant 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 celebrations to regret. That's all I think, I had to say, I'll keep you in my thoughts. And time will come and have its way, but forget you, I shall not.
That’s it! This was a poem that took me some time and thought to put together. It was less stream of consciousness and more conscious crafting. So I'm very very curious to know…
…how did you find today’s poem? And what has been your favorite part of reading Hello Universe so far?
Leave a comment!
Some Fun Stuff
Today’s Some Fun Stuff is a bit different, as I am sharing with you three movie recommendations. These movies were found perchance last week, scrolling mindlessly through a streaming service menu. It was super delightful to find such stellar movies back to back, and I am even more delighted to share these finds with you. Hope you like them!
1. The Network (1976): Remember how The Truman Show was prescient about a world full of reality television? Well, The Network was even more of a pioneer, showing in 1976 how television would be like if anyone was allowed to say anything. This smart satire is full of crisp dialogue (no wonder Aaron Sorkin loves it), great casting (no wonder it won 3 acting Oscars), and an outstanding story (no wonder it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant"). I became a fanboy as soon as I saw it, and told everyone to go check it out. You should too!
2. Shatranj Ke Khilari (1972): 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 stars heavyweights of Indian cinema like Sanjeev Kumar and Shabana Azmi, along with Richard Attenborough (David’s brother). The movie explores the goings on of the princely state of Awadh (Oudh) around the time the East India Company annexed it, showing on one side the point of view of two barons obsessed with chess, and on the other side showing the political machinations of the Nawab and the East India Company. It is a funny satire, with just enough serious moments to stun you and make you feel the weight of this historical moment, as Awadh became annexed by the company.
As Martin Scorcese, a big fan of Ray, says, “This film deals with a moment of incredible change in Indian history and is told from a comical view that is a hallmark of Ray’s work. Watching it again, I realize this is what it must really feel like to live through a moment of historic change. It feels this big and tragic at the same time.”
I saw it twice back to back. Plus, it’s available to watch for free on Youtube (!!) with English subtitles. What more could one ask for! Check it out, please!
3. Leo (2023): Starring Adam Sandler as an aging lizard and Bill Burr as a tortoise, this adolescent-friendly animated feature was co-written and co-directed by Robert Smigel, an SNL and Late Night veteran. The movie deals with pre-teen anxiety, the urge to fit in + feel like a part of the classroom community, and other such stresses in a funny and relatable way. There are plentiful visual gags, like the insects that Leo the Lizard keeps snacking away at, or the boisterous kindergartners. Each moment in the movie elicited a reaction from me, be it laughter, frowns, or tears. I think it’s a complete family package, especially if you are a parent to a pre-teen. Check it out now!
That’s it for this week. Happy 150 editions. See you next Tuesday!
Congrats on 150, Punit! Keep 'em coming!
This is the best out of 150.