A life less dead
There’s no unrest around me
For freedom, peace or brotherhood
No pain, no endeavor
No mate, no love
Youth stained
The worldly-wise hail “Greed is good”
The trouble makers chant “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”
Capitalism will always find its way
War or stimulus, either way
Red flag nation is the destination
Mergers and acquisitions
You bet, that’s the game
Warren Buffett, Bill gates are best sellers
Good book pale decays
I’m damned
Dead burdened by installments
Taxes and dry days
The money lenders
Then, were well-behaved
Now, the recovery agent knocks me down
When I fail
That’s not all
NGOs and Politicians wise up after sun sets
Gandhi features on funky t-shirts
Where does it all end?!
“Care for a drag?”
🙂
I’m damned
So damn
damned
arjun bagga 
Amazing. Truth well captured and spoken.
Thanks Mate!
Death and taxes, who could ask for more? 😀
Swiss rolls 🙂
Now you are just being greedy 😀
Damn!
Damned if you do and damned if you don’t, life is like that if you have not got any swiss rolls..
😉
Damn.
Hey Chris, Thanks for dropping by
Powerful stuff arjun.
I love the interaction of the pictures and words. The last 3 pictures were especially powerful.
Very good powerful words and photographs.
Incredible. I need another lifetime to absorb all this.
Your writings and images are fascinating, my friend!
Seriously powerful series. Loved the story with the photos. Amazingly good. Dark. Powerful.
Once again, your words capture the angst of our day. The candles at the end have always signified hope for me…
I had to add one of my favorite quotes (and you know how I love quotes):
“Do not waste your time on Social Questions. What is the matter with the poor is Poverty; what is the matter with the rich is Uselessness.”
George Bernard Shaw
Huh! Had it been Queen Elizabeth, I’d have told her “How mean!” but you, I can’t say that, right?!
In fact I was hoping you’d congratulate me for writing about social issues, a change from my self-indulgent 6 feet under poetry..
You always give so much to us – your words bring truth and light to our social conditions. Your gift is in how you are able to articulate the nature of our problems. Which is something that the great George Bernard Shaw was known for. So my dear friend, I think that you are the opposite of self-indulgent. We are lucky to have you in our community!!!!
Sheer honor. I have no words to express my gratitude, well aware that I’ve been forgiven many a times for my brash remarks, over-sensitive reactions. Clanmother, you’re the first person to say if not see that my intent of writing ain’t self-indulgent. My writings are facts we know, of course, I wish readers see it in a different perspective, wry humor and definitely not take it too seriously.
I hope to turn these writings into songs, videos and take them to Indian villages and towns such as this one https://arjunbagga.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/a-positive-life/ which I think can become 5 min play or short. In my country with almost half the population not or less educated, how does a mere hoarding/signboard with public message help convey and at times we do need a hard slap, my kind especially.
And what Mr. Shaw says in the quote you mentioned before is apt. I’m on it at wetstreet and trust me I’ll do a good job. I’m ambidextrous, you see!!
That particular link was the moment I understood. You are on a journey that will take all of your wits, energy, passion and determination. Thank you so much for letting me tag along. There is much work to be done….and very little time! You need to be ambidextrous!
Yes. That’s when I made my first move. I cherish the moment till date when the dim grey icon lit up, turned bright orange star.
Thank You!!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Absolutely stunning.
Brilliant shots, and very Creative!
🙂 Your images are interesting, Nabil. You have an eye for detail. Cheers!
Oh thank you Bro, I appreciate that big time. And you too, superb art work as well… Cant wait to see more.
I’m glad. Take your time and there are much better photographers than me on WP. Make friends with them. You’ll love it here.
No man, do not undermine your work… I’ve been a photographer for over 18 years, and trust me, you do have a unique eye too…
As for WP, true true, there are some seriously amazing photographer I have to agree… thanks…
Ah! I should take that as a compliment. Why not? 🙂
You’re back! A picture says a thousand words; your words bring your pictures to life.
liked the last 3 pics. They depict the whole poem u have written.
🙂
I need a smoke after reading this.
Is that Icarus in the last three?
I was about to quick reply – No, that’s a moth. “Wait!” said a voice. “That’s a trap, you fool”
John, You trouble me a lot. What would I do without google search?
Not Icarus-complex, just naive and a deep desire for revolution. When we fight for change no matter we win or fail but at least for that time period ‘I’ stops to exist and there is ‘We’, selfless, a mission worth living for, dying for.
Oh, I got all that. I liked it. I’m a revolutionary at heart as well. I was saying the moth was icarus 🙂
Did you ever run with that idea about the man who starts a revolution simply because he’s bored?
That’s the absolute truth of human life not just revolution but everything that a man does is out of boredom. Dostoevsky said that.
I’d also say curiosity.
Curiosity definitely is an outcome of boredom 😉
True! Damn, so we’re nothing but bored superstitious naked apes… that’s rather depressing 😦
I agree. We explored every bit on earth. Eventually we will reach the deepest and the farthest of underground and universe too. God’s existence will remain the never ending curious debate. We are on it.
I’m going to go and hug a stranger 🙂
There’s meaning in that!
🙂
Again to reiterate, Dostoevsky said so and I see sense in it. Maybe I am bored of both sides of the argument and this came as fresh dope?! Never-ending.
Yeah, let’s hug a stranger. Yawn Yawn!
I’m so happy you’re back 😀 and with all this awesomeness!
This was a little disturbing too though, the words are very strong and present some uncomfortable points. I’d say you’ve succeeded in what artists set out to do here! But I’d love some hint of some possible solution, a way to make the world better. It’s just so damned and doomed….:( I’ll go look at this https://arjunbagga.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/vintage/ until I feel better 😉
Possible solution is, the world should be responsive. To begin with their comments should receive some reply, smile will do, very much 😉
Next post I’ll make up with a romantic poem 🙂 Thank you! This means a lot.
I send you a smile then 😉 And I’m looking forward to hear more from you, no matter what you choose to write about!
I think there are ten more dark poems, that’s it. I personally want to change my writing. That’s the reason I started the new blog. To lighten up 🙂
Wow! Bad day?
Hm, bad week! 😀
the deep human desire is TO consume, waste, eat up, swallow, spend, etc…
political, religious, teacher, publicist… all them know about it.
Absolutely. There is no end to human greed but we have to persistently raise our voice, warn the greedy and powerful, support the weaker section of the society. We can only hope sense will eventually prevail.
Powerful. Stunning. Provocative. Tremendous work Arjun!
Thank you so much!
You have a book here Arjun. Quite compelling.
🙂 Thank you Elena. It’s a mere reflection of lil that I have learned on WP from talented artists such as you.
Great capture!!!
Love the playful cynicism, works well with the piece, amusing and right to the point.
Damned in the full sentence and is unfortunately the truth !
That is why, I like your attitude to life. You are awesome!
Thank you Arjun and I like your articles, have a pleasant day !
great photo story, an unfortunate truth
Souls like you are doing their best to bring about change!
thx, you too, you do your best !!! making people aware is the first step.
I poke them to put it right 🙂 and this is all I can do with my limited knowledge.
Really powerful sequence – the more so for the personal aspect – like Elena said there’s a book here.
Personally I feel and I say this cause we share quite a few common interests such as street photography, writing, movies, music, the natural extension is music videos/shorts. Shoot montages, layer it with music or perhaps poetry.
Arjun, this was so powerful. Truth is. Your words and pictures were perfect.
Judy, This one is from the hot section. That reminds me, I hope the cupcakes turned out perfectly well from the refrigerator.
Yes they did!!
🙂
Really love this collection of photograph have so much life!!!!!! 🙂
Thank you Noelia. It feels good coming from a talented photo artist as you
By the way, you’re also pretty good at surprising people! 🙂
Why do you say that surprising people??? 🙂 Thanks for the complement I’m blushing jijjiji
The calm and joy on your face in the image with the Srilankan women had me guessing, later to discover your inclination to Buddhism was pleasantly surprising 🙂
Very effective interplay between photos and poetry. Much meaning throughout. Great post!
What are you making me read today? 🙂
Oh, giving everyone a break, just posted a silly photo.
Really liked your post with the photo/poetry dialogue.
I am at your pad right now 🙂
Very good presentation.
Brilliant!!
Thank you Peter. Some 18 odd days back, I was wondering about your whereabouts. I had put up a few poems quite close to me and was keen…I came looking for you, that’s when I noticed your reply in a post about your status – Hyderabad.
Peter, Your new image series on kids is beautiful and touching. Also I understand you’re deeply saddened with the state of affairs. I personally apologize to you as one soul to another who cannot do much but share.
Otherwise, things are okay and I hope all’s good with you.
Warm Regards
Arjun
Thanks Arjun, although I feel you are the kind of person who owes no apology; you can see where others can’t – I know that from your comment on my “untouchable” post. I wish that politicians in India and the world over, would be able to see things the way you obviously do.
You are right that I am saddened by my experiences in Hyderabad. I go to India often (I have extended family there), usually the north, and see similar there too. This is the first time I have really been out with a camera and had the freedom to wander without being whisked off in a jeep from one relative to another! 🙂
It was a brilliant visit for me because I felt such incredible warmth from those families by the river. I will be going back and aiming to do something for them to return that warmth and happiness that they showed to me. I will be meeting trustees from a UK/India based charity to see if they can push some resources to that place. I am keeping my fingers crossed for good luck! 🙂
Please keep your fingers crossed for that good luck too!! 🙂
In retrospect, I feel this is what you were born to experience and your life has carefully carved out a journey so distinct, it’s not just a mere coincidence. Your family images I’ve seen, of course and this had to be the way it is, eventually to travel the length and breadth of India, come face to face with the harsh reality and see the true purpose of your life reveal.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and I believe you’ll achieve what you have set out to do.
And I hope you know, if you ever need a handy volunteer, count me in.
Good luck Peter! 🙂
Thanks Arjun I really appreciate your thoughts. I’ll no doubt be back again soon, north and south; you might well hear from me!! 🙂
Wonderful. That would be great 🙂
A stunning meaningful post, the poetry and photographs together are very thought provoking Arjun.
Thank you!
Powerful photos gave strength to your words. A hard world today. Need kind and generous people to help and repair. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and photos.
You’ve summed up so well, John. I’m glad you participated in the discussion. Your words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Profound and powerful! Your images and words speak truth to power.
It’s also a confession. I feel helpless.
The reason why I see friends such as you far more resolved and spirited.
Interesting. In so many ways though I feel helpless against the powers that be. I guess I don’t really see myself as resolved and spirited. Now you’ve got me deep thinking! Thank you for that. 😀
Deep thinking?!
Aren’t you done away with it?
😀
No! I’m always lost in thought about all sorts of things! Right now, it’s late so I’m going to get lost in dreamland. Thanks – I’ve enjoyed our conversation. 😀
Good night, Jackie!
🙂
Reblogged this on " F I N I T U D E ".
Excellent. Excellent.
And that word “stained” – such a word. Stained youth. Stained…
Yep, great.
Yep. Those two words poke me the hardest in there.
🙂
extremely good 🙂 keep it up.
You’re not alone.
Salaam alaikum
Wa Alaikum As-Salam
I thought it was not a poem ! just the way you heal an unsatisfying disease, Arjun.
Maybe. I wrote this poem in my early 30’s when youth was fading away and I was facing the big big world of responsibilities and there were hard realizations.
I was an idealist before that. We all were/are at some point in our life.
I really like this
I liked your Bukowski analogy 🙂
oh yeah well we spend too much time trying to write, instead of writing, empty the mind…just write….anyway….ramblings
Yup. Something sure comes out interesting or leads to another idea. Great thought!
that’s it that’s just write……i love your blog!
Thank you!
no worries!
Never
see ya
😃 Flink du er til å skrive og flotte bilder😃
Jeg er glad du liker min innsats
Kjempe flott😃 fantastisk flott blogg😃
Takk 🙂
Greetings Arjun
I find a kinship here and am now following your blog. These images powerfully spoke words that weren’t necessary. It is true that a picture paints a thousand words. In my life I was often referred to starting in High School that I was just like Joan of Arc. I didn’t know who she was then, but have since then as I have been referred to her again. I like to think I am an earth warrior for peace, for justice, for truth. I have losts jobs knowingly to make someone else’s life more tolerable and better. I am not looking for praise. Just a place of sanity for all men.
Will see you more often now that I will get your posts.
Be well my friend
Yisraela
Thank you Yisraela.
Your wish I hope comes true. A place of sanity for us and living beings to live in harmony and peace.
P.S : About the different time zones you referred in your previous message, I forgot to update. I live in India.
Hi arjun- I know you live in India. I saw that on your blog. I have always had a fascination with India. I still don’t know what time it would be in your country if it was 3pm here. I asked cause if it was ie: a good time there, we could meet up and have coffee on the cosmic realm. I know of a good place called ” Galaxy Fleet Java,” Yisraela
Ah, Perfect! It was 8.10 AM in India when you wrote to me. Ha Ha! Let’s meet at GFJ then. Cool term you’ve coined. I like it very much!
Very powerful.