Abd al-Qadir Jilani: Unveiling the Secret of Secrets

Welcome back to VerseBound 

If you’ve ever been curious about Sufism and what it truly means to live in harmony with divine wisdom, then The Secret of Secrets by Hazrat Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, interpreted by Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti, is a must-read. This powerful work takes you on a profound spiritual journey, exploring the essence of life, faith, and the depths of the human soul.

Introduction: The Life of a True Sufi Master

The book opens with an introduction to the remarkable life of Hazrat Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. Known for his deep humility and compassion, Abd al-Qadir sought the company of the poor and the weak, avoiding the lure of fame and power. His life’s mission was to learn, teach, and embody the essence of divine wisdom. This spiritual leader spent years wandering through deserts, shedding every ounce of ego, and embracing a life of pure devotion.

What’s truly inspiring is how relatable his teachings are for today’s world. In an era obsessed with material success and fame, Abd al-Qadir's humility is a stark reminder of what truly matters in life: the state of your heart and your connection with the Divine.

 The Structure: 24 Chapters, 24 Symbols

One of the most beautiful aspects of The Secret of Secrets is how it’s divided into 24 chapters, each symbolizing the 24 letters of the Kalima e Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith) and the 24 hours of a day. This structure reflects the continuous presence of the Divine in every moment of life, urging us to be mindful of our actions, thoughts, and connection with God at all times.

Humility, Justice, and Spiritual Strength

The book is filled with stories that show Hazrat Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani’s unwavering sense of justice and spirituality. One powerful incident involved a girl from Ceylon, whose honour was about to be harmed by a man. When Abd al-Qadir heard her call for help, he threw his wooden shoe at the attacker, and the man died instantly. His swift action in the name of justice shows his strength, while his tenderness with children reveals his deeply compassionate nature.

Another significant moment in the book occurs when the Devil tries to tempt Abd al-Qadir in a desert by offering food and drink, saying God had made unlawful things lawful for him. With unwavering faith, Abd al-Qadir immediately recognized it as a trap and declined the luxuries. How many of us could claim such spiritual insight today?

 

Knowledge of the Tongue vs. Knowledge of the Heart

A crucial teaching in The Secret of Secrets is the distinction between two types of knowledge: the knowledge of the tongue and the knowledge of the heart. In today’s world, we’re often bombarded with information, but the real wisdom lies in the heart, in spiritual understanding. This profound message is particularly resonant in a time when superficial knowledge is often mistaken for true understanding.

The book explains how, through continuous Zikr (the remembrance of God), the heart gives birth to spiritual states known as Babes. This emphasizes the power of constant reflection and meditation to deepen your connection with the Divine.

In this, the book echoes the Hadith, where Allah says:  

"I am as My servant knows Me. When he seeks Me inwardly, I seek him with My essence. If he remembers Me and mentions Me in good company, I remember and declare him as My good servant in a better company."

This beautiful Hadith reminds us that the more sincerely we seek God, the closer we are drawn to Him.

 Stages of Paradise and the Soul’s Journey

The book beautifully details the stages of paradise, including Máwā (the earthly paradise), Náīm (the angelic realm), and Firdaws (the heavenly paradise, which is a reward for following religious precepts). These stages offer a glimpse into the soul’s journey toward ultimate unity with the Creator, a concept central to Sufism. 

His teachings lay emphasis on the attributes of Allah. The Quranic reference supports this mystical journey:  

"And Allah's are the most beautiful names, so call on Him thereby."

(Surah A‘rāf, 180)  

This verse emphasizes the importance of connecting with God through His names and attributes, which is a practice central to Sufi devotion.

 The Word "Sufi" and the Soul’s Purity

The word Sufi itself is derived from the Arabic word Sāf, meaning pure, and purity is the goal of the Sufi’s spiritual journey. Through Tariqa (the path), a Sufi seeks Márifa (divine wisdom), aiming for the purest connection with God.

The Sultan Soul and Tasawwuf: Unveiling the Heart’s Mystical Secrets

One of the key spiritual teachings in the book is the concept of the Sultan Soul, which resides at the center of the human heart. This mystical aspect of the soul is linked to divine knowledge, called Ilm e Batin (esoteric knowledge). We are also introduced to the stages of Tasawwuf, a word that encapsulates the Sufi journey through its four letters, each symbolizing a stage of spiritual development:

- T: Tawba – Repentance

- S: Safa – Peace

- W: Wilaya – Friendship with the Creator

- F: Fana – Annihilation of the soul, leading to nothingness

Through these stages, the seeker sheds ego and worldly attachments, reaching a state of divine unity.

The Story of Abdul Samad Ibn Humam

One fascinating story in the book is about Abdul Samad Ibn Humam, who transformed from an arrogant man into a devout follower of Sheikh Abdul Qadir. He went on to convert thousands to Islam through his wisdom and knowledge, embodying the true spirit of faith. His reminder to readers resonates with those seeking true companionship in life:  

"A good friend is a friend upon whom you can rely in misfortune. In good fortune, everyone feigns to be your friend."

 Why The Secret of Secrets Should Be on Your Reading List

If you’re on a spiritual quest, whether you're deeply religious or simply seeking a more meaningful life, this book is a guide to understanding your true self and your connection with God. It not only teaches the theory of Sufism but also offers practical lessons that you can apply in your everyday life.

From the importance of humility and compassion to the power of repentance and inner peace, Hazrat Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani’s teachings resonate across centuries, offering timeless wisdom for modern readers.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Spiritual Seekers

In a world full of distractions, The Secret of Secrets  brings you back to the essence of who you are and why you’re here. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of the soul, this book will be your companion, guiding you through the spiritual landscapes of the heart and mind.

Don't just take my word for it—discover the transformative power of this book for yourself. If you're seeking true peace, a deeper connection with the Divine, or simply a more meaningful existence, The Secret of Secrets will take you there.

The Devil’s Hour: A Thrilling Supernatural Crime Drama

Hey lovely readers! Welcome back to VerseBound where I share, thoughts, reviews, and more. Today, I am going to share a review on an amazing psychological thriller.

Imagine waking up every night at exactly the same hour, when the world is silent, yet something doesn’t feel quite right. In Tom Moran’s gripping supernatural crime thriller, The Devil’s Hour, the eerie time (3:33 am) becomes a recurring nightmare for the protagonist, Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine), setting the tone for a mind-bending journey that is as intense as it is emotional.

Lucy’s life is already in shambles. She’s a social worker balancing her demanding career with the emotional toll of being a mother to Isaac (Benjamin Chivers), a child who shows no emotions whatsoever. His cold, detached demeanor is unsettling, and despite countless visits to a psychiatrist, Lucy sees little improvement. Isaac is the enigma at the heart of Lucy’s world—a child who plays with strange toys and repeatedly tells his mother, “We shouldn't be here.” His chilling interactions, including his "imaginary" friend Meredith, lead Lucy down a path of doubt and fear as her maternal instincts clash with the haunting sense that something is deeply wrong.

A Mother’s Desperate Fight for Her Son

Lucy’s struggle is incredibly raw and relatable. Even when Isaac’s father, Mike (Phil Dunster), distances himself from their son, giving up on the hope that Isaac will ever be “normal,” Lucy doesn’t. She continues to fight, seeking answers and clinging to the idea that her child can be saved. But it’s not just her son she’s battling for—her own sanity is at stake. Waking up at "the devil’s hour", Lucy experiences relentless nightmares and disturbing visions that shake her sense of reality. 

What makes The Devil’s Hour so gripping is how seamlessly it blends the "supernatural" with the struggles of daily life. Lucy’s world is filled with real-world problems—her crumbling marriage, a demented mother, and the overwhelming weight of her responsibilities as a mother. Yet, these mundane challenges pale in comparison to the sinister events that begin to unfold as she becomes entangled in a murder investigation.

Gideon: A Villain Unlike Any Other

Enter Gideon (Peter Capaldi), a villain who is as terrifying as he is complex. Gideon’s actions (going on a brutal murder spree) are horrifying, but what makes him truly spine-chilling is the twisted logic behind his deeds. He doesn’t see himself as evil. In his mind, his acts are justified, even necessary, which only adds to the psychological tension of the series. Capaldi’s portrayal of Gideon is nothing short of phenomenal; he brings a level of menace that leaves you both horrified and intrigued.

Lucy and DI Ravi Dhillon (Nikesh Patel) find themselves drawn into Gideon’s twisted web. As they investigate the string of murders, Lucy’s Deja Vu experiences and hallucinations become critical in unraveling the mystery. However, the deeper Lucy digs, the more blurred the lines between reality and the supernatural become. Is Gideon manipulating her mind, or is she truly seeing glimpses of a world beyond our understanding?

Isaac: The Mysterious Center of It All

One of the most captivating elements of The Devil’s Hour is the portrayal of Isaac. Benjamin Chivers delivers an unsettling performance, playing a child who is both innocent and ominous. From the beginning, Isaac’s eerie behaviors and cryptic words leave you on edge. His lack of emotion, his strange conversations with unseen entities, and his chilling connection to the supernatural make him one of the most enigmatic characters in the series. 

As a viewer, you can’t help but question everything about Isaac. Is he merely a troubled child, or is he connected to something far more sinister? The mystery surrounding him keeps you hooked until the very last episode.

A Battle Between Good and Evil

At its core, The Devil’s Hour isn’t just about solving murders or uncovering supernatural forces. It’s a deep exploration of morality, the thin line between good and evil, and the lengths to which people will go to justify their actions. Gideon’s belief in the righteousness of his violent actions contrasts with Lucy’s unwavering determination to protect her son, no matter the cost. The series forces you to question what’s truly right or wrong in a world filled with moral ambiguity.

What makes this battle even more compelling is how it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. Lucy’s fight for her child, her complex relationships with her ex-husband and mother, and the way the characters interact with the haunting presence of the supernatural all reflect the broader struggles between light and darkness, good and evil.

Why You Should Watch The Devil’s Hour

The Devil’s Hour is not your average crime thriller. It’s a show that will keep you questioning reality, morality, and the nature of evil from start to finish. The slow-burning tension, the intricate plot, and the emotionally charged performances by the cast—particularly Jessica Raine, Peter Capaldi, and Benjamin Chivers make this a series that stands out in a crowded genre.

The themes of deja vu, hallucinations, and supernatural occurrences aren’t just there for shock value. They add depth to the narrative, making you feel like you’re piecing together a puzzle as you follow Lucy’s journey. Every episode leaves you wanting more, and by the time you reach the finale, you’ll be left with more questions than answers—a hallmark of any truly great psychological thriller.

In terms of visuals, the show is stunning. The use of objective correlatives (objects, events, or situations that symbolize deeper emotional states) adds a layer of artistry that enhances the overall atmosphere of dread and tension.

If you’re looking for a series that combines the thrill of crime drama with the unnerving elements of the supernatural, The Devil’s Hour should be at the top of your list. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

What did you think of The Devil’s Hour? Did you feel the eerie tension of waking up at exactly 3:33 AM? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below! And stay tuned for more reviews and updates. If you find this review informative, do check out my blogpost on 10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world

10 Minutes 38 Seconds: A Heartfelt Dive into Elif Shafak’s Masterpiece

Hey readers, 

I am back with some interesting questions for you, first of all I welcome you to VerseBound, now moving on to the questions, have you ever wondered what thoughts would rush through your mind in your final moments? Sounds intense, right? That’s exactly what Elif Shafak explores in "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World" and trust me, it’ll stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you’re someone who loves stories that dig deep into the heart, challenge societal norms, and celebrate unconventional friendships, this is a book you don’t want to miss.

Laila’s Journey: A Mirror for Us All

Imagine growing up in a world that doesn’t just reject you but actively tries to erase you. That’s Laila’s story—born into a conservative family in Istanbul, she’s cast aside for daring to be different. But her journey doesn’t end there. Laila's path leads her to a brothel, where her real battles begin. The walls of the brothel are chipped, suffocating, and bleak. She and the other women are forced to keep the windows tightly shut, the curtains always drawn, hiding them away from the world.

How many of us have felt trapped, unable to open the "windows" to our true selves? In one heartbreaking moment, Laila becomes a victim of an acid attack. Her assailant? A mentally ill man, tormented by dementia, who had visited the brothel like so many others. These moments aren't just physical scars—Laila’s emotional wounds run deeper than any burn. She has to live with the pain caused by men who are themselves broken, yet society continues to turn a blind eye to her suffering.

What would run through your mind in your last ten minutes? Would it be the moments of love or the endless cruelty you endured?

One of my favorite lines in the book is: “Asking ‘Why me?’ was another way of saying, ‘Why not someone else?” Isn’t that so relatable? We all have moments where we feel like the world’s against us, right? But Shafak helps us see that even in the hardest times, we’re not alone. Laila’s struggles are a reflection of the challenges many of us face when we’re judged for who we are.

Friendships That Redefine ‘Family’

Here’s something I really want to know: How many of you have found family in your friends? Laila’s biological family may have turned their back on her, but she creates her own family with a group of misfits, each carrying their own scars. There’s Jameelah, who escaped war, and Nostalgia Nalan, a transgender woman who’s faced endless judgment. Their bond is what keeps them alive—literally and emotionally.

It’s these friendships that carry Laila through the darkest times—times when society only offers her cruelty. In the brothel, clients often treated women like objects, with no regard for their feelings. Some of these clients were mentally unstable, their visits causing unspeakable harm, both physical and emotional, to the women they exploited. Laila, unfortunately, became a victim of one such man, suffering at the hands of someone the system failed to protect her from. It’s in these moments of despair that Laila’s chosen family steps in, offering her a love that society refused to give.

I’m curious, do you think we can always choose our family? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think!

Istanbul: A City That’s Both Beautiful and Brutal

Let’s talk about Istanbul for a second. Ever been to a place that feels both stunning and suffocating at the same time? That’s Istanbul in this novel. Laila reflects that -

“At some level invisible to the human eye, opposites blended in the most unexpected ways.”

Just like her life, the city is full of contradictions—freedom and captivity, beauty and pain.

This portrayal of Istanbul makes me wonder: how much do our surroundings shape us? Do we become reflections of the places we live, or do we shape those places in return? If you’ve ever felt trapped by where you live, Laila’s experience will speak to you on a whole new level.

Breaking Free From Toxic Expectations

Let’s get real for a moment—how many of you have ever felt suffocated by your family or society’s expectations? Laila’s family is supposed to be her safe space, but instead, it’s her greatest source of pain. I bet so many of us can relate to that, especially women, who are constantly expected to fit into neat little boxes.

Shafak writes, 

 “This house is full of lies and deceptions. Our lives have never been normal.” 

That hit me hard because it’s a stark reminder that sometimes, the people who are supposed to love us unconditionally are the ones who hurt us the most. If you’ve ever felt the weight of those expectations, this book will definitely strike a chord.

The Harsh Reality of Being Judged by Society

And here’s another thing—society loves to tell women what we should or shouldn’t be. Whether it’s our bodies, our choices, or our emotions, the judgment is relentless. Laila and her friends know this all too well. There’s a part in the novel where Humeyra, one of Laila’s friends, reflects on how “society blamed the sufferer”—whether for being overweight or feeling sad.

But it’s not just the judgment, it’s the danger that comes with it. Laila, working in that brothel, is subjected to abuse not just by the system but by the very men who sought her out. Men with broken minds and souls, whose mental instability wreaked havoc on women who were already on the margins. Laila had to endure this pain, and yet she never lost her sense of self. Imagine living a life where every moment feels like a battle for survival, not just physically but emotionally too.

 

Think we’ve all been there, right? Whether it’s the pressure to look a certain way or act a certain way, it’s exhausting. Shafak does such a brilliant job of shining a light on how unfair these societal judgments are, and how they often fall hardest on those who are already struggling the most.

Final Thoughts: Why This Book Will Stay With You

So, what’s the takeaway? Why should "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World" be the next book you pick up? Honestly, it’s not just about Laila’s final moments, it’s about what those moments say about the life she lived. It’s about love, resilience, and the people who stick by you when the world turns its back.

Shafak’s message is clear: even in our darkest times, even when we feel completely alone, there is hope in human connection. And that’s something we can all hold onto, no matter what we’re going through. If you’ve ever felt out of place, judged, or broken, this book will speak to your soul.

Now, I’m curious—what did you think? Does Laila’s story resonate with you? Have you had friendships that feel like family? Let me know in the comments below. Let’s start a conversation about survival, resilience, and the power of finding your tribe.

Key Takeaways from "10 Minutes 38 Seconds":

- Laila’s Defiance: Her fight against societal and family expectations will resonate with anyone who’s been marginalized.

- Friendships Over Blood: The novel reminds us that family can be chosen, and those bonds can be stronger than any other.

- Judgment on Women: Through the experiences of Laila and her friends, Shafak dives deep into how society unfairly judges women for their bodies and choices.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t just tell a story but invites you to reflect on your own life, "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World" is the one for you. With its emotional depth and relatable characters, it’s more than just a novel—it’s a conversation about love, survival, and finding your place in a world that doesn’t always welcome you.

The Silent Thread: A Love Poem

Hey, lovely readers!

Ever felt that deep, unspoken connection with someone? You know, the kind of love that runs so deep, it doesn’t need words? That’s exactly what inspired me to write The Silent Thread a poem that captures the ache and beauty of love that can’t be easily explained. It’s for all the lovers out there who are waiting, hoping, and believing, even when life throws every obstacle in their way.

  The Silent Thread

In the quiet dusk, a girl stands still,  

With eyes like rivers, warm yet filled,  

With all the love her heart can bear,  

And he, too, waits with tender care.

They know each other, soul to soul,  

In the quiet spaces, where shadows roll,  

Through all the hurt, through every tear,  

They find a place where nothing’s unclear.

Their hands ache to meet, their lips to speak,  

But the winds around them turn sharp and bleak.  

Whispers bind him, chains unseen,  

From shadows where the wolves have been.

And she, too, hears the cruel breath,  

Of serpents cloaked in borrowed dress.  

They weave her fate with bitter thread,  

And keep her far, their voices spread.

Yet still they pine, still they yearn,  

In secret fires, their hearts burn.  

Each glance, a promise, whispered deep,  

That one day soon, their love will peak.

For though the stars seem cruelly cold,  

And luck has turned its face of gold,  

They cling to hope, a fragile light,  

That through the dark, they’ll reunite.

While others dance in ease and grace,  

They walk the path of fate’s cruel chase.  

But in the quiet of the night,  

They promise they'll be alright.

For in their hearts, they both believe,  

That what is theirs, they'll one day receive.  

Though now apart, their souls entwined,

One day the silent thread will bind.

When Love Stands Just Out of Reach

I’ve always been fascinated by love stories where two people know they belong together but can’t quite get there. Life gets messy, fate interferes, and suddenly, you find yourself in a place where love is real, but distance keeps it just out of reach. That’s where our girl and boy in the poem stand; connected, yet separated. And isn’t that something we’ve all felt at some point?

The Unseen Chains That Hold Us Back

In the poem, there’s this imagery of “whispers” and “serpents” it’s all the negativity, doubt, and external pressures that come between two people who want to be together. Sometimes, love feels like a battle, doesn’t it? Whether it’s society, expectations, or just bad timing, it’s like these invisible chains keeping lovers apart. And yet, there’s always hope.

Holding On to That Fragile Light

What really pulls at my heartstrings is that even in the face of all these challenges, there’s a quiet hope. Our lovers don’t give up. They believe in the silent thread that binds them, even when everything else seems to fall apart. That’s something I think we can all relate to - holding on to the belief that love will win, even if it takes a little time.

      For Everyone Who’s Ever Waited for Love

This poem is for you if you’ve ever been in that space where love feels like a distant dream. If you’ve ever had to wait, wonder, and trust that things will work out, The Silent Thread is your anthem. It’s a reminder that love, no matter how quiet or complicated, has its way of making things right.

A Reminder to Trust the Thread

So, my dear readers, wherever you are in your love story, remember that you’re not alone. We all have that silent thread that connects us to someone, even if we can’t see it right now. Trust it, hold onto it, and know that one day, love will find its way.

Sending love to all of you who are waiting, hoping, and believing. Stay strong, and keep trusting that silent thread. ❤️

Finding Hope in the Smallest of Things

Hey there! Welcome to VerseBound, today I am going to discuss about hope and it's dimensions through one of my many heartfelt poems “The Blackboard”.

You ever feel like the days just blur together? You lose track of time, and suddenly, you’re stuck in this space where nothing really makes sense anymore. Maybe you feel disconnected, like you’re just floating through life without a clear sense of direction. It’s tough, and honestly, a lot of us have been there. But what do you do when you find yourself in that dark place? How do you keep going when everything feels like it’s crumbling? That’s where The Blackboard comes in—a poem that touches on something so real, something many of us experience. It’s about a girl who’s lost in her own world, feeling utterly alone, but somehow, she finds this small thing, this blackboard, and turns it into a source of hope. And in doing so, she creates her own path forward.

They say Catharsis is one of the most important functions of literature, that's what I intend to reach here. So spare your five minutes on this piece and see for yourself if it resonates with you.

The Blackboard

In a quiet room, where time has lost its way,  

She drifts through hours, unmarked by night or day.  

No work, no love, no place to call her own,  

She wanders in a world, where she feels disowned.  

The calendar fades, the clock no longer speaks,  

Each passing moment just a shadow leaks.  

The weight of dreams, a blinding Stardust ,  

No purpose guides her, just momentary lusts.  

Yet, in this darkness, where no light can grow,  

A blackboard stands, a quiet steady glow.  

She picks up chalk, hands trembling, slow pace,  

And writes the lessons with her girly grace.  

With every word, she builds a fragile dream,  

The beautiful patterns suppressing her silent screams.  

Often she scrawls in colors bright, a script of silent hope,  

And with each line, she finds a new way to cope.  

Her memory falters, witnessing the moments of crises,  

In silent, quiet ways, she rolls the dices.  

It’s here she learns, it’s here she dares to teach, 

Herself about a future far beyond her weary reach.  

In neat handwriting, she maps her soul,  

Vision is blurred, but she has a worthy goal.  

With every color, she revives her heart,  

And from the blackboard, She finds the strength to start.  

For though she stumbles in the void of time,  

This blackboard offers her a truth divine.  

That in her make-believe, she carves her place,  

She holds to hope, despite her slowing pace.  

Each day, the blackboard whispers of the dream,  

That life, though distant, is not as bleak as it may seem.  

And while the world outside remains unclear to her,  

The blackboard is her guide, her anchor here.  

So when she falters, when the dark draws near,  

She turns to colors bold and words sincere.  

And in those lines, her future starts to grow,  

A life reborn, from chalk and endless woe.  

The Weight of Lost Time

In the poem, the girl finds herself in a place where time no longer has meaning. And let’s be honest, we’ve all had moments where the days seem to slip by without us even noticing. The clock stops ticking in any way that matters, and life feels like it’s standing still. No real plans, no real direction....just floating. But it’s in this drifting that she discovers something remarkable. Instead of letting the weight of that emptiness pull her under, she finds a way to rebuild herself, slowly but surely.

Clinging to a Dream, No Matter How Small

The Blackboard shows us how powerful even the smallest things can be. In her case, it’s the blackboard—an object most of us wouldn’t think twice about. But for her, it’s everything. It becomes her canvas, where she starts to rebuild her future one piece at a time. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about refusing to give up on a dream, even when it feels so far away. She writes on that blackboard with trembling hands, not knowing where her future will take her but trusting that, somehow, she’s still moving forward.

Creating Purpose in the Chaos

Sometimes, when life feels like it’s falling apart, the only thing that keeps us going is the belief that we’re still working toward something even if we don’t know what that something is. The girl in the poem finds that in her blackboard. She writes, she teaches, she learns, all within her own little world. And in doing so, she finds purpose, even when the world outside feels like it’s lost all meaning. It’s a reminder that you don’t always need a clear goal to move forward. Sometimes, just the act of holding onto something, anything can be enough to keep you from falling into despair.

The Power of Small Steps

What’s really inspiring about this poem is how it highlights the power of small, everyday actions. The girl doesn’t have all the answers, and she doesn’t need them. All she knows is that she has something to hold onto, something that helps her make sense of the chaos around her. Every time she picks up the chalk, she’s choosing hope over despair. Every word she writes on that board is a step toward rebuilding her life. It’s slow, it’s uncertain, but it’s forward motion. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Creating Your Own Anchor

What The Blackboard really drives home is that we all have the power to create our own anchor, our own source of hope. It doesn’t have to be a blackboard. It could be a notebook, a sketchpad, a garden, anything that helps you feel like you’re still connected to the world, still moving forward.The point is that, even when life feels overwhelming, we have the ability to create meaning for ourselves. It’s not always easy, and it’s not always clear, but it’s possible.

A Poem for Anyone Who’s Ever Felt Lost

The Blackboard isn’t just a poem about one girl. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost, anyone who’s ever been stuck in that place where the future feels distant and unreachable. But it’s also about hope. It’s about finding that one thing, no matter how small, that keeps you grounded, that keeps you going, even when everything else feels like it’s slipping away. So, if you’ve ever found yourself in that place, remember this: You can create your own purpose. You can find hope in the smallest of things, and you can keep moving forward, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. The world might not always make sense, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own meaning within it.

The Takeaway

In the end, The Blackboard reminds us that life is not about having all the answers right now. It’s about the small acts of resilience that keep us grounded, the little things that help us hold onto hope. Whether it’s a blackboard, a book, or a dream, we all have something that can guide us through the dark moments. So, whatever it is for you, hold onto it. And remember: even in the midst of chaos, you can create your own light, your own future, and your own sense of purpose. One small step at a time.

If you're interested in more such poems written by me, do check Garden of Shadows, and remember: You must never give up no matter what.

Be Practical! A Problem of the Heart

 

Hey everyone!

I am back with another topic for you to ponder on.

So, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately on what it means to live in this world where we’re constantly told to be "practical." You know, the kind of world where emotions and kindness are often seen as weaknesses or things to hide away. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we’ve lost sight of what truly matters. That’s where the inspiration for my latest poem, Be Practical!, came from.

Be practical!

In a world of pragmatists, where whispers fill the air,  

They call me a dreamer, with emotions laid bare.  

They speak of a harsh existence, where love fades away,  

But my soul beats to a different tune, night and day.  

  

They say, “Show less of kindness, be firm in your stance,”  

But my heart cannot ignore the world’s tragic dance.  

For I am the girl who cannot leave another in pain,  

The one who wipes the tears, who cannot feign.  

  

I cannot watch the hungry without offering my share,  

Or pass by the wounded without binding the tear.  

I see the shadows of suffering and cannot just look away,  

For love and compassion, I cannot betray.  

  

I don’t seek to prove anything or make a name for myself,  

I simply carry these traits, like a book on a shelf.  

For they are not badges to earn or adorn,  

But reflections of the soul that is born.  

  

So let them speak of practicality, and what they may find true,  

For I am not shaped by what they do.  

I’ll walk in the world with love as my guide,  

For in its embrace, I’ll forever abide.

Let me take you through the journey behind writing it!

Why Be Practical?

We live in a time where people often tell us to toughen up, to not care too much, and to focus on our own needs first. It’s all about self-preservation, right? But honestly, I’ve never been able to follow that path. I feel too much, care too deeply, and can’t just turn a blind eye to someone in pain, and it's not just my story; it's the story of every old-school soul that's existing in the modern times.

In the opening lines of the poem:

"In a world of pragmatists, where whispers fill the air,

They call me a dreamer, with emotions laid bare."

I wanted to capture the essence of how it feels to be labeled for simply being... well, human. Dreamers, they call us. But is it really such a bad thing to dream of a kinder world?

The Battle Between Practicality and Kindness

Throughout the poem, I explore this constant push-and-pull between what’s "practical" and what feels right in our hearts. You know that moment when you’re told not to care too much, to guard your heart, to mind your own business? Yeah, I’ve never been able to do that. That’s why I wrote these lines:

"For I am the girl who cannot leave another in pain,

The one who wipes the tears, who cannot feign."

I think many of us feel this way – we can’t just walk by when someone’s suffering. It’s in our nature to care. And even if the world calls it impractical, I believe it’s the most powerful thing we can do.

Embracing Who We Are

This poem isn’t about rejecting practicality altogether – it's about recognizing that kindness and empathy don’t make us weak. They make us human. I didn’t write Be Practical! to prove anything or to stand against anyone. I wrote it to remind myself (and anyone who reads it) that it’s okay to feel deeply, even when the world says otherwise.

"I don’t seek to prove anything or make a name for myself,

I simply carry these traits, like a book on a shelf."

That’s the heart of it, really. These traits – love, compassion, empathy – aren’t something I wear for show. They’re just... part of who I am. And I know a lot of you feel the same way.

Love as a Guide

The poem closes with these lines:

"I’ll walk in the world with love as my guide,

For in its embrace, I’ll forever abide."

That’s my truth. No matter how many times I hear “be practical,” I’ll keep walking my path, guided by love and compassion. It’s not always easy, but it’s the only way I know how to be. And maybe, in a world so focused on self-interest, we need a few more of us who are willing to lead with our hearts.

Your Thoughts?

This poem is a little piece of my soul, and I hope it resonates with you in some way. Do you ever feel like the world is pushing you to be practical when all you want is to lead with kindness? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – share your own experiences in the comments! Let’s start a conversation about the power of love and empathy in a world that often feels too focused on "practicality."

If you want to stay connected with me then do check out my other poems on VerseBound.blogspot.com

Until next time, stay true to your heart!