About The Author – Jyotirmaya Thakur is a retired Principal, bilingual author of forty-five books in many genres with many waiting to be published and translated into many languages, and is a co-author in many International Anthologies.

She is a Hindi translator for the Ithaca Magazine of Spain circulated globally.  She is a Multi-Genre Award Winner, Reviewer, Columnist, Editor, Motivational Speaker, Philanthropist, Environmental, Social and cultural activist. She serves on various prestigious Committees as Ambassador and Adviser for literary and humanitarian organizations.

Her work has been published in many global anthologies, magazines, tabloids, and digital news media, internationally, and translated into many languages. Multi-Genre award-winning poet of many accolades from literary and humanitarian organizations.

Poem -1

WHAT YOU THINK–YOU ARE

The way we think determines the way we feel,

The way we feel determines the way we act.

God whispers softly to us in pleasure,

But he shouts at us with painful facts.

Spiritual growth is not automatic,

It is a matter of choice how we think.

The right attitude is the first step forward,

to learn from every situation that stinks.

The sad fact is we are  unloving instead of loving,

we feel defeated, depressed and discouraged,

rather than joyful and happy in perceiving,     

rather than peace we feel uptight and pressed.

Instead of being kind, we are selfish,         

Instead of being patient, we are frustrated,

Instead of being confident, we lack confidence,

Instead of compassion, we are irritated.

Being unfaithful, we neglect our commitment,

we respond to others in anger and resentment,

Instead of being humble and gentle at the start,

Lose our self-control, and watch our life fall apart.

A happy person carries a temple around,

Music of compassion, melodious sounds,

Cherish difficulties as challenges affront,

Love for life defines a soul in search.

Poem – 2

SEEDS OF FRIENDSHIP

Let’s sow seeds of friendship light,

with a friendly smile, cheerful vibes,      

a friendly word greeting slides,

a warm hug with healing lights.

If one person spreads a smile a day,

leading  blind when crossing his way,       

holding an elder person  on a busy street,       

picking up groceries for the weak.

If one person picks up an abandoned,        

gave alms to beggars on the roadside,

gave poorly shelter and some food,

comfort the needy in rain or sunshine.

If friendly smiles could touch many hearts,

a penny or two to struggling musical arts,

If every person walked the extra mile,

and sowed seeds of friendship on every path.