A sonnet on envy:
The world is not really small,
Nor is it a grand zero sum game.
Even if you do not have it all,
You grew from what you overcame.
Why frown at another's delights,
When their struggles, you know not?
Forging your path to new heights,
Requires giving it your best shot.
Yes, there is enough to go around,
If you would but change your view.
As far-fetched as this may sound,
It is more often than not true.
Watching on from the sidelines and going green will never cease the pain.
As they say, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
Equanimity
A poem on equanimity:
Running towards many a pleasure,
We try to avoid pain at any cost.
But each brings its own treasure,
Yet, on us, this seems often lost.
The stepping stone is such a cliche,
But forget it, we do, when we fail,
To succeed, there is more than one way,
Embracing this does lift the veil.
Paralyzing ourselves with so much fear,
When the winds of change bring the unknown.
Letting the water settle makes it clear,
Transforming that unknown into a known.
Letting our vagaries push us to rage,
We grasp many a piece of hot coal.
The burns on our hands, we can't guage,
But they will certainly take their toll.
One day we enjoy a warm sunny sky,
But the next might bring cold, dark rain.
The desire to control is hard to deny,
But reality, we face, again and again.
From joy to sorrow, sorrow to joy,
We swing like a pendulum sans rest.
Of circumstances, we needn't be a toy,
Realizing this is the ultimate test.
Running towards many a pleasure,
We try to avoid pain at any cost.
But each brings its own treasure,
Yet, on us, this seems often lost.
The stepping stone is such a cliche,
But forget it, we do, when we fail,
To succeed, there is more than one way,
Embracing this does lift the veil.
Paralyzing ourselves with so much fear,
When the winds of change bring the unknown.
Letting the water settle makes it clear,
Transforming that unknown into a known.
Letting our vagaries push us to rage,
We grasp many a piece of hot coal.
The burns on our hands, we can't guage,
But they will certainly take their toll.
One day we enjoy a warm sunny sky,
But the next might bring cold, dark rain.
The desire to control is hard to deny,
But reality, we face, again and again.
From joy to sorrow, sorrow to joy,
We swing like a pendulum sans rest.
Of circumstances, we needn't be a toy,
Realizing this is the ultimate test.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Adieu to Jeff
One of my PhD thesis advisors at UW-Madison, Prof. Jeff Naughton, is retiring this week and joining Google in Madison. This sonnet pays tribute to his incredible career as one of the most respected academic researchers in computer science and his renown as a spectacular guide for his students (including me!). I wish him the very best in his new role.
In understanding a student,
None I've seen surpasses you.
Patient, placable, prudent,
And unbelievably witty too!
Your mark on UW is indelible,
You will be missed for sure.
A career so long and incredible,
Many a storm you did endure.
I wish you the best of luck,
As you move on to a new career.
Given your remarkable pluck,
I think you will own this veer.
It is indeed an honor to be advised by you,
With heavy hearts, we the students bid adieu.
In understanding a student,
None I've seen surpasses you.
Patient, placable, prudent,
And unbelievably witty too!
Your mark on UW is indelible,
You will be missed for sure.
A career so long and incredible,
Many a storm you did endure.
I wish you the best of luck,
As you move on to a new career.
Given your remarkable pluck,
I think you will own this veer.
It is indeed an honor to be advised by you,
With heavy hearts, we the students bid adieu.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)