ALS NaPoWriMo Day 9 Prompt: List of rules for life

 

I have sought inspiration from the following quote of Saint Kabir

 

“Do not praise yourself nor slander others: There are still many days to go and anything could happen”–Kabir

 

Poem: Rule of Rules

 

“Do not praise yourself nor slander others;

There are still many days to go,

and anything could happen.”

So, without lauding myself much,

I wish to state the rules that have ruled my life enough!

—

 

Let me present the list to you,

The list of dos and don’ts, you see

Isn’t that what rules construe?

You are allowed to do this,

And that you shouldn’t do?

—

 

Well, I’ve matured enough in years,

To relinquish this list of shoulds,

So, I do what appeases my heart,

Without trying to please anyone,

Happiness is what I feel inside, don’t you agree?

—

 

Imperfect I may seem,

But true to myself I am,

Relinquishing the weight of yesteryears,

I focus on my inner journey,

You see, I like my own company!

—

 

Learning and growth are the utmost on my list,

My life is richer with experiences,

Discerning the outlook and beliefs of others,

Helps me intercept my own perceptions,

That’s the kind of growth I believe in!

—

 

One belief that has clutched all the others together,

Is the unwavering trust in the power of the Universe,

No matter what storms threaten to annihilate,

Just go with the flow and trust your fate,

I remind myself as I bow down and pray.

—

 

Each moment is a new truth adept at shaking all rules,

And anything could happen in the days to come by,

So do not sing your praises, nor slander anyone else,

And the only rule that rules,

Is to accept the present moment!

 

©Vandana Bhasin

09.04.2025