A Soul Journ

by Vidya Shankar

My Uber weaves through the evening market along Foreshore estate

Fish

I am thankful for closed windows

Beyond, the waters of the Bay of Bengal lash exuberantly on the sandy stretch yet, the haze outside makes it a surreal dreamscape

A P C Sreeram cinematography

Haze?

We are still in the middle of summer! It’s just late June! This is Chennai where we know only heat even in Margazhi except when we are in our air-conditioned rooms

But then, this is Chennai the land of cinema, dreams and scope.

I look out of the cab window again and remember my thozhi. She loves the seaside. We would often talk about visiting the Thiruvanmyur beach together sit with our legs outstretched near the water and stare into the expanse conversing with each other through our silence

Well someday

But today, I am here and I want to tell her I miss her

I miss our childish laughter at that fisherman digging his little finger into his ear and teasing some little boys

I miss how our eyes would have followed the old woman who put out her hand to signal to the cab driver to let her pass to the other side of the road

I miss how we would have tried to write a poem about that young woman I just passed by, holding a man’s helmet to her chest, looking lost Or, about this girl who is calling out to someone, her loosely plaited hair with a string of jasmine tucked in fluttering in the sea breeze

I am suddenly aware of the stereo in the car streaming my favourite song on Radio Mirchi,98 3 FM, idhusemma hot machi As SPB croons Nilavevaa, sellathevaa imprisoned emotions struggle through the crevices of my heart to break free and seek the light

There’s a lot to write about.

There’s. a lot.

I don’t. write about.

Vidya Shankar, a Touchstone Award longlisted poet (2023), is an Associate Editor for haikuKATHA Journal, host for The Haibun Gallery and Spotlight forums of Triveni Haikai India Author of two free verse poetry books, and editor of four collections of free verse, she is widely published in reputed anthologies such as the Yearbook of Indian Poetry in English She has been certified Storizen’s ‘Star Poet’ (2019) and has received the Prime International Poetry Award (2020) and the Gitesh-Biva Memorial Award (2019) An English language teacher and a 'book' in the Human Library, Vidya has been featured in a unique coffee table book on inspiring women of Chennai She finds meaning to her life through yoga and mandalas

*Margazhi: the 9th month in the Tamil calendar. It starts from mid-December and ends on Sankranti.

*thozhi: bosom friend

*idhusemma hot machi: tagline of Radio Mirchi Tamil meaning “Radio Mirchi is too hot”.

*Nilavevaa, sellathevaa: a popular Tamil song

ARIES MOON SIGN: JUSTICE

This month Aries, you need to be honest and fair in taking any decisions Also, if you are facing any legal disputes, rest assured justice will be in your favor Singles might get married in court as it also indicates court marriage

TAURUS MOON SIGN: 4 OF CUPS

This month Taurus, you might be getting stagnant or bored in your current work Just look within yourself and find what exactly you want in life Just approach your superior for some exciting work Some might be refusing opportunities that are coming your way as these opportunities don’t excite you or you are not ready for a change now

GEMINI MOON SIGN: THE HIEROPHANT

This month Gemini, you might be invited for a baptism ceremony. Also, you might be seeking a mentor for taking religious lessons. This month you give more importance to traditional values rather than new or innovative values. This month students might go for higher education

CANCER MOON SIGN: THE MAGICIAN

This month Cancer, you have the power and resources to manifest your wishes. Universe is blessing youto fulfil your desires. But be intellectual and have a clear vison what you want and focus on it to get the desired result.

LEO MOON SIGN: 6 OF SWORDS

This month Leo, you are moving forward from troubled times and hardships and going towards calming and peaceful environment You are getting relief from troubled time It also indicates travelling to a different city for work or shifting to a new place Sometimes it is overwhelming but it’s the need of the hour

VIRGO MOON SIGN: THE LOVERS

This month Virgo, you might find your partner and will have a love marriage It’s sexual and intimate connection Also, it also indicates, close and compassionate connection with your family It is the time to have honest communication It also indicates choices to be made

LIBRA MOON SIGN: PAGE OF PENTACLES

This month Libra, you might get new opportunities for financial growth Also, you might be seeking a financial advisor for investment. It is the time to manifest new business venture or a dream to get fulfilled.

SCORPIO MOON SIGN: THE HIGH PRIESTESS

This month Scorpio, your instincts are very strong. Try to look within yourself for any solution or answers you are looking for. You are the best teacher for your question It is the good weak for Healers and Spiritual counsellors It is the time to follow your passion

SAGITTARIUS MOON SIGN: KING OF CUPS

This month Sagittarius, you are mature and calm in handling things. You have compassion towards your team members in your workplace. You are very helpful and friendly in helping your team to achieve their goals. Also, you are very Romantic and devoted partner You thing from your heart rather than mind

Capricorn

MOON SIGN: 6 OF WANDS

This month Capricorn, your hard work had given you success and you completed your targets and achieved victory Your superiors appreciate your success, and you got a promotion and salary hike It’s the time to celebrate and this motivates you to work harder

I am Himani Goyal, By profession, I am an HR Manager working in Banglore Reading is my hobby which led me to write reviews for my readers I have read and reviewed numerous books so far I am also a practicing Tarot consultant and would be sharing daily, weekly, monthly horoscopes for you all here

AQUARIUS MOON SIGN: KING OF WANDS

This month Aquarius, you are very energetic and passionate to fulfil your goals and as a leader helps your team as well to achieve them You are very action-oriented and focused on your work You are also very optimistic and ambitious

PISCES MOON SIGN: ACE OF WANDS

This month Pisces, you will have new Beginnings A new opportunity will knock at your doorstep It’s the time to fulfil your dreams and passion You might receive good news of getting your own house If you are starting something new, it’s the right time

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