A Traveler's Musings by Imphal River

Nishikanta Sagolsem *

As I wandered, weary, lost in unknown lands
I chanced upon Imphal River's gentle hands
Its flow, a soothing balm for my tired soul
Inviting me to pause, and make my heart whole

"Your waters," I said, “Remind me of life's stream
Twisting, turning, through trials and dreams
Like mine, your journey's long, with ups and downs
Through hills and valleys, where shadows and sunbeams crown.”
The river's voice whispered, "Yes, traveler, I know
The depths of struggle, the shallows of woe.

"I've seen civilizations rise, and empires fall
Heard stories of love, and witnessed one and all
Like life, my waters reflect the sky above
Serene, turbulent, or peaceful, in endless love"

As I gazed into its calm, rippling face
I saw my own journey, in its steady pace
The river's wisdom soothed my weary heart
Reminding me to flow, to never depart

From life's twists and turns, I'll learn to bend
Like the river, my spirit will transcend.
For in its flow, I saw the beauty of life's ride
A journey of ups and downs, where love abides.

And then I pondered, "As your stream begins
From a small spring, where waters gently spin”
This life too, with a single breath
A mere existence, vulnerable, yet full of depth"

"Yet, just as you merge with the vast blue
Becoming one with the ocean, anew
Our’s too, unite with the infinite sea
Returning to the Source, where love sets us free"

Then, with a gentle whisper, the river said,
"Remember, traveler, don't flow upward, or be misled
For pride, like a dam, will block your way
And hinder the flow of life, come what may"

"Like my waters, flow downward, humble and low
For in surrender, lies the power to grow
Don't strive to rise, but let life's currents carry
You'll find peace in the flow, and a heart full of harmony"

In that moment, I understood life's grand design
A sacred flow, connecting all, in infinite align
Imphal River's wisdom stayed with me that day
A reminder to flow, come what may.