I am presently planning a couple of short stories collections with 5-6 stories each with around 8000-9000 words. Do you think it is an acceptable length for a short stories collection?
If not, what should be the minimum length?
Category: Random Thoughts
Strangled
I brush my feet on grass
and feel nothing,
no dew, no earth, no grass blades.
.
My bare arms feel neither
the wind nor warmth
of the soft afternoon sun.
.
My senses drowned, strangled
by running thoughts,
shouting, demanding audience.
.
Life tears rare moment
of peace, leaving
me in pieces everyday…
A passing thought in Urdu:
Sukoon nahi hai mujhko marne ke baad bhi,
Ae Zindagi, tu peechaa kyun chhodti nahi!
Translation:
In death, I still find no peace,
Dear Life,
Why wouldn’t you let me be!
Author’s note: What do you think about life?
Life! Sigh!
Dear Life, how come you are still in teens?
Turbulent and impulsive; withdrawn and irrational;
unsure and insecure;and mightily emotional;
seemingly mine but belonging nowhere;
lost all over the place, though in moment, here;
spouting back lies for broken promises;
sulking often in time’s crevices.
Grow up already, will you?
Close
Author’s note: Thank you, Pete Springer, for the first line as an inspiration. I wish I could have done more–the line held so much promise. But lack of time (a working mother’s curse) lead me to translate it in the most obvious way possible. I will, however, use it again in future for a story.
Disclaimer:
I am not this person,
never was and never can be,
at least I will never admit it.
Even my closest friends
didn’t know the real me.
Curious yet aloof,
old yet new,
loving yet jealous
of all that’s you.
Your dress, looks, admirers,
achievements light a match,
while I smile adoringly,
and call you such a catch!
A locked trunk
buried in the attic
beneath the cieling-high
pile of fond times together–
do you know really know me,
dearest friend,
or me you?
Hausla
Lehere dhakel ke jazeere pe le jaye,
Ye hume manzoor nahi.
Kashti na sahi, dukhti bahein toh hain;
Sitara na sahi, hausla toh hai.
Waves won’t push me to the shore,
Rather swim than wait for the ores,
North star hidden in stormy nights,
It is courage that sets my course.
Morning rush | Lantern | Poetry
Running
blindly behind
ever-winning clock.
Never winning; always behind.
Forever.
Zzzzzzzzzz | Lantern | Poetry
Tired
eyes defeat
infinite thoughts stuck
inside a busy mind.
Zzzzzzzzzz
In the Azure Skies
Glowing,
the new bride,
walks in her golden gown,
hands shaking, trembling inside, holding head high.
Sweeping
golden train behind
warms cold earth and hearts,
bringing hope with new beginnings, fresh starts.
Walking
through azure sky,
she meets her forever love,
waiting on the horizon, dressed in white.
Blushing
she stands alongside.
Birds sing the wedding vows.
Moon kisses Day. She swoons, come night.
Overcast | Haiku | Poetry
Sunny days overcast with clouds.
Trust, once simple, hidden behind doubt.
World grows bleaker with age.
Author’s note: Haiku is a Japanese poetry form with three lines. One of them has a reference to nature.
Happy Independence Day
Happy Independence Day to all Indians, and Pakistanis too. Freedom is a right and also a responsibility.
For 200 years, countless people–both Hindus and Muslims–died for it.
Now that we have our land, let’s make it home with love, respect and care. Only then can we repay the sacrifices our forefathers made.
Jai Hind!
Short Stories | Fish-eye Perspective 