Heal India - A Song by Henrietta

I have written a song for India. There has been so much hatred and violence in the recent past that we cannot recognize the India we live in any more. There is a need for healing and restoration of relationships within India. We need the beautiful and united India we once knew to emerge once again. So may my Hindi song 'Heal India' be a step in that direction. Here are the lyrics of the song....

SONG:     HEAL INDIA                                

Mera India bahut khoobsurat hai

Mera India ki pehchaan mohabbat hai

Isse khoon ki dariya banne na do!

Isse nafrat ki aag mein jalne na do!

Bachao mere India ko!

Bachao mere Bharat ko!!

Mera India…

 

Jo aag se khelne nikle hai

Us aag mein jalkar mit jayenge

Aisi koi aag na lagne do

Jisse desh ki aikya mitne lage!

Bachao mere India ko!

Bachao mere Bharat ko!!

Bache bache ye seekhe jahan

Har Bharatvasi bhai hai

Behenon ke upar aanch na lage

Jahan rishton mein sachchai hai!

Aisa hai Bharat mahaan apna

Yehi hai mera sundar sapna

Bachao mere India ko!

Bachao mere Bharat ko!!

Jahan bhedh-bhaav ek gaali ho

Sab ke ghar mein haryaali ho

Bache-budhe sab padhe likhe

Aur naujawaan naya daur rache

Aisi Bharat ka bhavishya ho

Sabke dillon me tassaali ho

Bachao mere India ko!

Bachao mere Bharat ko!!

Mera India bahut … 

© Henrietta Decruz 2015

Click here to hear the rough voice recording of the song

Please note: All credits for the pictures belong their respective photographers. Images sourced from the Internet. 

Breakthrough

A moment of birthing...
A transformation
A bringing to life
A sudden surge of energy
That catapults you
To a different dimension!

No looking back
No fretting
No complaints
No regrets
The joy of discovering
Your power is great!

What lies behind
Is in black and white
A lesson in time
A canvas with memories
A picture album
To visit sometimes.

Free your 'self'
There is no cage
There is no prison
Just an unending vast sky
That welcomes you
To dream and fly!

Yours every dream
Yours every opportunity
Yours is the vision
Bring it alive
Make it happen
Find your place under the sun!

~ Henrietta Decruz

Disclaimer: No copyright is claimed for any of the images used here. 

Beauty Dies

When the beautiful things of life are pierced...

Unkindness, indifference or lack of concern

The beauty is marred

Its life shrivels

It dies.

It is better to not give

Your precious and beautiful things

To those who do not care

Their carelessness

Can kill.

A loving heart suffers all

But a time comes when it looks back

And realizes the loving was lost

It wasn’t to the right people

It stops.

~ Henrietta Decruz

The Breakdown

When there are cracks

Take heed

It is a matter of time

When the whole thing falls through.

Years of working together

Marred by indifference

Loss of trust

Cracks become fatal.

There comes a time

When you cannot hold it together

No matter what you do

It will be irretrievable.

The loss is permanent

The gentle heart sits still

Takes a while to decide

Sees the truth and leaves.

~ Henrietta Decruz 

Do What Is Right For You

Think of the people you love the most... 

Are you walking in their shoes?

Are they telling you their thoughts?

Do they share their dreams with you?

They why do you hanker after them?

Who is guiding you every day?

Who is telling you what is good for you?

Is there anyone who cares?

Why fret for those who have no time for you?

Look at the person in the mirror...

Give her a hug

She is the only one who walks in your shoes

She is you!!!

~ Henrietta Decruz

My Empty Canvas

I look at the empty canvas of my life

Empty pages yet to be written

Ideas floating in front of me

Each represents what can

Fill this canvas.

I look at the canvases 

Filled in time gone by

Some gloomy and grey

Some cheerful and positive

Some mixed with myriad shades.

I want my life to be different

I want to shake off the chains that throttle

I want to fill my life with many hues

I want to live out the whole spectrum

And fulfill my destiny.

I know my life is fleeting

I know the scroll of time is limited

I look at those who lost their strength

And realize I must choose wisely

For life gives just one chance.

Let me fill my heart with goodness

Let me experience inner peace

Let me spread some cheer around me

Live a life that is free and complete

Before the last drop fills the canvas.

~ Henrietta Decruz 

The Right People

Who are the right people...

They are those who uphold our dignity at all times

They are those who come into your life as a blessing!

They are those who care for you in your downs

They are those who don't make you a joke, a laughing stock for others

They are those who value your person, your opinions

They are those who care about your dreams and desires

They are those who encourage you and lift your spirits.

They are those who stay in your life even it is difficult for them

They are true friends!!!

~ Henrietta Decruz

A Note to Me

Dear me,

Its been a long time

There are times when I feel

Like I barely know you.

Buried under layers and layers

Of memories that dishearten me

I search for the true you

The 'you' unadulterated by time!

My family, my friends know some things

But I cannot make that claim

For I know they know a small part of you

And there is so much more to you!

Here I am searching, seeking

To dig deep beneath those layers

So I can encounter and relish

The real you!

It is time to let go of everything

That causes me to distrust you

It is time to leave every path

That takes me away from loving you.

At last! If I can truly say

I know who I am...

And if I can truly be myself fully

Then my life will be complete.

~ Henrietta Decruz 

Rejected

I saw them all

Rejected people....

In big numbers

Babies, children...

Old people...

All unwanted.

I saw hearts

Full of pain

Unwhole identities.

All craved for love

Attention...

Hungry for goodness.

I wonder

If their being rejected

Is a statement about this society.

Is it their fault

They were rejected

Or is it the fault of this society?

I don't believe

In human refuse

No human can be thrown away

 

Every single human

Is a timeless soul

Meant to live for eternity.

I hate this use and throw culture

That sees so many humans

As worthless!

~ Henrietta Decruz

P.S: No claim of copyright is made for the photographs. The credits belong to the Photographer only. 

A Beautiful Mosaic

Today I was picking up the pieces

Fragments of my life

That I had sealed and put away.

I unpacked them and found

To my great joy

They still fitted into their original place!

I unlocked many memories

Of things I had accomplished

But had pushed into a corner somewhere.

As the pieces came together

I found it became a beautiful mosaic

As the rays of light shone through.

I was afraid to open the boxes

But now I realized

In opening them I released myself at last!

Nothing comes into our lives

Without a purpose

Everything has a nugget of gold in them. 

~ Henrietta Decruz

P.S: No copyright is claimed for the photographs. Credits belong only to the photographer. 

Sometimes

Sometimes in the journey of my life

I turn around to see

If someone cares enough to walk along.

There are moments in my life

When more than the hustle and bustle

I need the quiet assurance of love.

Sometimes I talk to people

Who do not respond

In the hope that someday they will.

Sometimes I get weary of waiting

Just to know I matter to them

When I have given them a pedestal in my heart.

Sometimes I wonder

Why the world is full of walls

While I try my best to build bridges!

~ Henrietta Decruz

Seeking Answers

I seek release

From the heart crushers

The news that kill

My joy and hope.

There is so much

Of evil happening

In the world today

I wonder if I belong.

I hear of people

Slaughtered

Losing their lives

For no reason.

I hang my head

In shame

When I think

This is my kind.

How do I face

Life tomorrow

As things only get darker

And evil prevails?

I realize

I have to answer

Only for my deeds

I gather myself.

I can speak

I can protest

I can stand up

For truth and justice.

But beyond that

I can do more

I can be positive and spread light

Live a life that inspires.

Disappointed

I am disappointed

With words spoken

Without meaning

Promises made

That are empty.

Why speak hollow words

And give someone

A reason to believe

That you will be fair

And just to them?

Why project an image

Of being a good person

If there is no goodness

Within too

Why pretend?

I’m tired of giving my best

To people

Who have no respect

For what I give

And who I am.

I’m tired of waiting

To be counted

After having made sacrifices

and giving when

it hurt to give.

In this dismal scene

It is so refreshing

To meet someone

Who means what they say

And cares, simply cares!

No Rainbow

Where is the rainbow?

After a life of storms

I sat and searched the sky for a rainbow

My eyes strained…

But there was no color to greet my eyes

Another shower came by

And as in cue

The thunder and lightning too

Made their presence felt

I strained my neck… still no rainbow!

Feeling tired of chasing rainbows

I decided to give up

Find a better pastime…

As I was musing over it

I felt a breeze brush past me.

Sure enough the wind was teasing me

It pushed away some stray leaves

Making them dance and twirl

What a way to catch my attention!

I smiled to myself.

My friend the wind knew just what to do

To make me come alive

He would caress my skin and play with my hair

And tug at my dress from time to time

Just to let me know he’s there.

After a while of this romancing

I didn’t even notice one day

After a heavy downpour of rain

There stood a proud rainbow

Beckoning at me, “Here I am!”

I looked at the rainbow and said, ‘Wow!’

Just then my friend the wind whistled near my ear

And caught my attention yet again

I realized it is not the fleeting things we live for 

But those simple things that make our lives meaningful.

~ Henrietta Decruz

Wounded Soldier

Wounded soldier soldier

Just come home from the fight

Feeling no one wants you 

So confused of wrong and right

Wondering how it is going to be

Now that life has changed so much

Wondering if you’re equal

To challenges in sight!

Wounded soldier soldier

You still have to fight

Wounded soldier soldier

This war of life!

Things have changed

They no longer look the same

Yesterday you were strong

Today it is just a memory

Longing for that feeling

The feeling it’s alright!

Crying out in pain and misery

For wounds you cannot see

Wondering if you’ll get well

If you can move on in life!

Wounded soldier soldier

You’re still a hero deep inside

Come on and hold your pride!

Times are changing they say

The war raises questions

Leave no answers behind

You’re still facing the burdens

Ever since that day…

How can you ever forget

The journey to the war

The prodding and the pruning

To sharpen your reflex

And when that moment came

And you were down

Wounded soldier soldier

You still wear the crown

For standing and believing 
It’s right to fight for a just cause!

~ Written and composed by Henrietta Decruz

The Turnaround

Tough times

Tough lessons…

Experiences to lock away forever

To learn from

To relate to

To become wiser.

Maybe you are facing

A difficult crossroad in life

Maybe you have no strength

Left to go on

I’ve been through this

I got through it.

Yes you will make it too

You are not a statistic

You were born for a purpose

You are not here by chance

You were created

Specially handcrafted by His hands.

Don’t let anyone tell you

You don’t matter

You do!

It they think they are trash

It is their choice

You were created for glory!

I was empty broken and bruised

When I met Him!

He comforted me

Gave me hope

Led me through darkness

Into the Light!

Today I stand here

An overcomer, wiser

Who knows her worth

For the King stood up for me!

He holds out His hand to you

Will you reach out for Him?

My version of the song "Hallelujah!"

I was listening to the various versions of the song 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen. The true meaning of the word Hallelujah is 'Praise the Lord!' I couldn't help realize that very few of the versions really were about God. I felt deep in my heart the need to write a version that was centered on HIM for whom the praise really was.

Moreover, even I have been far away from God and was able to know Him closely only through His mercy and forgiveness. So here is my version... a song of a person who was brought back into close fellowship with God by His love and mercy and how she/he feels about this relationship in the now and for the future.

I hope this song's lyrics will touch a chord in every heart so they would themselves seek to know the Truth about the real true God. No, any of us don't need to take someone else's word for it... if you are a truly a Seeker, you will find Him! Keep on seeking... and you will find Him, His love, His truth and His Peace more than anything else!!!

I have done a rough recording of this version and put it up in Sound Cloud.com. Here is the link to the song...  https://soundcloud.com/henrietta-decruz/hallelujah-by-henrietta-decruz

I don't claim to be a great singer... I have just a simple voice and an ability to sing which I think is a gift from God Himself. I am thankful for it! So here is my offering to the Lord GOD Who saved my life many times and in many ways! Anything I do cannot repay Him for His love, His forgiveness, His protection and provision! 

Glory to God!!! Amen!

https://soundcloud.com/henrietta-decruz/hallelujah-by-henrietta-decruz

Here are the lyrics of my version of 'Hallelujah!'

I know there is a secret place

Where we do meet face to face

I thrive in every moment, Hallelujah!

No nothing else can take Your place

No! No one else could match Your grace

I celebrate Your glory, Hallelujah!!!

Chorus:      Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

No, I was not so close to You

There was a time when I hated You

I blamed You for my sins, Hallelujah!

I was wrong I realized

When You came down opened my eyes

And I could see my truth, Hallelujah!                 Chorus

It took many years to reach the truth

To know Your love, Your loving heart

And Oh! How much it hurt me, Hallelujah!

That I did wrong and grieved Your heart

Yet You stood strong endured my part

You didn’t give up on me, Hallelujah!                Chorus

I’m standing here, all healed made whole

You filled my heart, filled every hole

You gave me a new life, Hallelujah!

I cannot bear to hear them say

The words that curse and tear You down

You never did deserve it, Hallelujah!                  Chorus

Yes, this is a world that turns its back

On everything You did for them

When I speak up for You, they will hate me

They spat on You, they tore Your clothes,

Humiliated You, gave You a cross

So how can I think that they will love me?                Chorus

Lord Jesus let me die for You

You’re the only One who is ever true

It’s a privilege I will have Hallelujah!

I wait for the day when this life is done

This race is over, the victory won

And I can run into Your arms, Hallelujah!          Chorus

Written by Henrietta Decruz

Based on the tune of “Hallelujah!’ by Leonard Cohen 

Love and Protect Your Self

No matter what anyone thinks... there are times when we have to draw the line and make a boundary to protect ourselves from encroachers who rob us of our peace!

When Jesus said, "Love your neighbor..." He said "as yourself." The standard of loving the other was the way you first love yourself. When we love ourselves we need to see to our safety and constantly be aware of who is with us and who is working against us.

Sometimes we refuse to see the truth about someone because we love them, we think they are important to us... etc etc. But the truth is we came into this world 'alone' and alone we will leave it! It is better to put aside the notion that someone else is the cornerstone of our life! And if someone has to be important in our life it is better we let them earn our trust!

Don't give away your love or trust to anyone on a platter! Nobody is worthy of it... those who care for us, who treat us right, who go out of the way to do something good for us... who pray for us... they are worthy! Leave the others into a lower priority list... for that is where they truly belong!

Song: Walk to Freedom

This is a song I specially wrote to a tune composed by George Antony. 

He sang it for the first time on 3rd of May 2015 during his performance at Cafe Papaya in Kochi. 

Song:  Walk to Freedom

I left my old life far behind

I left that hole to chase my dreams

Little did I know where it’ll lead me

Little did I know the pain is more!

Chorus:   I will walk in the sunshine

     I will walk in the light

     I have decided to do right

     I have decided to ride!

     

All of the blues they will not hold me

All my setbacks I leave behind

I’m looking forward to the future

I’m leaving all the hatred behind!

Chorus

Come on let’s welcome the morning

Come on and dance here with me

Open your eyes see the freedom

The night is over can’t you see?

Chorus 

Wake Up My Sister! - A song by Henrietta Decruz

This is a song that I specially wrote and composed on the occasion of the Bicentenary Celebrations of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the group that runs the College of Social Work. It was in 1990.

The background music is by Leon D'Souza and the voice in this track belongs to Aarti Rao. It was my first time in a sound studio then! An unforgettable experience.

The song can be heard at this link...
Wake Up My Sister! - A song by Henrietta Decruz

This is the link to the song on soundcloud.com
https://soundcloud.com/henrietta-decruz/wake-up-my-sister-henrietta-decruz