Here is a poem that has truly inspired me... and taught me a lesson that I will remember for life
The Race
Whenever I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face,
my downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.
A children’s race, young boys, young men; how I remember well,
excitement sure, but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell.
They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race
or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.
Their parents watched from off the side, each cheering for their son,
and each boy hoped to show his folks that he would be the one.
The whistle blew and off they flew, like chariots of fire,
to win, to be the hero there, was each young boy’s desire.
One boy in particular, whose dad was in the crowd,
was running in the lead and thought “My dad will be so proud.”
But as he speeded down the field and crossed a shallow dip,
the little boy who thought he’d win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his arms flew everyplace,
and midst the laughter of the crowd he fell flat on his face.
As he fell, his hope fell too; he couldn’t win it now.
Humiliated, he just wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win that race!”
He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit that’s all,
and ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win,
his mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.
He wished that he had quit before with only one disgrace.
“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”
But through the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face
with a steady look that said again, “Get up and win that race!”
So he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last.
“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to run real fast!”
Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight, then ten...
but trying hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.
Defeat! He lay there silently. A tear dropped from his eye.
“There’s no sense running anymore! Three strikes I’m out! Why try?
I’ve lost, so what’s the use?” he thought. “I’ll live with my disgrace.”
But then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.
“Get up,” an echo sounded low, “you haven’t lost at all,
for all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
Get up!” the echo urged him on, “Get up and take your place!
You were not meant for failure here! Get up and win that race!”
So, up he rose to run once more, refusing to forfeit,
and he resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been,
still he gave it all he had and ran like he could win.
Three times he’d fallen stumbling, three times he rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.
They cheered another boy who crossed the line and won first place,
head high and proud and happy -- no falling, no disgrace.
But, when the fallen youngster crossed the line, in last place,
the crowd gave him a greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last with head bowed low, unproud,
you would have thought he’d won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his dad he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”
“To me, you won,” his father said. “You rose each time you fell.”
And now when things seem dark and bleak and difficult to face,
the memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
And when depression and despair shout loudly in my face,
another voice within me says, “Get up and win that race!”
*************************************************************
So, I learnt.. Winning is not never falling,
But rising each time one falls...
And no, i didn't write the poem... it's credited to DH Groberg.
All about Winning
A grand welcome
As the car sped along the curved road towards Ettimadai, I leaned against the window, holding on to the dream I had in my eyes... I felt like a kid waiting for Santa Claus to drop by... Only, this time, it felt like the kid was visiting Santa Claus :)
After the last bend, the sign board rose to annouce the proximity of Amrita School of Business, (my home for the next two years)... I was thrilled somehow and goosebums ran down my neck... I was with my father and turned to look at him. He smiled happily at me and there was a glint in his eyes... As if he'd been waiting for this moment for a long time... I was pleased. That is an understatement, if there was ever one!
We got off at the guest house. We had a hurried breakfast befor my father's official presentation began. That I will keep for another time.
After the talk, as I walked with the crowd, a great realisation dawn on me.. This is where I'm meant to be! I have finally found the right place, the right atmosphere.. and the right people! The campus is huge, and friendly faces welcome me with warm smiles at every corner.. In two years time, I'll be placed and on my own.. I can hardly wait. I'm looking forward to the incidents life has in store for me..
In the afternoon, before lunch, we went for my counselling... Unfortunately, I got to know I'd missed out on Swamiji's talk on lifestyle at Amrita... The Dean and other faculty members spoke to my father and me about life at Amrita and some regultions that need to be followed without exceptions... What i might have rebelled againtst as a teeenager, i found very reasonable now. My father, needless to say, is very happy with the the place, the serenity it offers and the discipline it is known for :)
I got to see my first ever independent room... at the age of 20! :) and an attached Balcony.. it was wonderful.. there is greenary everywhere... i was welcomed and shown around.. it felt as if i belonged here.. Now, all that I have to do is work... 2 years of hard work and dedication.. and that should pay off... c'mon, I know I can do it!!
What do i dont have?! My room, a safe and happy hostel, serene atmosphere, friendly seniors, smiling wardens, world class faculty, the constant and unfailing support of family and friends and Amma's presence :) There is nothing to stop me from doing my best.. and being one! :)
As we drove back last evening, I could hear a low humming within me, I felt as if little invisible dwarves tugged at my lips because i could just not stop smiling, I could not stop being happy! The breeze blew into my face and Ettimadai welcomed me :)
Wish me luck and pray for me. Thanks for visiting this page.
Do come again.Until then, tc..
F.R.I.E.N.D.S
One is bound to feel lonesome without friends. To deny that would amount to lying. I have a bunch of amazing friends... At the outset, let me ask for forgiveness if I miss out on anybody's name.. but I'll try not to forget.. :)
From KV times, my closest friends are Vineesh, Kannan and Ammu, who have been there for me through thick and thin and who care for me uncoditionally.. more recently, I found a dear friend in Kamal.. :)
From BVB, I think the only friend to influence me strongly and to have leant supprot in times of need has been Madhu.. we've been through rough patches as well, but I'm glad we moved on to be great friends till date... A recent addition should be Nandagopal.. :)
At college, well, lots of people have touched my life... Some of the closest and most loved ones are Bhash- the one who is a kid at all times and gives his 100% to everything, Shobhit- the smart one of the lot and the great planner, Soumya- the philosopher and friend, Veeraj- the quiet one with intelligence in speech, when he talks, Sandeep- the talker and counsellor..
I think 2 other persons demand a special mention here... my little sister, Kichu, who has always believed in me and the things I do, has stood by me in my worst times, has shared my joy and anxiety and worry and fun... I am forever indebted to her for her support and kind ways and her counselling and a million other little things...
The other is my cousin, Charanya, who's three quarters of a doctor as of now and has been my personal counsellor in dire times and though it may sound cliche, the friend philosopher and guide thourgh most of my life.. :)
There are countless ohter people who have touched my life and I thank them for being a part of it... and I wish I can be to them what they are for me... :)
Thank you everybody! It's been a pleasure knowing you.. :)Take care and come again!
Lessons
I have learnt a lot of lessons in my life.. usually the hard way. And that's what made me. I learnt to not give up. I learnt to be honest. I learnt what it is to lose loved ones. None of the lessons are unique to me.. all you guys must have gone through them as well.
I've left Pune, the city of my dreams, behind me.. trying hard to move on. My friends in Pune are the best things to happen to me after my KV friends.. all the in between is worth forgetting! For now, i'd like to mention a few people i got to meet in Pune, who have touched my life and left a lasting impression.. Mugdha who taught me to work and was my first close friend in Pune, Riya who loved unconditionally, Ruby who's always chilled out and fun loving, Lipsa who thought of others before herself and added colour to my life in many little ways, Niveditha who stood by me in trying times and is genuine at heart.. This post is my tribute to them, thanking them all for being a part of my life..
A new Beginning
Am feeling on top of the world... :) Am joining Amrita School of Business(ASB) in 2 weeks, have done my last semester exams well... My little sister made it big and has cracked IIT...
All's well that end's well...
Am home now... singing away to glory... enjoying life... but that's how I have been all my life... :P
2 years and am all set to enter the world.. by myself... wish me luck!
Will be posting soon. Do visit again. Until then, tc...
