OVERCOMING THE JUGGERNAUT

 

There were seven of them
Mean looking group,
Menacing,
Intimidating me with their glaring looks

What am I supposed to do?
How can I,
All alone, a stranger in an unfriendly territory,
Survive this hostility?

I start muttering
The mantra my teacher thought me
Drawing strength from it
Knowing very well if I stop, it would be the end of me

Slapped my thighs to give me courage
Thumped my chest to show I was not scared
Returned their glare with a scowl of my own
Bounced on my toes, ready to make my move

With every step I took forward
They circled me like a pack of hyenas
Crouching,
Threatening to pounce

Yet,
They showed a glimpse of weakness
Retreating to the corners when I came too close
Giving me hope, I could survive this

But, time was running out,
Still holding my breath,
I need to overcome this challenge quickly
It was a test of my will and power

Kabaddi! Kabaddi! Kabaddi! Kabaddi!……….

– S.T. Arasu