Eyes as sharp as a Hawk
Claws built to rip flesh from stock
These grey hulled predators stalk
The realms where few dare to knockWhat meets the eye is but a light
But lurking, in prowl, is the fight
Even the Gods descend, for it is a sight
And a only a few can stand its mightAs they saunter the uncharted depths
Striking terror unto foes aplenty
The mean machines have but on purpose
To guard the walls that can never be built(c) The First Born (FB 😀 )
(February, 2014)
Arjun is the first born. My Sun Child 🙂 The younger one is the Lion 😀
I’ve gone on and on incessantly about them, so much so they’re part of the Blog Tradition here. 🙂
For those who do not know, Arjun is in the Indian Navy (ok, you probably guessed it from the verse I’ve shared ), a third generation Naval Officer in the family. I’m not sure how, but he simply had to join it. Like his uncles before him, and his grandfather who too had to. The fascination I guess.
And, all said and done, more said and less done, the beating that the Services, particularly the Navy is being given these days, it is particularly heart-rending, for me personally, this verse he has shared. There are those cynical and indifferent personnel both within and without The Armed Forces who speak of sycophants, of corruption, of the ‘system’ that is flawed. And there are still youngsters, who, with eyes wide open, knowing the grim underbelly is not a pretty picture, still find their hearts and destinies entwined with just doing what they do.
This one here, Arjun’s, I like to think is dedicated to the Submarines. The ones that have taken the hardest knock of late. And what I know, is just as much, or as little as you do. Confidentiality and all. Fact. I’m not sure wanting to, or knowing more would help all those brave souls who gave it all. They know. They knew. All along.
I still find inspiration. A surge of pride. A slight missing of a heartbeat, when my heart can’t quite take the weight of that pride when the services are spoken of. No matter what. That’s why I had to write in, knowing my voice was just one among thousands, to The Hindu, on 28 Feb, 2014. That they published the letter the next day was a pleasant surprise, though the reason for having written in was a sad one.
And, no matter what, though he may know a whole lot of things, I’d like to think Arjun does too. 🙂
I had to come out of my self-imposed exile from this space, due to reasons of health, to post this. Couldn’t not, when I read this, just this evening.
Sham No Varunah.
May Varunah be auspicious.
Godspeed, you brave mariners.
18 March, 2014
March 18, 2014 at 9:45 pm
I humbly salute each and every member of our armed forces for their patriotism, their courage and their selflessness. They consciously risk their lives for the rest of their countrymen.
Believe me, on Feb 28, after I read the first 3 lines of this Letter to the Editor, I said to myself, “This letter must have been written by Usha Pisharody.” I looked down and was proved correct! Your voice may be “just one among thousands”, but it’s good that you made it heard. To quote JFK: “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
LikeLike
June 8, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Thank you PI; I do too – salute these men and women who show such selflessness and dedication!
Thank you too, for your kind words, and the way you seem to have recognized the writing!
LikeLike
March 19, 2014 at 2:14 am
Am glad you wrote 🙂 both to the Editor and here… and hope you are feeling better now!
Joining the Proactive Indian and everyone else to these silent guardians. Not everyone can get there or comprehend what it is to be a silent guardian and be so with fire in the belly – especially with li’l troubles brewing here and there… May the force be with them and with us 🙂
LikeLike
June 8, 2014 at 12:11 pm
David, thank you!
LikeLike
March 24, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Sham No Varunah.
LikeLike
June 8, 2014 at 12:14 pm
Uma 🙂
LikeLike
March 25, 2014 at 5:35 pm
The verse sounds so much like ‘The Second Coming’.
LikeLike
June 8, 2014 at 12:15 pm
Just re-read that poem, Ruch, and indeed it gives that import too! Thank you for pointing it out! I’ll send him the link too!
LikeLike
June 12, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Each voice counts. Specially when that voice is as passionate as yours. I know of that pride Ushus. And the heartbreak that comes with each word of scorn poured upon that pride.
LikeLike
June 15, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Meggie, thank you! You are the best person who would understand it too.
LikeLike
Pingback: Testing Times | A Quest on Overdrive ... :)
April 12, 2015 at 4:12 pm
I am very happy for having you as my friend, Usha! We are ordinary people…we can just appreciate.
LikeLiked by 1 person