When I Paid Attention To My Thoughts 

A few neglected truths, 

And a lot of simple questions 

Sprang up as revelations!

The first fact was pain!

As the promise of life ,

It has become a reason 

To suffer and celebrate!

The next fact was denial!

As the incentive of truth,

It has become a reason 

For my silence and peace!

A greater slaying I had to offer

Was to my fears

Of falling, failing or faltering!

Every fall prompted greater efforts,

Every failure, harder trying 

And every faltering, distancing 

From meanness and madness!

What is left now is just  

My Scuffles with Death!

Glad and proud, I have 

A worthy opponent in Death!

I make him fall at my feet,

I make him fail again and again,

I make him falter, the resolute me!

Oh no! No fun in this victory,

The final combat will be Death’s

And I will lose the battle then

But my pride that I won 

Every other battle is 

My victory story! 

Lakshmi Balaji