Spirit in Motion

Cruel God’s crooked clasp

is worse than the sting of a wasp

A genius, healthy and wealthy man

becomes an orphan and forlorn!

Childhood innocent

Youth fragrant

Tranquil prime

All become a weird dream!

Defies God’s clout

Becomes fearless ‘n’ stout

Undertakes an uphill task

And reaches the mountaintop

Handicapped albeit

Dares God’s verdict

Proves his worth by action

He is worthy of admiration!!
 

The real reason for me to recall this poem Kudos, was while reading about the most awaited sporting gala, Olympics, I stumbled upon a picture of Oscar Pistorius.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Pistorius

Well, this extraordinary super athlete is South African sprint runner and is known in sporting circle as the "Blade Runner."

While most of us focus on Summer Olympics, I am sure many would be completely oblivious to the fact that akin to Summer Olympics, Summer Paralympics is also held.

Paralympics is where athletes with physical disability compete and these are generally held immediately following their respective Olympic Games.

I was completely knocked off when I learnt about his achievements, though a double amputee, he is "the fastest man on no legs" and is the world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400 metres (sport class T44) events.

As I saluted such great athletes with their great fighting spirit, never say die attitude another poem ‘A realm bête noire’ rung in my ears,

Rapturous youth and tranquil prime

Withered with a weird dream

I was compelled to enter a realm bete-noire

That of Stephen Hawking, o dear!

Despite the black hole studs

Our realm emits a glorious radiance! 

And then I realized the real secret, the driving force behind such great success or such great achievements. While, we (perfectly normal???!!! people) crib about petty and trivial aspects of life, those who are deprived, those who are specially able (How aptly named- Specially Able, for they really are specially able) find their way out and fight with situation to come up trumps with the situation or their life. One look at their struggle and fighting spirit and we can well and truly understand the meaning of ‘when going gets tough, the tough gets going’.

These athletes are really tough, not for nothing “Spirit in Motion” is the motto for the Paralympic movement!!!