G for Grit


Overdone makeup
Scantily dressed
She walked past hungry eyes
Clutching me close to her breasts
For her, S was the alphabet number one
No, not S for sex but S for her Son

Dark narrow alleys
Darker were the glimpses of future
Dreams lured her too
But her identity, biggest intruder
She stood firm, shunning the divide
As P was not for prostitute but for Pride

Never count the hurdles, she said
They will stay, you march on
Mould your own destiny
After conquering unbeatable, a hero is born
Fragmented mindset you’ve to quell
Remember, E is never for excuses but for Excel

I am, what I am today
Life was my biggest teacher
Maa, inculcated a warrior’s stamina
A vision to be one’s own leader
Whenever life slapped, I never called it quits
G was never for giving up but for Grit

*This poem is inspired from the life of Avijit Halder, who was featured in the Oscar winning documentary - Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids. As a part of that documentary, he captured the life in brothel through camera and because of his talent was sent to a photography conference in Amsterdam. Later, he got admission in the prestigious NYU and now, he is an assistant director in Hollywood. This poem is my expression of how he feels for his mother who died very young.


Comments

  1. So beautiful, poignant and inspirational.

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  2. Tragic yet something to learn from... Thanks for sharing Saru!

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  3. Beautifully written Saru :) that was so sweet of you to dedicate a poem to him..and hats off to him

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  4. Lovely expression Saru, in a moving piece!

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  5. Beautiful Saru. I once saw a bbeggar woman holding a new born and begging at a signal. That scene has never left my mind.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, such a sight is etched. Glad you liked the poem.

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  6. Such a wonderful use of words Saru. Loved every single line.

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  7. I did not know about him till I read his name from your post and googled about him. Wonderful poem..Just loved it!

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  8. Highly inspiring .... Excellent, just loved it !!
    Very beautifully expressed and soul touching lines :(

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  9. Smart, touching and inspiring take...

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  10. Saru, I had read about Avijit Halder in the newspaper & felt really wonderful about his achievement. A lovely poem indeed to express. Do share it with him. Am sure he too will love it as much as we do.

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    1. I wish, I could share it with him. Thanks for reading and glad you liked it.

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  11. Beautiful poem Saru! The expression is wonderfully captured.

    Cheers,
    Blasphemous Aesthete

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  12. So beautifully written.

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  13. What a thought provoking poem Saru. The story about Avijit is truly inspiring.

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    Replies
    1. Indeed, it is and happy that you liked my expression.

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  14. very much moving and beautifully given words....simply loved it :)

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  15. What a poem! i don't know much to describe, but, it is really really touching...

    Regards,
    Sindhu
    Tantu
    The Arts & Me

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  16. wow, brilliant. Its a very beautiful Dedication to an individual like him. Loved the way you have presented it. Its beautifull... And it is but The ugly truth!!

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    1. Thanks dear and welcome back. You were missed. :)

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  17. Well written! GOing to check out the documentary right now!

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  18. A brilliant expression. I loved reading.

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  19. This is so beautiful! Loved reading it.

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  20. Lovely words Saru. Brilliantly written !

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  21. Very moving! Beautifully written.

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  22. Very moving and beautifully written Saru...

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  23. Saru, painful it is, but beautifully expressed.

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  24. Nicely put.. it touches the heart, and inspires your mind, both at the same time..

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  25. It is a little sad and more inspiring. Cheer up, Ash. :)

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  26. fantastic post....loved it :))

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  27. Just Lovely and capable enough to make eyes moisty.

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  28. Moved...Wonderful expression,Great writing :)

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