When I look back at the years gone by
I do so with a gentle smile
For I know, that which I came through
Walking barefoot, for many a mile;

Without shame and without worry
For I knew that Destiny is a friend,
When it hauls you over burning coals
It does, with a purpose and an end.

Heartless it is not, and it was not for me
For penury brought me closer to life,
I learned to walk with my head held high
Even through moments of debilitating strife.

For those of you who know me well
Who called me ‘Tiger’, will recall,
Stories I told when empty were my hands
And, too expensive for me was the golf ball

But, never did I lose faith in myself
Nor in the ways of the Unseen Hand,
The ups and downs that I endured
Now make me feel, both humble and grand.

Life have I seen in all its colours
Untainted have I remained,
Rainbows we know only show up
When the heavens have duly rained.

No sermons intended, for who am I
To anyone ever teach,
If we learn to be content, friends
Then, happiness is well within reach.

(Ashok Sawhny is a prolific poet who has over 35 poetry books to his credit. He can be reached at ashoksawhny06.poems@gmail.com)

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Spotify:   Ashok Sawhny Poetry of Life ( English)
https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZtQWYG5RUVHrLGQ5IyvZV
Ashok Sawhny, Dastan -e- Zindagi ( Urdu )
https://open.spotify.com/show/3BoBLzORJi4KqOI2F3IFhi