Whenever a wave of gloom crushes me.
Whenever spates of tumultuous signs jolt me.
I tell myself:
A true devotee of the Almighty fears nothing!
Sometimes, this piece of self-counselling,
Helps me to nurture sanity.
At most times,
The advice hangs like a shame.

I know, no one's destined to be happy:
Forever!
I also realize, I have remained sheltered,
From most tempests.
Therefore, I must live charged to
Plough the eternal fervour of chanting
'Glory! Glory! To God!'

Dubai
2012

Geeta Chhabra