Ups and Downs of Life

a poem by Sudarshan Madhav Karhale

Nobody is perfect,
but everybody can be persistent;
only those win for sure
who are always consistent.

Nothing is special in those
who hold the rank one or two;
they are just ordinary–
nothing out of the blue.

Time is the same
for each of us–
whether you walk,
ride a motorcycle
or catch a bus.

What makes one different
is the eternal peace of mind–
you can see the light of hope
even if you are blind.

Failures are mere checkpoints,
ensuring the right path to inevitable success;
it depends on your will power and determination–
neither more, nor less.