Morbid

I fear not this darkness that creeps across
For I find it calm and reassuring.
A sanctum for my troubled mind
Away from a thousand sinister stares

I fear not being left alone in this world
These hazy images shall my company keep
These voices in my head confuse me enough
For there to be a need for more around me

The cold breath of death I sense near
I fear it much, I do confess.
Yet life itself seems so filled with gloom
Not much would change beyond the end

So why this worry, if I sense no destiny?
Is it for those who love me, and have made me?
They may miss me, if I do go away
But move on they must, leaving my memory aside

Perhaps this is all a trick the mind plays
When imagination runs rampant, and pushes the real away
When you're hurt deeply and hope fades
When the more you reach for, the farther it goes

Yes, I have let a defeat again
Weaken my will, and drown me in doubt
I must fight the fear, and rise above
I can never bear, to be held down

Life it seems, is but a test of time
Of survival through the ebb and flow
Stumbling, falling, getting up and walking on
Leaving these morbid thoughts behind.

The Cup that means the world to us

I truly feel privileged to have witnessed history today, on April 2,2011. Ever since back in 1993 or so, when I was 7-8, and started watching cricket, elders used to mention the 1983 World Cup win. That happened before I was born. I use to wonder what that moment felt like. I don't have to wonder any more. I loved the game since that time. Apart from patriotic reasons, it was only for the awesomeness of Sachin that I supported India in those days. Australia was my favorite team. Both teams provided me with countless memorable moments both of joy and despair. Apart from Tendulkar, it was Shane Warne, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Glenn McGrath, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee whom I admired as cricketers. I also became a fan of the South African team. As the new millennium dawned, Sourav Ganguly became captain, and with John Wright, he created the real "Team India". As we started winning overseas, India became a force to reckon. After some hiccups along the way, MS Dhoni became captain and continued the aggressive streak. Yet, the cool demeanor of Dhoni is a stark contrast to the animated emotions of Ganguly. I was lucky to be in India during the entire South African series and also the Ashes tour happening Down Under. Our performance during that series really demonstrated that we would be one of the biggest contenders of the World Cup.

The World Cup itself was amazing right from the start. In the group stages, South Africa were largely dominant, India finished strongly but couldn't find the right playing combination. England, New Zealand were erratic, Pakistan and West Indies unpredictable as ever, while Australia and Sri Lanka were consistently good. The minnows shined too, especially Ireland, who scored a thrilling victory over England. But things changed once the knockout stages began. South Africa suffered a shock exit at NZ's hands, retaining their notorious "chokers" tag, Sri Lanka and Pakistan comfortably defeated England and WI respectively. India chased down 261 against Australia and in Dhoni's words "hit the peak at the right time". SL then beat NZ to reach the finals. And in the other over-hyped semi-final, India won comfortably against Pakistan. At the point, I was certain looking at both teams that we are headed for a climactic finish for the first time since 1996, after 3 one-sided finals in between. And boy, did both teams deliver. Our bowlers started well. But Mahela Jayawardene was a class apart today with his century. When the chase began, losing Sehwag & Sachin early was a major jolt. But Gambhir did well until he threw his wicket away 3 short of a deserved century. Then it was upto the in-form Yuvraj and the about-to-come-into-form Dhoni. MS truly played a captain's innings today. Those 2 boundaries off Malinga towards square leg turned the game in our favor. And its safe to say that the final 6 over long-on will become the defining moment of our World Cup victory, followed by his customary nonchalant (thanks CA :) ) stare.

Overall, it was the trio of Sachin, Yuvi and Zaheer that played the biggest part in our World Cup performance. Yuvi deservedly got the "Man of the Tournament" award. Which brings me back again to Sachin. We will have to wait a little more of his ton of tons. Its probably fitting, that landmark deserves a stage of its own. After 6 campaigns, Sachin finally tasted what its like to be on a World Cup winning team. It was touching to see all those scenes: Yuvraj and Bhajji with tears flowing, Yuvraj and Virat Kohli carrying Sachin on their shoulders. To sum up, I will just use Virat Kohli's fitting tribute to Sachin Tendulkar:

"Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him"