The Strength of a Promise

The night was shrouded in pitch black darkness.
Even the moon lay hidden under the cloudy blankets.
As, on one side of the steep and craggy mountain,
A small platoon of armed soldiers steadily ascended.

The post near the mountain pass lay ahead,
And from the infiltrators, it needed to be protected.
The soldiers advanced under the cover of camouflage,
And they battled the elements with each and every step.

As they neared the post, all hell broke loose.
Bullets zipped in the darkness towards the troops.
In return, they took aim and shot back at the enemy.
With courage, bravery, and strength, they retaliated forcefully.

They bothered not whether they were shot or bled.
The only way was forward, and that’s how they stepped.
Like a pride of lions, they roared and charged,
And with their might, they tore the enemy apart.

The rising Sun at dawn saw their flag fluttering high.
The post was safe, and the infiltrators slain at night.
The newspapers were flooded with the good news,
And, the leaders awarded prestigious medals to the troops.

And, when asked about the experience, all that they said
Was that it was possible due to the promise they’d made
The promise, to safeguard and protect their motherland,
Was stronger than the enemy and the highest mountains.

Stronger

The road ahead may seem arduous and winding,
But, just take that first step and start hiking.

The stack of books may seem intimidating,
But, just open the first page and start reading.

The tasks and targets may seem challenging,
But, just pick one of them and start completing.

You have in yourself that strength and inclination.
Bring it out from under that pile of underestimation.

The universe is limitless, and so are the possibilities.
To tackle one moment at a time is all you need.

Hard work never kills, and reaching that goal may take longer,
But do you know? – What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.