Underestimate – The Mountain Man

The treacherous mountains pass
The nonavailability of resources
took away his lady who was in pain.

While others cursed and fell victim of
the difficult route, their fate, their luck,
the grievous yet determined man
put his shoulder to the wheel to save
lives of everyone, who had given up.

The mean laugh of the onlookers and the
voices of those who called him demented
strengthened his courage and purpose,
making him an undaunted and steely man.

The task wasn’t easy, the way either .
The man continued to crave the path
with his little hammer and huge resolve
not for a year or two, but the brave man
won over all failures for twenty two years
to chisel the route, to fight the mountain.

The villagers in astonishment, with a guilt
awarded the man for always persevering
despite of all discouragement from them
for never underestimating any failure
for never underestimating his hard work
for never underestimating the difficulties,
by recognizing him as the mountain man.

This is in response to Drashith’s free writing challenge. The word given was underestimate. You can read more about the challenger here.

Underestimate immediately reminded me of a very very powerful story of a very hardworking man, Dashrath Manjhi, who was a poor laborer in a village in Bihar. When I read his story, I was much inspired. Although I have tried to pen down his story and courage, I would want you to read his story here. He was also awarded and a film is also made about him.

– Kritika Vashist