I Am ZORBA

Since yesterday I am feeling very happy. Frankly speaking even I dont know what might be the reason. Wait a minute!! I think I have a vague idea.

There's a book 'Zorba The Greek' by Nikos Kazantzakis. Despite being a part of the material world, the protaganist, Zorba, lives in a world of his own. If there is anything he is never tired of is that he always tries to make people around him happy. And he is very successful at it. Even when he deceives his enemy, though he has no enemy in the literal sense, or when he tries to take advantage of an uneven situation he always make sure that even the losing party goes home merrily and doesn't lose even a wink of sleep. Though he may not be handsome but his deeds make him desirable and his company the most sought after. He is happy because he doesn't associate his happiness with others. That does not imply that he does not care for his loved ones. He loves them dearly. But only if they reciprocate the same feelings that he has towards them. He can find joy in life's little pleasures or rather nature's little wonders, which most people will overlook. His heart will leap with joy when he will hear a bird sing or his feet will start thumping the ground and he will start dancing all alone the moment rain's first drops will touch the earth. But it would be a mistake to think that he is one silly fellow devoid of worldly wisdom and living in his fictitious world. On the contrary, he is as shrewd and practical as anybody can be. Rather he is better acquainted with the ways of the world than most people.

I think there has been a transformation within me. Ever since I read the book I have always aspired to be like Zorba but since yesterday I am feeling as if I AM ZORBA. I don't know what or who prompted this change but I am happy.

Around six months ago, a friend of mine read a poem to me. And that poem had an indelible effect on me. Whenever I am sad or feeling down I just read it again and I am thoroughly rejuvenated ready to take on life with full ardor and zeal.

The poem is.......

INVICTUS

by William Ernst Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.

I am in office right now sitting inside my cubicle. We have recently finished a major project and after many days of hard work we really have some time to ourselves. In appreciation of our work, everybody involved in this particular project is given a one week paid leave. So everybody is busy making plans for the holiday.

Right now I am listening to this beautiful song 'Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses' by U2.

You're dangerous 'cause you're honest

You're dangerous, you don't know what you want

Well you left my heart empty as a vacant lot

For any spirit to haunt

You're an accident waiting to happen

You're a piece of glass left there on the beach

Well you tell me things I know you're not supposed to

Then you leave me just out of reach

Who's gonna ride your wild horses

Who's gonna drown in your blue sea

Who's gonna ride your wild horses

Who's gonna fall at the foot of thee

and so on.........

Au Revoir