Shernaz celebrates the rare feat of Abhilash, nicknamed Titanium Tomy, who recently won the treacherous Golden Globe Race against all odds – an exclusive for Different Truths.
This is the legend of a man with a titanium spine Whose grit and daring made him fiercely shine With nerves of steel, he conquered the seas, From his vulnerability, he found a release. He lived a nerve-wracking real-life thriller On a tiny sailboat…a ‘could-have-been’ killer He braved every odd and revelled in the success A few years back, his life was a devastating mess Stranded, floundering at sea in a wrecked boat In an angry Indian ocean, he miraculously stayed afloat A shattered spine, no GPS; of survival, not a chance He bobbed about futilely on the vast, cruel expanse Later he went through an agonising time When he could not walk, let alone climb Yet his crushed spine did not his spirit batter… Despite the titanium rods, he made his life matter! Five years on, he once again took up the challenge Unaided, alone, non-stop, he faced the high seas savage Fierce winds, a broken rudder, lack of potable water, Horrific storms… no danger made this gritty man totter Forbidden modern navigational gear was no menace He elatedly completed the brutal Golden Globe Race Commander (Retd.) Abhilash Tomy made India proud Finishing the “Voyage of Madmen”, he triumphantly bowed Every fear, every doubt in bravery’s coffin he nailed As into the port of Les Sables d’Olonne, he sailed Thundering applause! Family and friends milled around And Sia’s song ‘Titanium’ boomed in the background His name in the annals of history he scripted As Admiral Awati had unerringly predicted With full honour, let’s salute this officer awesome First Indian to finish this journey gruesome!
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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This is more than a poem – it is a skillfully crafted ballad honouring a modern hero, with deep and far-ranging content that is waiting for a music composer.
Azam Gill, thank you for this most wonderful response. It is the story of this inspiring hero that makes the poem what it is. I feel truly encouraged by your words.
Aspiring the mind to awaken to the awareness of beyond’s presence
Your inner connect does confirm your awareness and bring it to surface.. 🪷
Dear Manoj, Thank you for reading and sharing your unique, deeply thought out comment on this poem.
Superb lines there, Ma’am. You’ve scripted the legend of Abhilash according due attention to every detail. No better ballad would be so fitting as beautiful as this well-knitted set of words. Thank you, Ma’am.
Ashish Srinivasan, Those are words to warm any poet’s heart. Thank you for such lavish praise showered on my humble attempt. I feel overwhelmed!