Invictus, I am: A Poem by Reetrakshi Gupta

Painting by Jolina Anthony

Why this raging storm,
Why these disheveled thoughts,
Does voicing these against norms?

Will I always remain in turmoil,
Roared my inner conscience.
Anti-gods rejoiced my state.
Guilt overwhelmed the mind.

Emotions welled up as tears.
Indecisive stance, blank stare reflected mind’s greatest fears.
Life lost all its sheen.

There came, healing from within,
Strengthening the emotional heart.
Shoving away the insecurities.

Words to self were respite.
Eyes sparkled with bright insights.

Mind recycled stress, to firm countenance.
Heart chirped a melody at my behest.

The storm subsided,
Igniting a fanfare.
The conscience befriends a newer dawn.
A new hope awakening.
It’s a new beginning.


Reetrakshi Gupta, a young Rotarian, engages enthusiastically in welfare and social activism of the Club. She is currently pursuing Pharmaceutical Sciences from UIPS, Panjab University, Chandigarh. A brilliant, sensitive crusader, she loves to work without much brouhaha.