ODE TO THE SELF

 

O Life, thou art a tapestry of light,

With springtime’s threads of gold, where hope begins.

In every breath of dawn, the soul takes flight,

And from within, the voice of truth still spins.

I danced in youth through fields of silver dew,

Unfettered by the world, my spirit grew;

For deep within, I held the flame of trust,

That self-reliance blooms where all things must.

 

When summer comes, O Life, with radiant blaze,

I stride with purpose, heart and mind aligned.

In every choice, I seek my inward gaze—

To walk the path my soul alone designed.

The sun may burn, the winds of doubt may blow,

But firm in self, my steady steps shall go.

For Emerson’s wise call doth guide me well:

Trust in thyself, and let no fear compel.

 

And autumn falls with leaves of russet gold,

A time to harvest what the soul has sown.

Thy lessons, Life, are rich, though softly told—

That in the heart, our greatest truth is known.

No need to follow where the crowd may tread,

For in my solitude, I forge ahead.

O Life, thou show’st me that true strength is found

Not in the noise, but in my voice’s sound.

 

When winter comes with frost upon its brow,

I greet thee, Life, with courage firm and sure.

The quiet snow does not dismay me now,

For in its stillness, I can best endure.

In coldest winds, I find my heart’s own fire,

The flame that drives me higher and higher.

O Emerson, thy wisdom in me stays:

To thine own self be true, in all thy days.

 

Through every storm, O Life, I stand alone,

Yet not in weakness, but in sovereign grace.

For in each rise and fall, my strength is shown—

No borrowed light can take the soul’s own place.

Self-trust, like seasons, shifts with time and tide,

Yet anchors deep within, where truths abide.

Thou teach’st me, Life, that greatness lies in me,

To be myself, and thus forever free.

 

So let the tides of fate and time flow free,

For thou, O Life, hast given me the key:

To stand in light or shadow unafraid,

For I am whole, my path within me made.

No need for borrowed wisdom from the crowd,

In my own voice, I speak my truth aloud.

O Life, thou art a mirror clear and bright—

In self-reliance lies the purest light.

 

 

Dr. A. Arun Daves

Email: dave.aad1987@gmail.com

 

Bio–Note:

Dr. A. Arun Daves is a highly accomplished scholar and educator holding a Ph.D. in English from Annamalai University and an M.Phil. in English from PRIST University. His academic journey includes an M.A. in English from St. Joseph’s College of Arts & Science, Cuddalore, where he was awarded a Gold Medal, as well as a B.A. in English from the same institution. He also has an additional Master’s degree in Linguistics from Annamalai University. Since 2013, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor of English at Jawahar Science College, Neyveli. Dr. Daves is a prolific writer and researcher, with 23 published articles in esteemed international journals and over 30 articles and book chapters reviewed. His literary talents extend to poetry, short stories, and book reviews, showcasing his multifaceted expertise in the realms of English language and literature.