The Conqueror

Trouncing odds of the greatest scale

For decades on end, journeyed had I

Conquering realms, wherever I went

Becoming a man, none dared defy

And yet this day, before me, it stands

Seeming to goad, with an unblinking eye

Undaunted, I return, the stare of my foe

The zenith of a mountain, proud and high

With assured resolve, my mount, I urge

Knowing full well, of safer ways, in sight

Solely with an intent, to inflict vengeance

On the insolent peak, for trying my might

As we advance, it unleashes cruel wrath

Veiled tentacles of frost, venture to Bite

And still I press on, unwilling to succumb

Though my beast suffers severest plight

Eventually, its trembling legs giving way

Down a deep chasm, I begin to tumble

And as the bottom of the abyss, appears

I realize, I die a man, far more humble

-Kartik Shastry