CONQUEST! br br A birds resting nest may be small, br But that is of no consequence at all! br Since the sky above its head is vast and br wide, br Where it can spread its wings and fly, - br Across the vast expanse of the ethereal br blue sky! br br Here on ground where we all jostle for br living space, br Man’s hunger and greed does not abate! br The great Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, - br All tried to conquer and shackle this earth! br But they all failed to conquer man’s mind br and heart! br br I recall Chekhov’s short story once more; - br After having covered the furthest corners br of the land, br Galloping at top speed to make his conquest br complete, br The man totally exhausted falls on the ground; br Collapses, and dies without a sound! br Only six feet of ground was sufficient for his br grave, br And so it has been for the bravest of our braves! br br Now I recall the great Buddha under the banyan br tree, br And the Messiah who entered Jerusalem mounted br on a donkey! br With shouts of ‘ Hosanna’, and palms spread across br His feet! br Were true Conquerors, who shall forever remain br beyond defeat! br - Raj Nandy br 07 Jul 09 br New Delhibr br RAJ NANDYbr br