Chetak

Stallions, like species of all creatures, countless in legends, Chetak, an Indian horse, was peerless in elegance! Arion, per myths, speaking-horse! Balius, immortal! Chetak, wise! Served his master, never with ego at all! Stallion of Maharana Pratap, the king of Mewar, Had to indulge, with small and great kings, frequently in war; As one of his great generals, so stood noble Chetak, Fought war after wars; gained laurels in many a barrack! Shorter than the tallest of breeds; gallantly graceful gaze! Sparkling eyes! Soulful search! Not proud, yet, peacock-like neck blaze! Like plant plumes, curling combing conveniently coiling ears! Blue heron-like shiny blue skin! He's unique in all spheres! In majesty, he was king-like! None but the king could hold! In the run, jump, hop, and gallop, he was boldest of bold! Pompous! Pugnacious! Alert like a tiger with her cubs! Courageous to cross hurdles and fall! Or get into drubs! In a war with the Mughals in the Aravali pass, King Maharana Pratap and Akhbar were face to face! Troops of both stood valorous; It's a dire dare: Do! Or die! Kill or get killed! Or as weakling bid existence: Goodbye! Remembering and applauding the courageous soldiers, Who feels forget Chetak thrashing all iron-like boulders? Fought furiously holding his master on his back strong, Moved with him, like a leaf with the breeze, victory to bong! Elephant of Akhbar, with his tusk, leg of Chetak, tore, Firm on fighting for the fame of his master, pains he bore; Opponent defeated; war won; reaching his master home, He collapsed; Like a strong soldier; left to his loyal loam! 06 October 2021 A Notable Horse Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Robert James Liguori