We dare you, they bleated!

by Victor Karunairajan
(May 30, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian)

(A tribute to those who face challenges squarely and fairly and their integrity unassailable at all times. This is leadership, honest, strong and sound that will seek no underhand means to have its way; even thwart the course of justice.)

The arena is packed to capacity
The cheers are all in great roar
Fielders have taken their spots
The pacers are agile and lithe
The keeper is ready for snips
But the umpires stare yonder
And ask: Where are the bats?

There are great expectations
For this game of the century
Much was said and boasted
We dare you they bleated
But the umpires stare yonder
And ask: Where are the bats?

Were they really so certain
They can beat us all hollow?
Do they have such skilled men
Who could bat, bowl and field?
The umpires still stare yonder
And ask: Where are the bats?

Cool morning hours fleet past
Noon day heat hots and scars
Soon it will be time for tea
That marks the final session
And the umpires still hopeful
And ask: Where are the bats?

Lo and behold the bell tolls
The hour of six for prayers
And still there are no stirs
From the batsmen’s gallery
So the umpires decide it all
And whipped the bails off.
- Sri Lanka Guardian