Master Mind's Mind Master: A Poetic Book Review
Upendra Rawat's poem on Vishy Anand titled "TYGER TYGER BURNING BRIGHT" which was published on ChessBase India during the numero uno's 50th birthday was received with great warmth by the readers. People loved it and we also judged it to be the best wish to the legend on his 50th birthday. Now Upendra is back with another poem, this time on Vishy Anand's recently released autobiography named "Mind Master". Through passionately written lines the author tells people what a deep impact the book has made on him and how reading it is a must for every chess and Vishy Anand fan.
MASTER MIND’S MIND MASTER
By Upendra Rawat
As December of 2019 arrived and the D-day drew near,
The crescendo of Vishy-mania one could see and hear.
And when the 11th of the month did dawn upon us finally-
A collective B'day cheer rose from every fan, foe and ally.
Vishy turning Fifty- a milestone for him and all to cherish,
Fiesty still and holding fort with finesse, class and flourish.
Saga of sublime character, rare class and pure charisma-
His is a chess lore of agony and ecstasy, din and drama.
Fans across the globe did sing and swing and whirr in joy!
Anand here, Anand there, Anand everywhere- B'Day Boy!
In return, the Master Mind gifted his fans what a ‘High Five’-
Unveiled Mind Master- gripping narrative of his Chess life!
What a page-turner for us this book of his turned out to be,
A ring-side view of his many chess battles we got to see.
In gripping detail hear him on his struggles ‘n’ strife speak,
How with grit ‘n’ passion he scaled one after another peak.
He is so candid ‘n’ critical about his every failure and fall,
Dissects them ever so ruthlessly and doesn't flinch at all.
He talks of the quest for success, and its glory and pride,
Yet also, how to take the losses and Failure in our stride.
And more importantly, that if and when in any endeavour,
On getting knocked down how we must get up ‘n’ recover.
Humility and modesty as his virtues hold much appeal,
But they hide a resilient spirit ‘n’ mental sinews of steel!
He analyses matters of Mind- its motives and its praxis,
Combines deep rigour with some really sharp analysis.
Page after page, the book brews a heady magic of chess,
Juxtaposed there are also many life-lessons for success.
A shining role-model to all Anand has for so long been,
Reinvented in the avatar of a raconteur he is now seen.
And while it still ain't at all wise to step on this Tiger's Tail-
How exciting it is to lose yourself in his Great, Grand Tale!
P. S:
When I turned the last page over, wasn't I so happy to see-
There wasn’t any 'Epilogue' in the book, Oh Lord Glory be!
Reading between the lines, I can stick my neck out to say-
Vishy still has an Ace up his sleeve, we shall see him play!
Write him off you will at your own risk, need say anymore-
He is quite the quintessential Comeback Kid of Chess lore!
A final Flourish, a Swansong, his last Hurrah perhaps yet-
Before he calls it a day and rides into the glorious sunset…..
(UPENDRA RAWAT~23-12-2019)
About the author - Upendra Rawat
I am a very, very, very ordinary person- you could call me 'extra' ordinary. I wish I could be a lot, lot better at chess and hope to take it really seriously when I retire a little more after 3 years from my Bank where I am presently serving as a Senior Manager. Right now, with my current chess abilities, I can't even call myself a mature amateur! Most of my schooling and higher studies-LLB and MBA has been in Delhi where I reside along with my heart and my sweet-hearts - my wife and son and my school year chums. Love reading on a range of subjects and dabble in poetry every now and then, although Urdu poetry remains my abiding passion.
How to get your hands on Mind Master?
Get your copy from Amazon India in paperback, hardcover or Kindle edition