D T Prufrock 2009 Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

I am blamed now solidly
For what I was praised then;
Mostly by different persons,
And regularly by the nearest.

It makes me shut up at once
Realizing that context alone
Makes most meaning: values change,
Society moves not necessarily forward.

“Wow, at his age he bends
To touch the floor with nose”:
Followed by, ‘Oh, you were foolish
Not to take care of your back”!

I know, I know if I had then
Not been certain of what I want,
Successful administrator I wouldn’t be
A ‘babu’ in Times of India language.

Forty years gone:
Now, I am not sure
What I want, or even
What I am certain about.


Nothing to be ashamed
To be part of a herd,
Follow your wife’s advice,
And hold your peace.