In Earnest To Be Important Poem by Subroto Chatterjee

[This poem is about a vainglorious gentleman of my acquaintance. But he's entertaining all the same! ]


He’s more than a shadow of his former self:
His heart burns with fervor and commitment;
In the past he sang to me a tune of his pelf –
Alas, the song has changed since his advancement.

He’s altruistic now; I scarcely believe him:
The institution is more important than man;
But lest I disbelieve his vim-
Let me praise him as I only can.

I praise his self-importance: he’s knowledgeable;
I praise his skills at work: he’s experienced;
I praise his humility: that’s manageable;
I praise his actions: in that I was prescient.

His force can change his surroundings:
Whatever these surroundings may be;
Beware, an ill-wind blows with his tampering
This force: let commonsense relax in harmony.

His inspirations spring like wild flowers:
He spouts wisdom like a fountain in flow;
Alack, he does talk a lot of his prowess,
His heart is as white as the driven snow.

The seasons change as does his scruples;
But he maintains a steady demeanor;
His antics do cause temporal ripples,
Who cares if he’s our conscience keeper?

Now he shines like a beacon truly;
His light blinds darkness to shame;
Poor man: he’s surrounded by dullards, unruly,
He deserves better, he’s fit for fame.

He works not for himself, but for others,
Others are bricks and mortars, institutions;
What hope does he give to his fellow-brothers?
It will depend on the cost of his restitution.

Copyright © SC
25th June 2007
Mumbai.