Middle Class Values Poem by RAJ NANDY

MIDDLE CLASS VALUES

The middle class Indian mind, when it begins
to unwind,
Can never really appreciate you know,
This modern concept of 'use and throw'!
The older one gets, there are many things
which appreciates, -
With value added sentiments!
Which prevents from getting discarded;
An old pen, a hat or an old watch from
being thrown out;
For like VAT, it appreciates in sentiments,
without doubt!
Even an old gown or a vest is worn,
Till it becomes frayed or torn,
Becoming totally unfit to be put on!

Now coming to relationships closer to
our heart,
A loved one, though grown old,
We do not desert or discard!
Like old King Lear to be left out in
the cold,
To get blown in the chilly winds of
ingratitude, or to roam;
Or to get imprisoned in an Old People's
Home!
For till the end, they remain our very
own!

-Raj Nandy
New Delhi
09 Mar 08

(VAT= Value Added Tax, imposed by
the Indian Govt. on the sale of goods)