Double Standards Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

Gap between what we read,
Understand and accept
And what we actually do
Is always there, never diminishes.

'All are my towns, are my relatives'
I read and appreciate in Tamil.
But when I see a beggar
Or a stranger, I don't feel like it.

I am not even aware I don't follow it
I treat the beggar or stranger
As not to be trusted or allowed close
And not even a twinge of conscience.

Instead, thinking I am clever
And right and being proper,
'How can you trust a stranger',
And I hide my cash and wallet!