Mania In Academia Poem by Subroto Chatterjee

Rumors like tumors don’t have humor;
Like news just stews in its own juice;
Every line that you swallow like wine-
Makes you wise, in your eyes, or is it otherwise?

As you tower, with the power, the knowledge shower
Pours like a dream, enhancing your self-esteem;
Rewards are prone to breaking sticks and bones-
So even alone, romance the tomes.

Let me tell, that as you dwell, in the slippery well,
For those who fell, there’s hope in hell.
Hopes paid, your life’s made, or both fade.
Or in vain, you’re a pain, to others’ gain;
Contemplate: your ego inflates, or deflates.

Now you know it all, but what may befall
Even to those, who carefully chose,
The love of giving, and the art of living;
You confess: you’re stressed, highly distressed.

You may borrow, others’ sorrows:
You may learn to do the right turn;
Your mind guides your life, but your strife
Is only yours, which you may choose to cure.

My friends, be prudent as the eternal student,
Just as we learn to begin to unlearn,
For every brick, let your conscience prick,
Don’t forestall, like a brick in the wall.

There’s meaning in this mania, lovely academia!
I’m the choice-less teacher, voluntary preacher;
And my flock has weathered the shock
Of learning from me, don’t you see?


Copyright © SC
16th March 2007
Mumbai