Setting Poem by Subroto Chatterjee

[This poem is a gentle self-introspection for those consumed with pomposity and self-importance].

There’s war in the air,
And the ball is in your court;
Your intentions are threadbare,
Kindly take note.

And while still water runs deep,
The water is fast and churning;
While you drowned in your sleep,
You missed a lot of learning.

You have a craving for invention
In diabolical schemes of our setting;
Power-plays call for intervention,
You don’t know what you’re getting.

The filibusterer sets the tone
For the clique of old-timers;
Stupidity oft shines alone,
Like knowledge from a primer.

Those who claim to lead
Shall profess the laws of equity,
Most leaders fail to read
The language of accountability.

Tales of self-importance abound;
Of tempers thrown in for good measure;
Your intentions are now run aground,
Is paining others your only pleasure?

There’s no future in the past,
I know what’s there in the end:
The fleeting present does not last,
Let humility be your friend.

Your brief encounters with people,
May leave marks faint and dark:
Some impressions create a ripple,
While others ignite a spark.

Take care, be nice, and empathize;
Watch out, be sure, and communicate;
All mind and no heart cannot sympathize;
How would you want others to reciprocate?


Copyright © SC
22nd February 2007
Mumbai.