A LOOK AT LIFE-57

 A LOOK AT LIFE-57

BY-SMRUTI RANJAN MOHANTY  

you don't need to tell me

i know who i am

a nonentity struggling for an identity in the vast multitude of humanity

living in a world where success 

so difficult to come by

i often ask me a question

if i succeed, will it make me a man?

what to do with success 

if that will take me away from my small world

from the things i love, the people i love to be with

what to do with recognition and appreciation if that will make me someone else, alien to myself

what to do with all my affluence if my conscience deserts me, my feelings, emotions and gestures never remain mine

when nobody with me to share my accomplishment and agony 

what to do with that glittering world

where my own do not have places to live in

where my childhood friend can't  hug me

men and women of my village cannot identify with me, my riches and success

and look at me as if i am not their own

someone who has come from another heaven 

of what use that success?

if it snatches away that innocent smile from my face

of what use that pelf and power 

that makes me a virtual beggar

begging for an ounce of love and tear

in a noman's land

i am happy as i am

with my modest possessions i am the king of my world, do not need anything more

that will take me away from my heart and soul

let me remain as i am, an unknown man

with petty dreams and tiny pleasures 

i don't want to part with my simplicity

my innocent mind and conscience 

and live in a pseudo world of treachery and hypocrisy where castles are built in air

love and relationships crucified to satisfy one's hunger, greed and fancy

there was no fanfare when i was born

my death will be uneventful 

let me live and remain the way i am

with all that i value and love

in the midst of love and tears

genuine feelings and emotions 

and die a peaceful death in open air and broad daylight, in presence of near and dear

do i need anything more?

©smrutiranjan 12.10.2918

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