This poem is my followup on my 2 earlier articles: Mr India's Dilemma and Gulal in which I explored a volunteers thoughts about their participation in Asha. This poem describes the volunteer's conclusion. It is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's quote: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world"
It does not start with conquering the world,
It does not start with working for one's country,
It does not start with volunteering for one's community,
It does not start with working for one's family.
These pieces fall into place automatically,
They will bask in the glory of the most important task,
They will stand like bricks, one upon the other,
First the family, then the community, then the country, then the world.
The real work starts with me,
It starts with self purification,
It starts with adding strength to my character,
It starts with self development
When one's will is strong and vision clear,
Everything else will fall into place,
Like planets bask in the sun's glory,
And nations bask in the glory of good men (and women)
My deeds will touch my kin and friends,
My actions will guide their actions,
All talk of intent is useless,
All intentions of upliftment are vain
The only downtrodden one lifts is oneself,
The downtrodden of the world rise in one's wake,
The only man I pity is me,
When I am strong, my people will strenghten.
The greatest service a man can do
Is to cease to cause worry to others,
When one is secure in the eyes of the world,
Then alone can one inspire
With purity of purpose,
And selfless motives,
With empathy for my weaknesses,
I begin this journey ...
~Saurabh
2007
It does not start with conquering the world,
It does not start with working for one's country,
It does not start with volunteering for one's community,
It does not start with working for one's family.
These pieces fall into place automatically,
They will bask in the glory of the most important task,
They will stand like bricks, one upon the other,
First the family, then the community, then the country, then the world.
The real work starts with me,
It starts with self purification,
It starts with adding strength to my character,
It starts with self development
When one's will is strong and vision clear,
Everything else will fall into place,
Like planets bask in the sun's glory,
And nations bask in the glory of good men (and women)
My deeds will touch my kin and friends,
My actions will guide their actions,
All talk of intent is useless,
All intentions of upliftment are vain
The only downtrodden one lifts is oneself,
The downtrodden of the world rise in one's wake,
The only man I pity is me,
When I am strong, my people will strenghten.
The greatest service a man can do
Is to cease to cause worry to others,
When one is secure in the eyes of the world,
Then alone can one inspire
With purity of purpose,
And selfless motives,
With empathy for my weaknesses,
I begin this journey ...
~Saurabh
2007
Blogger Comment
Facebook Comment