The man came charging at me <br />And asked for money, on my way <br />To the Bandra MIG Club for my gym. <br />I instinctively reacted in my own mind <br />This is no way to beg – he looked <br />Young, healthy and has the cheek <br />To improvise on my refusal, “Ok, give me two rupees” <br />I had a few ten-rupee notes in my bag, <br />But said, No and kept walking <br />Without turning to see his expression. <br /> <br />Next day on introspection <br />I realized it was plain Ego. <br />Surprised, not by Joy, like Wordsworth, <br />But by my camouflaging Ego. <br /> <br />Ego helps set up excuses; <br />People set up their own windmills <br />And feel proud on knocking them down, <br />Or whine why they could not achieve <br />Because of these obstacles. <br /> <br />Can his tone and manner decide the issue? <br />I can hear laughter coming from <br />The grave of Miguel de Cervantes.<br /><br />Daniel Trevelyn Joseph<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/surprised-not-by-joy/
