There was a man <br />who kept his distance <br />but edged closer <br />to make use <br />of my hospitality. <br />There was a man <br />who kept everything <br />that was his <br />but took what <br />he could of mine. <br /> <br /> <br />There was a man <br />who kept his lips <br />sealed <br />and peeped long enough <br />into my open heart. <br />He peeped long enough <br />to make me <br />shut its doors to all. <br />It is not good <br />in the material cities - <br />in Roderigo's Venice <br />and today's Calcutta <br />all over time <br />all over the world - <br />to be honest and guileless; <br />learn to be double <br />and to keep tight <br />your lips and purses <br />or retire to a quiet deserted cave. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />(from The Migrant - notes of a newcomer (February 1997- July 1998))<br /><br />Raj Arumugam<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-friend-like-iago/
