Unsullied lies the lotus flower,
In waters muddied and shallow,
Reach into your inner bower,
Weed out the unjust and callow.

Happiness lies in your hands,
Don’t barter it away;
What faith have you on shifting sands,
And games that people play?

You owe it to yourself, pal,
Smile and be full of joy,
Little point in living, gal,
Bandied about like a toy.

Pick your fruits from the garden,
Don’t leave the trees bare,
Remember Sherwood and the Forest of Arden,
Where all had an equal share.

Reciprocity is the name of the game,
If happiness is to survive,
Little do they offer, those moments of fame,
When glee in you is not alive.

(The author is a prolific poet who has over 30 poetry books to his credit. He can be reached at ashoksawhny06@gmail.com/ www.ashoksawhny.com)