Really

Isn’t it a pleasure To offer succor? Oh yes, we are so genuine, Touched to the heart Feeling, we say, the same pain and sorrow Though sometimes I wonder if we really do.

Be it death or a lesser misfortune We condole, condemn the flippancy of fate That dealt our kith or kin this cruelest blow. Yet, I wonder, is it regret or relief That predominates our minds Regret for them and secretly, guiltily, Relief that we have been spared for now?

My friend says – ‘Take it easy! Be cool! Heavens won’t come falling down!’ I take a deep breath; try to loosen my facial muscles Taut like strings of a tennis racket.

How easy to comfort others How easy to say ‘I understand’ How easy to say ‘ I am with you’ When really We are eons away from each other!