At The Market... Poem by Ganesh Veeraraghavan

Looking for goodness I headed to the market
I had a cart a very earnest heart....

I asked that I be always innocent
It cost me moments I looked unintelligent
I asked that I speak only the truth
It cost me moments looking uncouth
I asked that I be always forgiving
It cost me moments of pain returning
I asked that I always help one in need
It cost me moments sometimes fooled indeed
I asked that I be always smiling
It cost moments my real heart stammering
I asked that I always admit my faults
It cost me moments of looking foolish
I asked that I always offer my hand first
It cost me moments of twist in my fist
I asked that I be always humble
It cost me moments feeling very feeble
I asked that I always decide wisely
It cost moments being told I was lazy
I asked that I be always patient
It cost me moments feeling dumb silent
I asked that I be always energetic
It cost me moments under the knife of the critic....

I asked that I be always loving
It cost me moments, the proud scoffing

Plenty more goodies, the market was buzzing
All these bargains truly tiring
I was also emptied of my humble coffer
No passerby did lend or offer

I then realized...

Whatever i wanted all I could have had
If only I had just bargained for God...