On Board Of Directors Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

I am not a corporate creature:
Don’t feel at home on Boards,
Speak little and do less therein
Only take part when it is close.

I wonder why they give sitting fees
When I don’t do any work or contribute?
Why does some company give commission?
Just because the Act allows up to 1% of profit?

Managing Director is senior and efficient,
He knows his job; I feel happy to watch.
And if possible, I am ready to do what I can -
A word in places, if I think the issue is right.

When I see other directors showing off,
Sharing knowledge and apt comments,
Trying to please the Chairman or make company
Earn profit, and avoid losses, I feel a bit upset.

Not having born rich, nor made myself rich,
Born of and brought up by parents not greedy
Or materialistic, it is natural I feel out of place
Where the profit and loss statement is prime.

Sometimes it suits me and the companies neatly,
For them to have some known name on their Board,
And for me to meet old friends, sometimes make new,
And see places, sometimes new, and learn about market.

Among all the assignments I held in the IAS,
The two that I couldn’t like or feel proud about,
Both have to do with finance and investment,
And yet now I am custodian of financial interests!