Pradip Chattopadhyay - Qualms

I gave the surround a cautious look
To see if any eyes were on me
One quick swoop then I took
Broke my oath of honesty!

How it came on none else’s sight
A while though I wondered
The crisp note winking in sunlight
Gave not much scope to ponder!

In my secret joy I lost no time
To flee fast from the scene
Though I didn't think it a crime
Felt forbidden pleasure of sin!

Then in me spoke the inner voice
You could have merely walked by
And not made such an evil choice
As bad as deceit and lie!

Soon overcome by pangs of conscience
I wasn’t anymore feeling nice
On my forehead grew guilt’s greasy lines
As on a man in the grip of vice!

Came back the words mom used to say
Relieved my tormenting qualms

If you ever pick up a note on the way
Give it away as alms!

Pradip Chattopadhyay

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