DESIRE AND HOPE: a sonnet

DESIRE AND HOPE: a sonnet


No less painful are barbs if they’re disguised;
Thorns carrying rose fragrance are yet sharp.
Poison kills, even though with wine imbibed;
Foes remain foes though of friendship they harp.

Ungratefulness is not undone by smiles.
Murderers do not have a change of heart.
A journey planned for a few thousand miles
Remains a dream if we don’t make a start.

Appearances are often deceptive.
Good intentions are often circumspect.
To every sweet word, don’t be receptive;
In today’s world even friends are suspect.

Before reality crashes your hope,
Don’t harbor desires that don’t have a scope.


M C Gupta
16 August 2009