Marks, Medals and Money

Not how much marks you acquire,
Not how many medals you gain,
Nor the amount of money you earn -
These illusions are but lineaments of pain!
It's only the human bonds you fashion,
That matters, my son!

I was not taught these jewels,
I was not fed this wisdom!
Was instead always told,
Urged not into this freedom,
Of the importance of the three M's -
Marks, Medals and Money are the only gems!

While I saw friends and mates
Make friendship and bonds,
While I saw people falling
Back to value more their fonds,
I was always instead running!
Morning, day and evening!

Some run for fun, some for freedom
Some run for three M's, some for more!
But what 'more', is the question
A serious obsession, to propel the oar!
And I ran for pride and praise
At the cost of my inner disgrace!

Well! It took me quite a while -
I almost have lost half my life -
That I now ponder and bemoan,
Of the friends I've blown,
Of the time I've squandered,
Over my treasure so beleaguered!

They talked of life, they talked of joy
They walked with love, they loved their ploy
Scolded as their marks had tumbled
To me, their lives seemed so fumbled!
But, nothing mattered much, as long
They had friends to share and shoulder on!

I was happy over my progress
With stinginess did I transgress
Ignorant, loosing myself day by day,
And that selfishness has a price to pay!
Realization now does taunt and hurt -
A tainted person in a painted shirt!

--
Nayan's
8:40 am, 18th April 2013,
Hyderabad, India

[Image taken from http://www.iloveyoujaan.org/2010/12/love-money/]

Author's Note

In the 3rd stanza, I have used 'fonds' to match the rhyme, which is grammatically incorrect. This represents the loved ones in "value more their fonds".

In the last stanza, "transgress" as in "With stinginess did I transgress" refers to the sin of selfishness and want for more.

Reviews

[Neha Godambe]

True realization is a pain!

"Ignorant, loosing myself day by day,
And that selfishness has a price to pay!"

Ignorance does have a great price to pay. Well well...a phase most probably everyone goes through.

"A tainted person in a painted shirt" - may be I'll never forget this line. :)

[Nayan]

Thank you Neha :)

[Barbara Walker]

Young people are taught, be successful, when what they mean by success is money, authority and power. No lessons are taught on how to care for your soul and heart. Loving relationships are a big part of that aspect of our lives. Some people come to the end of their lives never realizing what made them feel so empty, when their wallets were so full. Great write!

[Nayan]

As I read the poem myself again and again, I feel it to be a similar pain as felt by Ebenizer Scrooze in the famous novel By Charles Dickens.

[Coyote Poetry]

"Was instead always told,
Urged not into this freedom,
Of the importance of the three M's -
Marks, Medals and Money are the only gems!"
I like the logic and thoughts in the poem. People who needs awards are never content. Live for today. Be kind and do your best. Thank you for the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Nayan]

Thank you Coyote for your kind review, as always!

[raji]

Wonderful! Very much true in the context of Indian youth!