Conundrum

An old proverb

Suggests that our lives should be

Like water on lotus leaf!

The water droplets skim off the leaf

The leaf remains unaffected by the water.

We are expected to

Live our lives the same way

Anger management suggests the

Same mantra , a bit differently

Events will happen

Let it not affect you

Events are powerless if you

Do not react

Attain nirvana, they say.

Do not react

But put into action

What needs to be done

Worrying does not improve

The situation

Sounds good

But, is it practical?

Is it possible for me to

Remain unmoved

If there is a death in the family.

If I miss my flight.

When my children grow up and move away.

If my bike is stolen.

When I find my friend is diagnosed with cancer.

If Trump becomes president.

When I understand the unspoken words

and the anguish beneath.

When immigrants are mere numbers.

When nations are decimated, in pursuit of oil.

I see merit in

Nirvana

Lotus leaf

Do-not-react

And I try with

All my might to practice

But at times I question if

This is truly the panacea

And the more I question

The more restless I become

And I realize I am not

Supposed to react

So I try to be the lotus leaf

And I fail more often

That I would like to

Did I raise a question

Or provide an answer

I am not sure anymore !!