Fruitless
There stood the garden wall
strong as ever.
The garden belonged to Mr. Hall
who was selfish and clever.
Mr. Hall loved his garden
with flowers and mango trees
so he built the wall
to protect the mangoes that fall.
It was not a crime to be selfish.
The point of all this
is to enjoy while you
have it, isn’t it?
One day a young boy
jumped the garden wall.
Mr. Hall noticed the boy
and gave the police a call.
Then he stood up and
ran towards the boy,
but he got away
and so the war began.
Once the boy waited for
Mr. Hall to leave
only to find a dog in
the garden without a leash.
The boy wanted the mangoes,
Mr. Hall was not ready to let go.
The boy tried again and again,
but all his efforts ended in vain.
Mr. Hall was victorious,
but his victory was not glorious.
He took a mango slice in his hand,
when he took a bite he
realized something not right.
Mr. Hall was overwhelmed by guilt.
He worked all his life so that
he could have some peace at old age,
but now all his
efforts were fruitless.
© 2016 Abhimanyu Gaur
- One More Day – A Poem Dedicated to Life - July 9, 2022
- Reflection - April 20, 2017
- Love is Like a Waterfall - December 12, 2016
Very good and a tale with a moral my friend. Greed parts us from humanity in a way that turns a heart to stone, and in the end it is we who suffer the wrath of imbalance and the lack of kindness in a life. Well told and a poignant message. Well done.
Thank you Tony, I am glad that the poem delivered the message that I intended. It is true that it is we who suffer in the end as the saying goes, ” As you sow, so shall you reap.”
Indeed and this man did reap what he sowed in the end. There are too many people like him in this world, who let greed and self take over their lives. They want to hoard everything for themselves and their own pleasures. Not caring about the suffering of humans right outside their doors. These types of people usually find a dead end to their greedy self. Sharing for me brings rewards in abundance, a peaceful, caring, loving, sharing soul. I am content to give away my tithe to those who I can help make their lives, just a little better than it is today. Peace and blessings I send to you this day Abhimanyu. Nicely written, the message very clear.
Thank you Vincent for your comment and your blessings.
Such a sad outcome for Mr. Hall. Hoarding and greed cause feelings of joyless efforts – giving and sharing brings joy to life. I love this poem, Abhimanyu, it has a very important message. Very skillful.
Thank you Phyllis and I am glad you loved it.
A good message Abhimanyu. In the end Mr Hall reaped what he sowed.
Yeah he did John. Thank you for taking a look and sharing your opinion.
Well said, Abhimanyu. To quote a Bible verse – “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Ask any farmer. It’s so true.
Yeah it is true. Thank you for your comment.
Good message with a great ending – quite enjoyable
Thanks R J.
So many people can relate to this message. Very profound.
Yeah, it looks like it. Thanks Dana.
A great lesson on sharing. Then too, who of us enjoy anything if we cannot let someone else know how good it is?
Thanks Jackie. It is true that most of us cannot fully enjoy anything if there is someone else who is suffering and we are not sharing.