“What words do you live your life by?”, a wise man wrote.
I liked the question,
And the thoughts it brought.

I sat me down, made a list,
Pretty long note,
Here’s the gist…

Truth and courage and honesty,
A steadfast heart, and loyalty.
Smiles for the day, laughter along the way,
Generosity and love, come what may.

I made my list, and weighed myself
Measured up well (of course),
Very happy to tell!

I wish I had stopped, while I was still ahead,
It was just a list,
All things said.

But oh no! I am a fool
I made the list,
My golden rule.
……………………………………

All went well, until the day
A friend and his list,
Came along the way.

“What’s that word you just said?
Let me check my list,
Before we move ahead.

Hey! I like you, but guess what buddy,
You are all mixed up,
Your values muddy.”
…………………………………..

We had much to share,
Much we could learn;
Days of laughter,
Years of fun.

We didn’t see that,
We just moved on…
A list mismatch,
And a friendship gone.
…………………………………..

If love is what we seek,
And love we get
Can’t we see beyond lists,
Golden rules forget?

For you are you,
And I am I.
Heart bonds to heart,
Not eye to eye

– Madhuri

“Perspectives differ. We don’t have to.”