The man came charging at me
And asked for money, on my way
To the Bandra MIG Club for my gym.
I instinctively reacted in my own mind
This is no way to beg – he looked
Young, healthy and has the cheek
To improvise on my refusal, “Ok, give me two rupees”
I had a few ten-rupee notes in my bag,
But said, No and kept walking
Without turning to see his expression.

Next day on introspection
I realized it was plain Ego.
Surprised, not by Joy, like Wordsworth,
But by my camouflaging Ego.

Ego helps set up excuses;
People set up their own windmills
And feel proud on knocking them down,
Or whine why they could not achieve
Because of these obstacles.

Can his tone and manner decide the issue?
I can hear laughter coming from
The grave of Miguel de Cervantes.

Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/surprised-not-by-joy/