When I realise I am alone,
my mind throws at me the most irresponsible ideas
It says, come, it will be fun,
and in the same breath it warns,
What if you find yourself in danger?
The old habit returns
pinching the child and then rocking it to sleep,
only to continue the cycle
As time passes, it is often the one seeking fun
in some irresponsible way that gains power
The thoughts of doing something reckless
grow loud and all-consuming,
and I often give in
Irresponsibility is not necessarily a criminal act
It is an indulgent act with a profound lack of awareness
a deep disregard for consequences
The responsible way, strangely,
is also unaware of the consequences,
yet deeply respectful and accepting of them
Irresponsibility,
The freak who burns the house down to watch the flames dance.
Responsibility,
The gardener who plants a tree knowing she may never sit in its shade
Both act without knowing the future
One closes its eyes and runs
The other closes its eyes and bows
The act does not define,
The attitude defines the person
I pray for a healthy attitude
I do not know what it is,
and so I only wish
that it lives quietly in my heart

Skanda S
Author
Skanda is an educator and a writer based in Mysore. He is a founding member of Centre For Conversations.
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