Catch-22

It’s an old story.
We were classmates, you and I, 
And later became colleagues,
Working under the same roof.
We had more or less the same specialization.
Married in the same year.
Our children went to the same school.
So far so good!

Now the plot thickens, so to speak!	
Once, if you remember,
The boss comes to you for help, 
Specifically for helping his sibling
By doing her assignments, 
Given to her by a (prestigious) university
Where you and I studied
And where I am a Tutor now—
A concurrent position held by me.

If I were you, I would say:
“Sorry, it’s unethical.” 
Or, would tactfully excuse myself—
Maybe by telling a white lie.
Instead, you tell him a blatant lie: 
“I’m not hot on the subject, I’m afraid.” 
And you go further
And out of the way to add:
“But so and so is. He can help you, I’m sure.”

The boss comes to me straight, 
And beating about the bush, tells me:
“Now that so and so is not hot on the subject…blah blah.
Now it is a Catch-22,
Which you have contrived:
If I say yes, I would be exposed 
And if I say no, I would be in trouble—with the boss;
There would be no more bonhomie
Between the boss and the boy.
How clever you are!

Furious, I choose to say no—bluntly 
And let me face the music.
But now I know that
You are a round character after all,
And an Iago at that.
I appreciate your motiveless malignity.

I shrug my shoulders and mutter:
“Let it be!”

Composed and posted on August 3, 2017

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 12/15/2017 11:12:00 PM
Best wishes and congratulations on your win, Ram - keep up the great work! :-)
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R. V. Avatar
Ram R. V.
Date: 12/16/2017 12:04:00 AM
Thank you, Gregory. But I'm wondering what contest it is.
Date: 8/3/2017 7:16:00 AM
OH sharp pen! Enthralling read :)
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R. V. Avatar
Ram R. V.
Date: 8/3/2017 9:07:00 AM
Thank you, Maureen, for your crisp and prompt comments. You are one of my sources of encouragement and inspiration. Ram
R. V. Avatar
Ram R. V.
Date: 8/3/2017 9:07:00 AM
Thank you, Maureen, for your crisp and prompt comments. You are one of my sources of encouragement and inspiration. Ram
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