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