Paradox

Paradox and irony are after all The two sides of the same coin. Though I love irony and employ it Often in my poetry, in life, I am actually On the side of paradox. It takes a little patience To see irony turning into paradox , Like the caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Otherwise I should end up in frustration. I help someone, but it’s not reciprocated, Not always, not certainly immediately. Then, in frustration, I switch to the Hopkinsian mode: Why do sinners’ ways prosper? What I expect is probably direct and immediate reciprocation, This simple equation doesn’t always seem to work in life. It actually takes a higher calculus: What may happen, if I am patient enough to see, Is indirect reciprocation: someone else trying to help me. Such help is often delayed, but not denied, And may turn up rather unexpected. Sweet are the fruits of patience! — Ram, R. V.