Surrender Value

I used to fancy that I was punctual. But on two occasions, I happened To be late—to my lectures. I was a latecomer, in other words. I promptly granted the organizers and the audience The liberty to call me “the late Mr. So and so!” Thus, I escaped. But I no longer entertain the fancy! I wanted to be innovative in Practical Psychology; Looked at Johari window. I found out soon that no fifth panel Could be added to the window; And moreover, that Jo and Hari were two people. How could I, as a single man, Do anything about it? So I dropped the idea! Next I explored the domain of Education. Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy seemed To appeal to my fancy. But the great man had listed all the possible Objectives: From Knowledge through Analysis to Evaluation. And it seems he worked with a band of Educationists; But still could not finish his project. Then, how could I pursue it? I quit! Then I switched to Paul Ricouer’s Taxonomy of Hermeneutics— Of Love and Suspicion. A third category I couldn’t find— For the life of me. Good bye, Ricouer! Suddenly, Roman Jakobson caught my attention. His schema of six functions of language was impressive. I carefully studied it and desperately tried To add a seventh and—miserably failed! As a last resort, I turned to Harold Bloom, Who offers an exotic taxonomy— Of six ‘Revisionary Ratios’ Or six authorial swerves—from the original. I fought, this time, for more than ten years, Trying to add a seventh ratio— And finally surrendered. But this time not without surrender value! All that I learnt from Bloom is this: Every poet is a latecomer—in fact or fantasy. So, I started writing—poetry! ***