Diplomatic Secrets to Take to My Grave
I worked for 27 years
as a US diplomat
and witnessed a lot of things
that were and are considered
secrets.
– and we are trained
to keep these secrets
secret.
and I will no doubt die
and take some secrets
to my grave.
A man upset
The world is getting thin-skinned
chief for a state department, a puffed-up one at that
was shouted at.
He cried and resigned.
Now he is suing the one that shouted at him, well
He will perhaps win the upper classes often do.
This proud man feels hurt and can’t sleep which
Is strange since he has sent many to their grave
Implementing policies that hurt many people.
He can dish it out, but can’t take being criticised
So, let him go with his big pension and tend the roses.
People are accused
not supporting their kids, but
funds are being misused.
2019 September 17
The American Scholar,
professor of English at Dartmouth College.
Books for children
were your domain.
From “The Trumpeter of Krakow”
I learnt the second part of the legend.
“The Golden Star of Halicz”,
has ancient story of Galicia.
In Mexico you helped the refugees,
while working for the U. S. State department.
They were descendants of victorious people,
later abandoned by their allies.
You traveled through the foreign countries,
observing people’s fates and faiths.
Learning their history,
you produced the literary gems.
I met a woman from Charlotte, North Carolina
After attending a literary conference in Uruguay
She claimed that she had passports muchas
Born to a British mother now live in Uruguay
Married to man of State Department Americana.
Changing the aircraft at Buenos Aries Airport
She talking, I listening, standing in a queue.
For the check-in I handed over my passport
The inspector inquired of me, looking into
Is she with you, sir? Where is her passport?
I simply looked at him with casual attention
Till day I don’t know which passport she used
Now that we were at the boarding gate in a line
As to why the inspector wanted hers she asked
I replied her because I have Passport Indian.
Wished to offer one more passport, couldn’t tune
But if ever she, by chance, in Charlotte she meets
As I have now settled down in her home town
And our ships destined to have favorable winds,
What I couldn’t say, have a mind to say it soon.
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