Poetry
Poems by Salman Akhtar
Two dialogues between a master and a disciple, from his collection Keys and Caveats.
Acquiring New Skills
The Master said: Surrendering pride is the first step in acquiring a new skill.
A giraffe cannot climb a palm tree.
The disciple said: But doesn’t talent count for anything? And, can’t one learn a few things in this world oneself?
The Master said: Don’t you know that thumb-sucking does not fill the mouth with mother’s milk?
The disciple said: But not everything can be taught. And, the pupil brings his own dexterity to the task of learning.
The Master said: Go away. Ride a three-legged bull and keep one eye closed.
Salman Akhtar, Keys and Caveats
Passing the Baton
The Master said: Time passes, people become old, and responsibilities are passed onto the next generation. The cold wind of winter is replaced by the preening breeze of spring.
The disciple said: But is such a transition really intentional? Does it not reflect a resigned accommodation to fate? If so, should it be idealised?
The Master said: To intentionally yield power, one needs to overcome greed and listen to the sonorous harp of generosity.
The disciple said: But many old ones never let their offspring take over the reins of life. I’ve heard of kings and queens in the West who cling to their thrones until their last breath.
The Master said: Go away. Watch the pride in the old tailor’s eyes when he sees his son make perfect buttonholes.
Salman Akhtar, Keys and Caveats