In I

In search of warmth, I embraced the cold.
In search of the sweet, I tasted the bitter.
In seeking hope, I experienced despair.
In seeking power, I became powerless.
In search of knowledge, I met the ignorant.
In search of freedom, I became imprisoned.
In finding you, I lost myself.
In search of love, I was seduced by lust.
In being selfless, I became selfish.
In finding faith, I disbelieved.
In loving, I was hated.
In giving, I was robbed.
In embracing, I was struck.
In laughing, I shed tears.
In being honest, I heard lies.
In search of honesty, I found deceit.
In being earnest, I met the superficial.
In serving the greater cause, I was belittled.
In search of fulfilment, I found emptiness.
In being loyal, I was betrayed.
In being wise, I looked the fool.
In making friends, I gained enemies.
In search of protection, I was left vulnerable.
In search of culture, I was alienated.
In being me, I was misunderstood.
In writing, I am expressed.


Mehrtash Rastegar, 28 April, 2011.