THE EGO TRIP

The ego trip

A hell-bent show.

A lavish spectacle,

a reckless display.

A luxurious hotel,

with a five-star sway.

A self-woven shroud,

Displayed with pride.

A swelling ego

Is hard to hide.

A shopping complex,

A spilled bill.

The world starves,

Take a chill pill.

Designer outfits,

Gaudy jewelry.

Slum dogs envy,

The opulent’s spending spree.

The limousine’s tires

Burst on glassy shards.

Silent tombs

Speak in graveyards:

‘All that comes from dust

Shall return to dust!’

Shah Jehan Begum Ashrafi was born in U.P., India, and grew up in Mauritius. She studied English and French literature at the University of Mauritius. After completing her postgraduate degree in education at the Mauritius Institute of Education, she taught English, French, and literature in various secondary schools. She wrote several plays for the National Drama Festival in Mauritius. Her first published work is a study guide to Arthur Miller’s play ‘All My Sons’. Writing poetry is her passion, and she is also working on a novel and some short stories. She was on the editing panel of Rajeshwari Chauhan’s novel ‘Daniel’s Diary’. Now the author lives in Canada and wishes to take up other jobs and widen her experience and knowledge. Shah Jehan Ashrafi completed her Master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Montreal.