New Delhi, March 22 -- O, for the ecstasy of not knowing

That which would rend my heart,

And tears to my eyes bring,

O, why would I wish to know for a start.

In the dark and secret abyss of my mind

The innermost thoughts lie buried deep,

Best left where they are, Ashok,

Why nightmares to poison sleep?

But do I even have a choice in that,

A pick and choose in my power,

To skirt the nettle and the bramble

And just take the flower?

The train of thoughts does zigzag move

On lines that never meet,

The good, the bad, the intruding too,

Each has a permanent seat.

It isn't given to Man or Nature

To constant happiness find,

Winters bare the trees we know

And summers can be unkind.

To take the rough with the smooth

Is an a...