“Cleverness”

Cleverness has filled my days,
And life keeps slipping by;
What I’ve gained or what I’ve lost,
I still cannot define.

What must one do to earn success,
And be called clever by the crowd?
Even if it means deceiving eyes,
Or stabbing friends behind their backs.

With “Ram” upon their lips,
Yet hidden daggers by their side,
Such people often seem to lead,
In worldly games of cunning pride.

Let us embrace true cleverness,
But let wisdom guide our way;
Let fraud, deceit, and dishonesty
Never with our character stay.

Those who are truly wise and smart
Always choose the righteous road;
They bow from afar to paths of wrong,
Refusing every sinful mode.

“Clever” is a double-edged word,
Its meanings stand apart;
It may reflect both noble skill
Or darkness in the heart.

Positive cleverness brings
Wisdom, talent, thoughtful art;
Negative cleverness hides
Deception in its heart.

Some can hold an ocean vast
Within a humble earthen pot;
With insight, prudence, and good sense,
Their worthy names are not forgot.

Those who throw dust into our eyes,
Who master every trick and lie,
Who stab another from behind—
Are clever, yet dishonest by.

However hard we rack our brains,
The perfect path may stay unseen;
But one who knows true clever skill
Finds ways to fulfill every dream.

— Vidya

Translated by chat gpt