I wrote this poem circa 2005, about 20 years ago. Normally, I wouldn’t care too much about something written ages ago, but I make an exception for poetry when it has continued to resonate with me at a deeper level. To me, each poem feels like an emotion that is frozen in time… The operative theme that I ascribe to Paranoia is ‘cynicism…but justified’.

  • You think you know the way of the world,
  • You build your castle of silver and gold,
  • In your marble tower you proudly stand,
  • And smile upon your kingdom, your land.
  • It isn’t so, it isn’t so —
  • You do not see the unseen foe,
  • There is no stone to hold your fort,
  • You have no gun, you have no moat.
  • They have no need for dagger or gun,
  • They come with hate, not joy, not fun,
  • They come to pull you down to the earth,
  • To snatch your joy and kill your mirth.
  • They come, they come — do you not see?
  • This is no place for you to be!
  • Run my friend — find a safe spot!
  • I shall keep them at bay, no matter what!
  • I see you running, keep going, my friend —
  • Safety you will find beyond the riverbend.
  • Till then I will fight these monsters of hate,
  • Fear not for me! Find haven and wait!
  • Now that you’re gone, I cast off this mask —
  • For indeed I am finished with my task.
  • I climb up the tower, this kingdom is mine,
  • The food is exquisite, and so is the wine.
  • You ask why I lied, maledict me you may —
  • You know the way of the world you say.
  • When you saved your self, precious though it be,
  • Why did you not stay — at least for me?