Purpose

Whatever the vocation
crossroads appear
offering conflicting options

However baffling,
it is the underlying reason
that inspires or dissuades

Altruistic aim propels
legitimate constructive efforts
Vanity induces fraudulency

Plausibly, the cause itself
genetically engineers
and begets the path

That gets invariably opted
for better or worse
as the karmic seed

Sown today to sprout tomorrow
into a fruit deserved
as the prize or punishment
 

Illustration by Niloufer Wadia