Validation innate
by birth,
trophies and praises
that outgrow their shelves
kept on show
for past smiles
with an ever losing shine.

Acquired it
young,
a field of mango trees
adored for their
sweet worded fruits
a neem tree ignored
for its honesty, instead
declared bitter and envious.

Given and taken
when old,
a part of the crowd
that believed to
stand not on their feet but
walking on toes to stand out
to catch hold of even an
appreciative smile,
tending to always
smile first.

Validation died
when contentment knocked,

knocking on fragile doors
built with ego
meant only to fall.

- T.S.