White Lies

We humans are social,

we have a tendency,

to follow the herd,

for fear of abandonment.

If we say 'NO',

we might be rejected,

so, often we say yes,

and sabotage our lives.

In internet, influencer,

trending, viral era,

risks are higher than ever.

So my advice to my kid is:

Say 'NO', a lot.

for your own good.

But if you decline,

some people may,

take it personally.

and turn into evils.

I come from India,

and have read,

some rejected men,

throwing acid on women—

imagine the horror!

so, be diplomatic.

Make your judgment

your superpower,

your safety, your onus.

My little girl

gets the message,

and says,

“If they coax me,

try the new powder,

the drugs,

I’ll say, I’m allergic,

I react to everything,

they can't force me,

if I get sick.”

And we chuckle a lot,

nice white lie,

and I pat her back,

for the self-defense strategy.