Wabi-Sabi*

I tried once to be a perfectionist
to ensure everything
in its perfect shape and measure
with nothing missing or unattended
always trying to find out mistakes
to rectify the same
before getting noticed by others…

While parting with a paper
to ensure that only one sheet
is being parted with,
I would rub it so hard with fingertips
that it would even get torn…

While locking a door
I would pull and push it several times
to check it had been properly locked,
and sometimes would return
from halfway down to recheck it…

I would get photocopies
of all necessary documents,
read them religiously to ensure
that there was nothing missing
from the originals
before keeping them in my drawer,
but it was next to impossible
when I would have to retrieve
any one of them…

I started doubting my own competence
resulting eventually in vulnerability
in lack of self confidence,
it was anything else
but not perfection
I don’t need this mask
just to lose fun and beauty…

To err is human
it’s better to remain a human being
I’m destined for
with whatever imperfections
and deficiencies I have…

*Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty and serenity in objects that are simple, imperfect, and impermanent.

–Kaushal Kishore

images: pixabay