Appearance is skin deep

a poem by Viswanath Krishnan

The body that arrives
from mother’s womb
is here to stay
till buried or burnt
or carried to the tomb.

We can nary alter
any shape or feature
nor color of the skin;
so take it as it comes
whatever the mixture.

Our mind, our thought, our heart
all lie beneath the skin;
use them wisely, play your part;
the world will call you
good and smart.

How many saints are handsome born?
How many greats have physical charm?
The good, bad and the ugly are
by words, deeds and thoughts by far.