The Test Of Balance Poem by BASAB CHAUDHURI

This all hangs in balance.
A quote that asks you
to be free
also carries a rider
you do not see:
that your freedom ends
where my nose begins.

Yes, you are a prisoner
of other people's thoughts,
but that does not allow you
to violate your conscience.

Your second step
completes the first;
your rebuke must not cross
my self-respect.

A chance that succeeds
must have passed
the test of balance.
It's universally true.