The Dissertation Speaks

An endless journey, a taxing quest,

Toil, sweat, tears, but no rest;

Sleepless nights, stressful days,

Hope this hard work of yours pays;

Caffeine, typing, reading, and the blues,

I know it is tough, gotta pay your dues;

How to begin, where to end,

At what degree to negotiate, the 'ethics' bend;

These are a few of your, 'not so favorite things',

And yet, to you, this struggle clings;

Sometimes a mission, sometimes a curse;

That fills your heart, and empties your purse;

Procrastination, telling yourself,'I will begin',

Believe you me, to a sin is akin;

You call it data, interviews and transcripts,

These are stories of lives, in pieces and bits;

Talking to people, scribbling and nodding,

You seem to have missed, their silent prodding;

For you,  a project, an assignment, a deadline, 

For them,  a vent, a hopeful design;

You want to do well, get an 'O',

'They' are just respondents, use and throw;

But I won't judge you, don't you worry,

Meet the deadlines, get up and hurry;

Tell yourself, this is groundbreaking work,

And in the shadows, let the monsters lurk;

Copy, paste, steal, and finally publish,

After all, it is all about, 'shine and polish';

Just when you are getting that award and degree,

Think once about that unsaid plea;

Think of the smiles, the trust, the respect,

And what in turn, 'They' expect;

Think of me, and your heart,

And of the person, 'That thou art';

And then, if you must, say goodbye,

And bury the love between you and I...........