Dear Friend, D'-ego

By Sabhya Kulkarni

In this poem, the poet wants to show how ego quietly takes over us without us even noticing. By the time we realise what’s happening, we may already be close to losing the people and things that truly matter. But the poem also shares a hopeful message — that it’s never too late to understand our mistakes and return to the ones who love us. Our true friends and family will always accept us with open arms, no matter what, because their love is honest and unconditional.

I remember, I remember
The day I made friends with you, D’-ego.
I was high — your presence made me fly.
I was happy, and like you, became a snobbish chappie.

You said, “Hey bro, you are right and mighty and above the world.”
That day, the bond between lordliness and arrogance unfurled.
It felt like loyalty
From a proud companion, certainly.

Together we stood, hand in hand,
To conquer the world and take command.
I grew, you grew, D’-ego — tall and tall.
With you, every other thing seemed very small.

My other friends tried and tried and tried...
My love and feelings for them had dried.
Everyone seemed false and envious to me,
Because I had found you and ego to breathe.

I pushed away warmth and grace,
For you said, “Hold me — hold your place.”

Mumma’s hugs and Poopsi’s words:
“Son, D’-ego leads you wrong.
You have wandered far where you don’t belong.
Return to love and truth to remind —
Sid, Shravya, and Herwin are there, you will always find.
You prosper, they will be happier.
You lose your path, they will be your pathfinders.”

My friend D’-ego, you are loud and bold.
You are a thief of joy and soul.
You served on a mission to conquer my defeat —
Though I shall not want you this to repeat.

You go, you go, you go.
In love, warmth, gratitude, and humbleness, let me row.
My friends wait for the real Sabhya to return.
I am on a journey where their respect must be earned.

Real friends, real love will always stay,
While your whispers will fade away.

D’-ego, you —
I remember. I shall remember.