Liberated

The parched earth fissured;

the solitary mynah

with its open beak

looked sky-ward.

There was no cloud in sight,

the sun shone

relentlessly on and on

as we prayed for some rain

to relieve this blighted pain.

 

Yet you seemed to

derive pleasure

in denying us.

You mocked us

with your hands on your hips,

a twisted smile on your lips.

While we talked of

global warming and climate change

you switched on the air-conditioning,

blocking out the news of the valley

that was being exchanged.

 

Forty thousand families

had lost their land and livelihood,

but we must raise the height of the dam

or so, says Uncle Sam.

 

Growth at all costs;

forget the people,

they have always been

a damn nuisance;

making progress so messy.

Little girls like you, my dear,

should mind your own business

and write ditties that are pretty.

 

There is no one listening now;

it is noon

and the sun is high;

it is raining FDI

for mining in Kashipur;

forget about destruction of

the natural resource base,

it is base to discuss this,

when the whole world is looking

at India shining,

India rising!

 

The poor have always been

a blight on us;

and you bourgeois girls

born in pink toilet-paper city

are creating a needless fuss.

 

It has never

been so good;

the nuclear deal

will seal,

India’s union with the world.

See how we unfurl

the Indian flag along

the star-spangled banner?

 

Democracy is shining, darling,

give me a smile!

And do join me

for a drink in the bar;

you have come so far,

and you are now,

truly liberated!

2008 Sagari Chhabra