By RK Lakhi Kant
Self importance has foolishly risen
as we exult over an Indian
accomplishment that never was truthful.
An outcome of more money flowing
in today`s materialistic globalization.
Among many of the consequences
hardly any self worth remains.
What we have done in the bargain
is deliver the first blow at
the roots of a great nation,
which nation, many Indian`s feel
is not worth it without
extensive money making avenues.
For all the trouble in
accumulating wealth and assets
the Indian persona has no
true classical riches left
and his worth is measured
in an ordinary scale,
where classics are not given
any value, but money is.
Why the compulsion from the
leadership to acquire foreign tastes.
Water from the well kindles
the fire of life in wayfarers
but offering a bottle of cold drink
hardly brings two souls nearer.
Cola doesn`t do so much
as a pitcher of cool water
from the well does.
Deceived – people in
hardship live a low life.
One in hardship doesn`t
feel cold, others think.
Cold feet shrunken in the wintry chill.
Too thin the clothes she wears
on her bony frame,
unprotected from the weather.
The sketches acquire
coherent lines and shades;
figures begin to question
from the canvas` on entirely
different subject matters,
showing this indifference
to the poor is widespread
and now showing clearly
in all parts of life.
Tell tale signs occur everywhere
when the poor are forced to
live under these conditions.
A surrender to the line of duty
– the military, always there
in times of need.
Me as a grown up finds
so difficult now to believe
that a soldier could cheat.
Truth is – most of the system
is corrupt and
cannot be much of an inspiration.
So don`t let the rules
entangle you in them.
Self elevation – coming forth slowly
from thoughts beyond the mundane,
to lighten the burden
of the mundane.
And knowledge? Assigning a
monetary value to it silences all.
And money – what about it?
By the time they reach
that level of earning
that kind of money
they would also be as sensuous
as their counterparts in
other richer nations from
whom they learn – unavoidable!
The outcome – wine, women and wealth
are set into motion automatically
and inescapably, leaving no room
for chastity of body and mind.
Globalization on these lines
is undesirable.
So think law, logic, philosophy,
freedom – anything but money.
For instance, the slow breeze
caught in the neem tree;
flutter like my joyous heart
the leaves of the tree.
Likewise, there, a death`s calling.
Too much speed, can`t understand,
death is near and instantaneous.
Why the roaring hurry then,
the villagers try to figure out
from their calm surroundings.
And housing – a total failure;
set them up, markets and homes,
for social welfare;
not for hiking the land price
or rent hundreds of times.
Selfishness is a lower quality
as you are aware.
`Cause there are those
who are jolted out of day dreaming
by the sight of a labyrinth of sewers.
He asks, “Is this the world you and
your knowledge and money have
created for me.
O! What a godforsaken place;
what a sharp smell, stinging
like a poisonous insect.
What a life the government has
designed for me. How am I supposed
to work and live in these
miserable conditions?
So at least try to come out
of this slavery to money;
in phases, gradually.
Don`t make life difficult for others,
mainly the poorest.
Stop contemplating that money
will get them out of their misery.
No. All by itself, it can`t.