By RK Lakhi Kant<\/p>\n
Self importance has foolishly risen
\nas we exult over an Indian
\naccomplishment that never was truthful.
\nAn outcome of more money flowing
\nin today`s materialistic globalization.
\nAmong many of the consequences
\nhardly any self worth remains.
\nWhat we have done in the bargain
\nis deliver the first blow at
\nthe roots of a great nation,
\nwhich nation, many Indian`s feel
\nis not worth it without
\nextensive money making avenues.
\nFor all the trouble in
\naccumulating wealth and assets
\nthe Indian persona has no
\ntrue classical riches left
\nand his worth is measured
\nin an ordinary scale,
\nwhere classics are not given
\nany value, but money is.
\nWhy the compulsion from the
\nleadership to acquire foreign tastes.
\nWater from the well kindles
\nthe fire of life in wayfarers
\nbut offering a bottle of cold drink
\nhardly brings two souls nearer.
\nCola doesn`t do so much
\nas a pitcher of cool water
\nfrom the well does.
\nDeceived – people in
\nhardship live a low life.
\nOne in hardship doesn`t
\nfeel cold, others think.
\nCold feet shrunken in the wintry chill.
\nToo thin the clothes she wears
\non her bony frame,
\nunprotected from the weather.
\nThe sketches acquire
\ncoherent lines and shades;
\nfigures begin to question
\nfrom the canvas` on entirely
\ndifferent subject matters,
\nshowing this indifference
\nto the poor is widespread
\nand now showing clearly
\nin all parts of life.
\nTell tale signs occur everywhere
\nwhen the poor are forced to
\nlive under these conditions.
\nA surrender to the line of duty
\n– the military, always there
\nin times of need.
\nMe as a grown up finds
\nso difficult now to believe
\nthat a soldier could cheat.
\nTruth is – most of the system
\nis corrupt and
\ncannot be much of an inspiration.
\nSo don`t let the rules
\nentangle you in them.
\nSelf elevation – coming forth slowly
\nfrom thoughts beyond the mundane,
\nto lighten the burden
\nof the mundane.
\nAnd knowledge? Assigning a
\nmonetary value to it silences all.
\nAnd money – what about it?
\nBy the time they reach
\nthat level of earning
\nthat kind of money
\nthey would also be as sensuous
\nas their counterparts in
\nother richer nations from
\nwhom they learn – unavoidable!
\nThe outcome – wine, women and wealth
\nare set into motion automatically
\nand inescapably, leaving no room
\nfor chastity of body and mind.
\nGlobalization on these lines
\nis undesirable.
\nSo think law, logic, philosophy,
\nfreedom – anything but money.
\nFor instance, the slow breeze
\ncaught in the neem tree;
\nflutter like my joyous heart
\nthe leaves of the tree.
\nLikewise, there, a death`s calling.
\nToo much speed, can`t understand,
\ndeath is near and instantaneous.
\nWhy the roaring hurry then,
\nthe villagers try to figure out
\nfrom their calm surroundings.
\nAnd housing – a total failure;
\nset them up, markets and homes,
\nfor social welfare;
\nnot for hiking the land price
\nor rent hundreds of times.
\nSelfishness is a lower quality
\nas you are aware.
\n`Cause there are those
\nwho are jolted out of day dreaming
\nby the sight of a labyrinth of sewers.
\nHe asks, “Is this the world you and
\nyour knowledge and money have
\ncreated for me.
\nO! What a godforsaken place;
\nwhat a sharp smell, stinging
\nlike a poisonous insect.
\nWhat a life the government has
\ndesigned for me. How am I supposed
\nto work and live in these
\nmiserable conditions?
\nSo at least try to come out
\nof this slavery to money;
\nin phases, gradually.
\nDon`t make life difficult for others,
\nmainly the poorest.
\nStop contemplating that money
\nwill get them out of their misery.
\nNo. All by itself, it can`t.<\/p>\n\n