The Subaltern Voice

You see me below in a sorry state

‘tis not me but my circumstances

You look at me as though I am my fate

With distrust, bias and hateful glances

You were wronged once; now you wrong

How is the crime now a virtue?

In weak division; to rule, others came along

Destined for slavery when we were two

The disconnect shaped by you shapes you

Not realising I too aspire to an improved lot

Labels may differ; identities transform anew

Deep down we don’t, we feed the same pot

Look around, you will see misery

In those who feel divided;

Unto each other of those in unity

Harmonious prosperity is surely decided

Leaders political & communal false

Brought us to this sorry pass

Not betterment they seek, but power, alas!

Blame them not, they speak your voice

A sincere sunrise, do you seek?

Search no further beyond within

Feel, don’t judge, make vanity meek

When hearts connect there can be no sin

We are the same, more than you know

The same insecurity, mine and yours

Upward in society, we both want to show

Come, join hands, the world will be ours

Gnaneshwar B.Pettukola                                                                           Email: gnanesh@vsnl.com