A Dirge For Democracy

The Orator loves to keep his souvenirs
An Article as a keepsake
Diction to stir the embers
Oration to stoke fire
A community scorched to cinders

Their promised land on hallowed ground
we covet for integration
Driven by a land-lust, so malignant
Their grounded indignation

In every piece of land
they assure a land of peace
Sweet-talk and smooth hypocrisies
From podiums beyond reach
Our hollow victory
At the cost of a searing nation

They know too well
Of Occupations lingering sting
Still their spirit holds
A steadfast resistance

The colour of freedom is often deep carmine
Now, our conscience bleeds an imperial red
An imperial mindset
Our pungent patriotism
Etched for posterity

Nidhi Jacob has completed her post graduation in Criminology from The National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi

Featured image credit: Pariplab Chakraborty