HOW OUR DESTINY CHANGED

(A few words before you read this poem:
It is a simple and sincere tribute to our veteran leader-the Mahatma.
Here I try to picture out the pitiable nature of our country which almost resembled an old meter gauge train, creeping all along, giving its subjects only worries and hardships. People’s attitudes towards life ,duties etc were not better either.
The incident narrated in this poem is a real one, supposed to be happened soon after Gandhiji’s return from South Africa.)


How our destiny changed


The sun was like a red hot salver blazing over head
And everyone was eager to reach their destination
But the train chugged on, moving as a millipede
Stopping here and there somewhat baffled
Along the country side and amidst the arid fields
Puffing and panting making all wet in perspire.
The tired passengers looked darker and paler
With the motes of coal and cinders over them.

Hours passed like years, and noisy was the bogie
With children’s cries, chatters and redundant quarrels
All of us were thirsty and reserve of water was empty
Sitting alone and drawn by some futile thoughts.
Nobody was fervent to break the chains that hold
Our nation under the boots of foreign raiders.
I was also passive, why should I bother? So safe
Was my life with all its pleasures and delights.
Then the train had a long halt over a bridge
And it resembled a furnace frying all together.

The man sitting against me went out for a wash
And I could see him walking down the uneven path
To the river rather dry seen under the bridge
A lady was there like a picture of penury
Washing the frayed ends of her only cloth
And attempting to veil her bareness in vain.
The man was shocked terribly with empathy
Went back leaving all that he had in excess
To start a majestic mission uplifting the poor
Making them strong in hurling away the yokes.


P.RAMESH.—March 2010
E-mail: ramesh_pullelil@yahoo.co.in