Manipur Today, Manipur Tomorrow
Pukhrambam Singh *
On my way home this twilight
I heard a bomb blast on a road side
Curiosities rush in my head
Is it at the gate of Chief Minister
At the door of Chief Engineer
Or, in front of a jail-like gate of a Special Contractor.
It can't be mine, shouldn't be
For I am just a small businessman
Working sunrise to moonrise
Just to satisfy ends meet
A family to feed and cloth
Children to send for learning
Why would someone do that to me and my family?
Was it related to the envelop
Received recently filled with live bullets
Instead of my blood pressure pills
Who will look after my children
Become orphans, shipped somewhere.
I see a young lady
With plastic tube in her nose
Curly hair flowing down her face
A piercing eye filled with anguish
Drying lips murmuring
As if asking for wet cotton or to end AFSPA.
Armed men and women in uniform
Escorting left right back and front
Why is she so dreadful to the powers be
So fragile, yet peaceful
Wonders what crime she committed
Today, she seems alive
Tomorrow, one will never know.
I see a long path, clear and calm
Far at the end on the other side
Lies a peaceful house
Sunshine making a crimson crown
Is it a Shrine or a Pagoda
Who lives there for what purpose
Will I be safe inside
Shall Manipur take shelter there
Or become refuge somewhere
Who admires more for your humility
Leaving the place where hundred wrongs make a right
A lone righteous man becoming wrong
Accused of generosity and philanthropy
Among hyenas that eat row.
Will there be tomorrow if today doesn't end
To keep hopes alive and spirits high
Dreams keeping a dreamer hopeful
So perfect with flowers, bees and birds
Fresh air and sunshine
Wishing to be a reality, not a mirage.
Tranquil view from the hill top garden
Today is getting dark
Eager for tomorrow to come
Still have a long night of sweet dreams
Dreams that tomorrow will be better.
Lest we forget
Manipur today foster Manipur Tomorrow
Cultivate today and harvest tomorrow.
( )
* Poem written by Pukhrambam Singh (LP, Michigan written on 10-22-2013) , contributed this poem to e-pao.net.
The poet can be contacted at pukhramba(at)hotmail(dot)com
This poem was webcasted on September 24 2013.
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