The Brave Pedestrian

"Mitron, I'm that man your mother warned you about," says Modi to all of us. A ripple of pleasure passes through the crowd, and dozens of people shudder and come in their pants. Modi's premise is simple: Pain is good. "Is that so hard to believe, you fucking faggots?" he thunders. His promise is simple. He promises to fuck this nation so hard, it will go numb from pain and blood-loss. "If you think demonetization was painful, you don't know what I'm about to shove up your ass next," he gloats. "Just lie down and keep quiet, it will hurt a lot less that way," he advises. Modi is confident that India is full of people who say that the more it hurts, the better it is. You know, the kind of people who say, Hit me baby one more time? The kind of people who pay someone wearing leather thongs to tie them up, gag them and then whip them till they vomit and black out? Or choke them till they almost die? You know? ...

And when did we meet? And when did we part? And what did you say That troubled my heart? And why did you smile? And why did you frown? And why do I feel That I have let you down? And why do I feel That a shadow now stands Between me and my God And is forcing my hands? Did a blade swiftly slash Where I stood, through my breast? Now the warmth of my blood Seeks the earth where I rest. I am mind, I am mud. I am thirst, you are flood. What have I that you seek? I am drained as I speak. Having nothing to give, Having nothing to gain, I crawl like a child. Crawling deadens the pain.

Preface: This is what I wrote a couple of hours after Gattu showed no interest in gazing with me at a spectacular thunderstorm during sunset at Kausani (a town in Uttaranchal that affords a marvelous view of the Himalayas). Gattu was more interested in watching some cartoons on television... and this made me anxious about his future. This poem was written back in 2007, when my son was really small, and didn't show much interest in the outside world, sports etc. But since then, my son has shaped up wonderfully, and made me proud. My prayers as a father have indeed been answered! ———- You inherit a world full of bright lights and colours And more pleasures and comfort than your forefathers have ever known: High-speed travel 24×7 entertainment and connectivity Information on google or ask-dad.com Sometimes it seems as though We, your elders, exist merely to educate and entertain you. But tell me, my son, Why is it that you cannot stand still and appreciate A gloriou...