Embrace the Lines

The flag glides upward in slow motion.
Days have the lucky teachers rehearsed
For this honorable day of the country.
We, children have sung until we go hoarse
No matter it was a sunny or a rainy day.
Rehearsals went on, missing classes and plays.

Yes, the great day is here today!
I proudly stand saluting the flag.
The official goes inspecting the parade.
Each child envies the other with whom is
Exchanged a polite little word and hand shaken.
I stand in my corner, not so lucky.
My eyes rest on the boxes of cakes and juice,
Neatly arranged by the Headmaster’s office 
And my interest wavers from the day’s event.

The speech begins; I feel a face familiar was his.
I rack hard my brain keeping a fixed smile.
Years back he was news headlines,
Charged for corruption and misuse of office,  
Then for sexual harassment on a minor, it was. 
Charges were soon scratched for lack of evidences 
And the mass had moved to some hotter issues.

A loud request breaks the monotonous speech,

I come out of my reverie “Children, give a big hand 
To our distinguished guest, he is doing a great job!”

The claps echoed loud in the air.

“He is offering two dozen books to our school library!”

The claps grew louder and I clapped hard as I can.

“Three cheers for the country…” 

“Hip Hip Hip Hurray!”  (3 times)

“Three cheers for the guest of honour…”

“Hip Hip Hip Hurray!”  (3 times)

Thrilled I nearly knock down my friend, 
Raising my little flag and shout as loud as I can.

I muse with hungry eyes

“I wish I can be as important as him!”


Date:9/07/16
Contest: Embrace the line (s)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Turner Avatar
July 10, 2016 at 6:04 AM
Sunita, you are as important as him. Life is life. Fame is fleeting. I like your take on the contest, embracing the speaker's lines. Good luck in contest.
U.D Palawon  Avatar
July 10, 2016 at 8:29 AM
Thanks for the so nice words Daniel. :)
Onclaud Avatar
July 9, 2016 at 12:44 PM
great work, sunita!..huggs
U.D Palawon  Avatar
July 9, 2016 at 11:20 PM
Thanks nette. Glad you appreciate it. :)
Gupta Avatar
July 9, 2016 at 6:44 AM
A very good and enjoyable 'Embrace the lines' in a superbly ironical vein ... GL
U.D Palawon  Avatar
July 9, 2016 at 11:51 AM
Thanks for the nice words. I'm glad you like. Sunita :)
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