Once Upon a Time

ONCE UPON A TIME Once upon a time I was told to listen, Listen to voices on radio Chanting praises at something, Something called democracy And it made me new. As new as I was, I tried getting a livelihood But was asked to drop something. Placing some papers on the desk Made me a joke to the panel, The generally accepted was the price. Bribery was the right term But the vice has become a custom And reduced the essence of true value, Where wrong is right and right is wrong. It’s a law to abide, Even education could not help. In the book of freedom Chapter if it is applicable Verses why is there no freedom of expression To how the people are treated, Tells the insincere truth Of the world’s chapter. They asked them to vote With lot of Promises Attached, After election they are demons Feasting on the same people, The reasons they became leaders. Many a people who strive for equality But are faced with iniquities By those who are full of insecurities. Now there is obscurity, Pacing from one end to the other. Chapter by Chapter reads The constitution that favours’ very few, Moment by moment takes The right of individuals, Making earth too hot for them, Making life too tough for them. I say a big hello to the new dawn Where I can’t say a word But forced to accept the odds, Because expression has been exiled And the trophy for tomorrow Has been made a play thing. When I go to mother, I will ask what it means to be a youth. When I go to father, I will ask what it takes to be honest. When I go to my Professor, I will ask what a degree is all about. For now I would conclude That the greatest weapon, Isn’t just Education, Isn’t just wealth, Isn’t just influence, But the voice to speak.