Freedom Poem by Ram Krishna Singh

It is merely the color they replace
not the content, and make distance
with rickety slogans engulf the waves
that trap tears before dreams revolt

what use is lamenting the shipwreck in a void
or braving the mortal remains
or the day's frail fabric in a dead world:
no good as a gauze for the sick

or shroud for the dyong; their flags deceive all
in the name of independence
they mock the millions with substanceless noise
while funeral dreams haunt my sleep

I hang nobody's picture in my chamber
but see their shadows masturbate
in damp corners or seduce in poppy light
the crooks and righteous alike