Treasons, Spoils And Strategems Poem by Venkateswaran Krishnan Sreenivasan

We are the world’s largest democracy
Incompatible with vast illiteracy
With multitudes difficult to lead or drive
But easy to enslave


Our public thoroughfares are not worth their name
They are the altar to kill or maim
They are known as a national shame
As dumping ground for wastes, they win fame

Drinking water pure is scarce
While bottled water from unknown source
Can be had for a high price
Is it a health giving habit wise?

Our needs and demands are poles apart
Sane counsel we don’t take to heart
Pure air, water, home and hearth
Roads and environs are not a penny worth

Fast track trains, metro and monorail
Airport in every district in emerging Kerala style
Are gimmicks for the ruling elite to thrive
While the laity find it hard to survive

Crimes by man against man and woman
Create confusion about nature human
Hard core criminals roam everywhere
Justice for the victims slow and rare.

Fertile fields with food crops grown
A visual feast, where are they gone?
Tons of wheat in our go-downs rot
No tears shed for the hungry farmer’s lot

Millions dwell in urban slums, their home
Amidst the affluent high rise pomp
Wide disparities create jealousy and spite
That erupts into conflagration in its own right