Four Freedoms Poem by dr swami arupananda

tell me, why should i see
pure fear in the innocent eye
of young couple nurturing love?
but the petals of age dropping
in quest of breath of life.

desire knock at
hearts of the poor,
darkened future, twisted tongues
eyes that see no more
from anywhere and everywhere
grasping at the straw of life
helpless, tormented
the breath and essence are lost.

familiar faces fail
to exchange smiles
on shores of
turbulent sea of kenya
sorrow piles up like garbage heaps,
on a deserted city corner
winds of change wait
for a unseen timber box of destiny.
pan-full of joy spills down
love withers, tenderness escapes.

candles of hope flicker but no logic,
still thoughts blink at countless burials
unaccounted, unseen.
phantomsof past represent
the four freedom-
yet life continues,
waiting for tomorrows.