Patriotic Once In A Year Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

I claim to be patriotic once in a year
So many people may disbelieve and refuse to hear
It will ring them a danger signal in the ears
Still I say it emphatically to all my near and dear

I am no stranger to golden history of independence
For sow many years we remained under dominance
I am being poisoned repeatedly by the current trend
I have no more scope to improve or make amend

I feel shy of calling my forefathers idiots or stupid
Had it been known to them, they would have not made any bid?
Or laid down arms and lives for gaining freedom?
I have gone through complete history but came across seldom

Had I known for ever that it will be made only Government function?
I would have opted for making presence in any desolate junction
There at least I could have breathed freedom with free air
Can any one claim today that participation in such function is fair?

I salute to all those who consider mother land as more precious than heaven
I could have still considered less fortunate to take part even
My soul feels pinch of salt to hear the ill treatment of dependents of martyrs
It all drains my energy out and compels me to tire

I am for sure they will be remembered only for today
If they do not then they will be hackled for all the days
They have found all the escape routes to malign war veterans
Why do they want to share all plight and agony with concern?

I know it has been won after great sacrifice and struggle
I too know it well that it was barbaric and rule of jungle
Still they have spared some bright history behind
We nothing as such in store today to find

Even as on today we remember less all past glorious kings
Even from history we pick up the name of traitors and remember
How many such traitors we find in our free land as of date?
The history of independence is of recent times and not very late

We have mastered the art of laundering national wealth
We can play havoc with nourishment food and health
We can temper with judiciary and even holy constitution
With What respect I raise my head and claim part of institution?

I can compromise national interest for paltry some
If not war booty then cut back money can be received very handsome
If I fail to catch the nerves of my country men with their plight
How can I claim to be patriotic or even feel part or sensibly right?