The Price Of Truth Poem by AAHAN VARMA

A reporter stepped forward,

Carrying nothing but facts.

No dream of power.

No hidden acts.

His family warned him—

'Please be careful out there.'

He smiled and replied—

'I'm only asking what's fair.'

Then he opened old files.

He followed a trail.

He asked a few questions.

He connected the details.

And suddenly the mood changed.

The smiles disappeared.

The story became dangerous.

The truth became feared.

Some received threats.

Some faced lawsuits.

Some lost their freedom.

Some paid heavier dues.

The question isn't

Why people investigate.

The question is—

Why answers hesitate.

The question isn't

Why citizens ask.

The question is—

Why truth becomes a task.

If facts are so weak,

Why fear them so much?

If questions mean nothing,

Why do they touch so much?

We're not looking for enemies.

We're looking for light.

Because democracy survives

When truth can speak without fright.

And the day people fear

Speaking what they know—

Lies don't win.

Silence does.