We Welcomed The New Year Poem by Om Chawla

This year also we welcomed the new year
with boisterous cheering and illumination,
with clinking of wine filled glasses
while swaying and dancing with our partners;
sweeping aside our agonies and fears
in flowing stream of intoxicating liquor
rejoicing in this make believe gaiety
even if this delusion lasted but few hours.
We soaked in the false elation of transient moment.
Some amongst us sought sensual pleasure
oftener indulging with hired female partner,
exploiting the needs of her struggle for survival,
for treatment of her ailing family member,
or for fighting her young ones starvation;
squeezing gratification from her aching limbs;
but did that moments sensation
transcend beyond the dying moment.
Utterly delusive was the search for pleasure.

Billions were spent on illumination,
round the globe by all nations.
Sparkling crackers in the skies
sought to brighten even the heavens.
Yet dark and dim were avenues of millions,
starved and half naked they lay in dingy dungeons.
When will their homes be illumined?
When full meals will fill their bellies?
When will they be able to cover their shameful nudity?
When will we welcome New Era instead?
Shall we Or can we.... Ever......