You Have Made The Mistake Poem by kanika battu

those who leave for foreign lands
embrace other tongues, dress in alien garb
and forget this country
'them i salute.
and those who don't forget,
and don't change even after being beaten up for centuries
-such hypocrites i ask:
what will you say if someone asked you
what is untouchability?
is it eternal like god?
what's untouchability like? what does he look like?
does he look like the very image of leprosy?
or like the prophet's enemy?
does he look like the heretic, a sinner, a profligate or an atheist?
tell me,
what will your answer be?
will you reply without hesitation,
untouchability that's me?
that's why i say
you have made the mistake of being born in this country
must now rectify it; either leave the country
or make war!

translated by vilas sarang