Hey! I can't breathe officer!
That's not the weight of thy knees;
The weight of pride and arrogance
The load of white on coloured skin
...
I wish not to find it under the trees
No! Never behind the walls
of decorated Monasteries
Church, Gurudwara, or Temple Mount
...
There is a breakneck competition
To be decorated as good or great
With some self maneuvered projected traits
Synchronous moves are made asynchronous
...
Some may agree
Some would certainly disagree
A few would bunk off and scurry
Some may try to wink and bury
...
Pain has no language
some bury it within
some allow it to flow
along the streams of tears
...
If you wish so I would do
All that you would never be able to
Speak, whisper, shout or bleat
Am your silent mate, I can write!
...
There comes a time…!
When nothing Disturbs one any more
Seasonal changes or social upheavals
Hypocrite ruler or helpless populace
...
When you are engulfed in hopelessness
And the darkness frightens all around
Don't lose your heart!
Stop a while to look back
...
Sweetness of love so sweet to say
To repel all darkness afar yesterday
The air fills with a captivating fragrance
Of passion, of pleasure and of romance
...
On the vast canvas of Eulogy
Amid riot of complex colours
Million claps and noxious traps
Equivocal gestures of appreciation
...
Unruly children are parental headaches,
The job is bit simple if a child
It can be convinced or beaten by brow
If required, and as per wish
...
With a pleasant smile on lips
I asked the early dawn
How to reach the peace hub?
It turned its back with weird answer
...
At times shadows of self frightens
A thought of some unimaginable incident
An unforgiving consequence looms large
It's when you get assured of
...
The doors are never closed
With the odes of denial
Under the wrap of coveted words
Since I know! And therefore tell you so
...
Life has been kind enough to give
Myriad reasons to cry
And be aggrieved
Yet! It could convince,
...
16th Oct like any other day
After the Morning Prayer
I was out on my bike
Amid the Covid fears
...
The day is here
It's 3rd November 2020
Million minds on ballot paper
Some trillion eyes worldwide
...
For Heaven's sake…!
Let me not answer weird questions
How do you do..? What about this and that?
Let you call, am worn out or a wily brat
...
Dr. Panda is currently working as an Associate professor [English] in Institute of Science and Information Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. An avid learner, a Poet & Philosopher, published many articles in National and International Journals in the field of literature and other areas of Humanities. His Poems are aimed at revealing the core contours of life with motivational and realistic undertones.He holds different prestigious positions as Editorial Board Member of several Journals both National and International in the field of literature and multi disciplinary publications. He is known for his oratory and is a most sought after public speaker on matters of social concern.)
I Can't Breathe!
Hey! I can't breathe officer!
That's not the weight of thy knees;
The weight of pride and arrogance
The load of white on coloured skin
Hey! Officer... I can't breathe!
Leave me free officer, I can't bear!
Behind The cloak of Color, I wear
My heart is clean …
Hey! Officer...am' unable to breathe!
I was painted dark
As per the supreme will
To which, you know officer...!
Neither had I a choice to opt for
Nor did I ever subscribe
It's too much officer… I can't breathe
Don't you see your Jesus, under thy knees?
The One you pray, in a silent edifice.
Hear His call, from my screaming voice
That writhes on ground, under your belt
Feel my pulse Officer! And in it thy Jesus
Moments from here, perhaps!
I would stop to plead or yell
Look at my face that's turning pale
Loosen the belt of primacy white
Fasten the knots of sane humanity
Tell me please! What's wrong with me?
Hey officer...! Don't you hear?
I can't breathe...!
©sachi-4th Jun-2020