by Rajlakshmi Pillai
Riots are black marks on the history of a country – the potholes on its road to success. But the human spirit is the saving grace. Rajlakshmi Pillai pens a poem on two dimensions of Indianness in the aftermath of a riot.
Stories abound floating like dried leaves
Of hatred, admonishment, curse and violent jibes
White caps, some muslin, some pointed at the corners, lay soaked in red
Dry was the weather and poisonous was the atmosphere
None smiled, for there was no winner
What lay crushed was human spirit
What lay wilted was Indianness
Stories abound flitting like butterflies
Of hope, peace, unity and love
Wrists came forward to donate lasting life
Wallets were opened to wipe a tear or two
Everyone smiled, for there were no losers now
What rose above hatred was human spirit
What bloomed along was Indianness.
Pic : https://www.flickr.com/photos/ghayty/
Rajlakshmi Pillai is a freelance writer based in Navi Mumbai. She loves words and dreams, both of which have immense potential, if put into action.
