Politics, Power And People

Politics, Power and People

Kind of synonymous 

don’t you think?

Is there a strong link?

Who among us is worthy

Of governing; who should we trust?

Is governance an art of caring for the multitude

Is it an excuse for self-interest and lust?

I am one among millions. Does my opinion matter?

Power begins with people. Yes? Their hopes and ambitions

What’s the problem? People disagree. So? Are there no methods

To minimise and mediate disputes? People disagree

Then become disagreeable. A different bird’s nest altogether.

It’s no longer a discussion of topics or subjects, the Eve-bitten apple

of ego (read pride and ruthless ambition) emerges, and snake-like

Curls around the conversation, poisoning it for everybody

Is the power to be shared or hoarded and guarded

That’s not a question. It’s a very basic choice

In one, I would be rendered silent; in the other, I would have a voice

An opinion: we - all millions of us - want to choose the option of choice

But are made mute by the politics of power and the power of politics

A look at our history evidences the assumption that the minority should

Reign over the masses. The accent of royalty and their eventual assumption

The divine right of Kings is strong throughout the centuries.

The First World War was the death knell of that, as empires shattered

And a wave of nationalism spread throughout the world. World War II

Put the final nails in the coffin. What’s left is a poisoned environment

In which dictators and oligarchs vie for power

and one holds the world for ransom; 

as another refuses to recognise an election

Politics, Power and People. Are they all right

As in “might is right”, or is there another selection?