The Election Debate
The Election Debate
Once a Chaiwala asked,
The Shehzada for a match,
Of their wits and skill
for the public to feel.
As the debate began,
the Chai wala asked,
What do you know of poverty ?
Have you ever slept hungry?
What do you know of struggle?
Ever worked under the scorching sun?
You lived a life of luxury,
now you fool people with your dress.
The Shehzada had no answer.
Did he know poverty ?
Had he Struggled ?
Was he helpless ?
He stood up, and said
“I detest power.
Yet I contest for it”
I have seen my generation die before me.
They were killed by people of the state,
Yet I pledge my service to them.
I have lit their funeral pyre,
Lived in fear of life,
not from hunger but from assassins.
Yes, I have struggled,
but little will the masses
know of it.
© Nirmalya Panigrahi