Real Independence - A Poem
Background
As I write this, my country India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day. Seventy-one years after the tricolor was first hoisted in 1947, this day has transformed into a mere Holiday for the country's privileged citizens. We celebrate it as a day of relaxation and enjoyment, and in doing so, we often undermine the contributions of the lesser privileged, who work hard for their daily bread each single day, with no Holidays, even if it is the day to celebrate Independence. Real independence is to be learned from them, who know that being able to work honestly and consistently, on any day, is the mark of being a true citizen of a free country. Jai Hind (Glory to India).
The Poem
“Tring”, the milkman rings the bell
At the crack of dawn, “It’s a Holiday,
Won’t you let me sleep?”, I ask
Says he, “I have another twenty to sell”
The daily newspaper arrives at my door
A slow breakfast, for its company
Afar, the delivery boy counts his cash
While I relish the news and more
The trash has no Holiday, so it seems
In no time, the housekeeping lady
Shows up at my doorstep, with a bin
Into it the trash goes, alongside her dreams
The maid is late, and I am irate
As I rebuke her, she defends,
“My children are performing, I had to attend
The beginning at least, at any rate”
I start up my car, towards the mall
Plans galore, to make it a grand Holiday
A day of pleasure, a day of fun
Freedom to celebrate, an order tall
Stuck at the traffic, a hospital I see
The doctor’s gone, except emergency
The nurse’s silhouette beside a patient
Toiling hard, so would fast recover he
At the mall, I get my nails done
By a pretty girl close to my age
She calls to another, “Take my shift,
Only I promised him I’d be free at One”
I return and park my car, my keys
I hand over to the cleaning guy
“My daughter won a trophy”, he beams
As he wipes the tires, down on his knees
The night falls, I curl under my blanket
Relaxed and ready to work the next day
I reflect on all those, who had to toil,
So I could spend a leisurely Holiday
Real Independence, is in their hands
Who work with honor, and honesty
Real contributors to the daily grain
Are the real people of my country
Questions & Answers
© 2018 Rinita Sen
Comments
AUTHORI'm glad you see it this way. My poem, I feel, is accomplished when readers can echo my thoughts. Thank you again for visiting.
Wow...truly reflective...and you are right to not forget those who toil
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Shannon. Yes, the strange thing about human nature is that the basic thoughts are the same, regardless of countries and regions. Thanks again for visiting today.
This is beautifully done. Well written. I can't help. But think about it also applies to the US celebration of Independence in July or other countries. We would all do well to take time to reflect on things like that.
- AUTHOR
Thank you again, Kshipra. Appreciate you giving it a read.
Amazing !!! Very well written, Rinita!
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Hari. Appreciate you dropping by.
Beautiful dedication Rinkta, to all those who have to work everyday to keep our life rolling.
- hari
- AUTHOR
Rajan, you are right about the differences. It is difficult to change the social structure, but as fellow citizens the least we can do is treat everyone with respect regardless of their occupation. Glad you visited today.
Your poem is the real truth of our country where the difference between the those who have and those who do not is so starkly visible.
Real independence would come the day we rid ourselves of bias, corruption, and hate. Truly, then, will we be liberated of our slave mindset and power the have-nots.
- AUTHOR
Thank you again, manatita.
You are a beautiful Spirit! May Brahman bless you in the knowledge of Tat Twam Asi. That Thou art.
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- AUTHOR
Thank you, manatita. I am glad my passion was readable within my poem. Rightly said about Swami Vivekananda. I hope his preachings continue to be followed in decades to come. Thanks again for visiting.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Mark for reading and agreeing.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Ann. I am glad you liked my tribute. Thanks for visiting my Independence Day dedication.
You began passionately! Your poem is passionate too. I was so happy to see East and West Germany unite and perhaps your country's separation could have been avoided.
Im glad to hear how you feel. Vivekanada worked so hard to uplift the Spirit of the country!
They are moving in the right direction. So Vivekananda was successful to some extent.
Yes, indeed.
Lovely dedication to the people that keep a country moving for the benefit of all.
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Clive. Yes, we do have a good cuisine. Thanks for visiting today.
i like india...nice people. nice food
- AUTHOR
Thank you, John. You are always so kind with your comments. The people of the working class make the backbone of any country, I believe, even though they are less appreciated.
I am humbled to know you shared it with your friend. My gratitude to Radhika for reading and appreciating.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Kamalesh, for reading and appreciating.
Rinita, this was a wonderful poem dedicated to the working class people on your country's Independence Day. I really enjoyed it, and showed it to another Indian friend of mine named Radhika. She said to tell you she loved it also.
Excellent.
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