From the land
Of the Mahatma – I hear
News of the worst
Human violence
I wish I was – deaf

In the land
Of the Mahatma – I see
Mankind slaughtered
Like animals
I wish I was – blind

This sobbing land
Bears stains of fresh warm
Blood of my fellow Indians
Isolated, numb with pain
I wish I had no sense - of touch.
The air in this land
Bears the stench of the rot

Of humans charred
I wish there were no olfactory
nerves, the burning flesh – to smell

The waters in this land
Of Sabarmati, Narmada & Tapti
Are polluted by the blood
Of my brothers and sisters
How do I this water – taste?

I write from your land
Oh Mahatma! With no desire
To pay homage to you…..
My tears shall stop
But blood shall continue to flow
Just like did yours……

Vinita Sinha Ganesh