If Gold Could Be Silver For A Day

By Sonali Kar

If gold could be silver for a day,

What ought be the value of the diamonds you pay?

The yellow glistening hue shall descend to silvery bane—

The shimmering jewels on the Indian lady

Shall all look so vain.

One less boy to lose in mines,

To feed the streets where poverty mimes.

“All that glitters is not gold”

Would no longer rhyme.

Could the cobbler now afford his share,

Or turn away the mayor’s arrogant sneer?

Perhaps—capitalism’s worst nightmare.

Alas! The rich man, pale with dread, 

To walk where once the beggar tread.

The wars may cease,

With no cause to proceed,

As the tides, in every powerful’s favour,

Begin to recede.

The ladens of gold the minister holds—

As hollow his voice,

Coveted in lies—

Shall no longer warm his bed of vice.

The wolves in suits who sit on chairs so high,

Sheathed in the glamour

Of golden hue,

Shall fall as the crescent moon shines.

Let dismay decay

On the eve of Mayday—

If gold could be silver for a day.

By Sonali Kar