The Plight

By Shagufta Rizwana

You say, turn ‘dreams into reality’

But my reality is uncertain

For the ordeals you conduct on my identity,

And for which justice is not entertained.

You say, I am also a part

But of all mercy and trust,

I had been kept apart.

You say, this is my country, my land

Still, you refuse to hold my hand

You say, this is my own nation

But, when I question,

You charge me with sedition.

You say, we are a secular country

Free from all hatred and rivalry.

Yet, you lynch me for the choice,

Of my food and cloth

And to killers, you don't even raise a voice

Them you garland, you applaud, you host

Because what matters you most,

Is election shouldn't be lost.

If my other brothers and sisters

Speak for me against your deeds

And present you arguments

That are true and rational

You and your political buddies

Call them anti-national.

You and your media friends,

The hate mongering propagandist

Leave no stone unturned

To label me a terrorist.

You treat me as scapegoat

To hide every heinous act of yours

For which your admirers openly boast.

You know, what I say about you?

You are hypocrite dishonest liar,

Totally drunken in power.

For tyranny and hatred,

You have your Hitler and Savarkar

Oppressed weak like me

I have my Gandhi and Ambedkar.

You know, who I am?

Needless to say,

You obviously have known who I am.

Yes, I am an Indian Muslim.

My great grandparents, my grandparents also were.

It was their choice

To fight for the freedom struggle.

It was their choice

To live and die for this country.

So, whether you say or don't say

I shall live and die in this country.

By Shagufta Rizwana