Topsy Turvy Civilisation

By Waheeda Bi Khan

Where are we leading to?

Towards futuristic better life,

Or a self-made trap of modernity?

A concept once, a labour towards progress

Is now a maze of commercial foolery.

We left free idyllic ancient jungle abodes

Of caves, tree-tops or thatched roofs

To build jammed cities of concrete.

Now we earn each second, for better life,

And retreat to jungle resorts of huts

Patented at exorbitant prices.

We improvised abundant natural

Accessible crops, vegetables and fruits 

To create hybrid grains and pesticides

In the name of better durability and quality.

Now we commercialise unadulterated foods

Selling at higher rates than hybrids

In the name of fresh organic foods.

We rejected default conscience

Of anarchy and imperial monarchy

To differentiate civilised from the wild.

Now we choose governing bodies

And get manipulated and accused 

Of being anarchists by political imperialists.

We once reaped, loomed and designed

Enclosing nakedness with cotton or silk

To differentiate humans from apes.

Now we race to strip or shorten

And bid highest for brands endorsing modernity 

Exposing until just short of naked.

We replaced pollution-free carts and boats

For mechanised fuel-driven mobility

To steer faster and easier, even across skies

Now we move like carts in traffic jams

And steer the urban maze and pollution

Triggering death-rate in accidents or health.

By Waheeda Bi Khan