Misplaced Emphases
BADRI RAINA | Caravan Daily
I ask you, how do you judge
An expansive nation?—
By the number of people out of work,
Or the numbers having fun?
Do you say we are down to hundred
In the global hunger index,
Or that we are up by thirty
In the ease of doing business?
Do you say we have vigilante violence,
Surveillance and rape?
Or do you note how loyal men
Are protected or escape?
Do you say we talk too much,
And deliver rather little?
Or do you say our propaganda
Scores over disgruntled chattel?
Do you say we die each day
From lies, damn lies, and pollution?
Or do you say in the bullet train
Resides our solution?
Should we the scavenger mourn,
Or note his life at all?
Or laud the one who the anthem sings
In a patriotic cinema hall?
Indeed, what should a true nationalist do—
Just sidestep or scratch his head?
Or contest the cussed misleaders,
And snore in a nice, warm bed?
