Traitors Poem by Sasanka Sekhar Panda

I have seen them
those traitors to my motherland
spreading nasty rumours
and painting ugly designs
on the wings of time
and mocking at the
Samadhi* of ancestors
shouting in a horrifying voice,
like some children cry
in fear of darkness.

I have seen them
those traitors to my motherland
abusing my mother in intolerable slangs
and throttling the truth
coming out from the lips of an infant
and distributing poverty
in their devilish looks.

Friends! although it is too late
now try to hear their advice
try to understand their sayings
because
we are much proud of their greatness,
Our noble ancestors, who brought Freedom
by their stubbornness,
self-sacrifice and constant struggle.

O my ancestors!
Can you tell us
about the source
of your unbeatable power?

I don't know
whether I can leave
a few bucks for my kith and kin
to fetch some wood for my cremation.
But I am one among those silent men,
in me is their existence
and in them is my existence.

Now I am respecting
the gifts of darkness
that is light
I shall continue to respect it
till the silent men
of my dear motherland
see a new dawn.

* Samadhi: The Hindu Tomb.