They must have died in the clamour,
Where sometimes people never know
Why they are dying!

Their shrill cries come floating over to me -
The sound draws my blood.
I can't understand my suffering!

Am I in an age so dark,
Where motley deeds of others
Should hound me to breathe anew

The poisonous air of vengeance?
I cringe and cower at the thought.
Because, I want peace!

But then who doesn't want peace?

I can imagine the state of commotion
In those wild regions -
Where doom moves so freely.

I wish for peace.
I hope for peace.
Peace! Peace!

But then who doesn't want peace!

Like the heavy rain streaming,
My heart is now a stream of gloom.
But what can I do?

The writhing coils of human greed.
The intrigues of politics.
They are too much for me!

What can I do?
The merchants of arms and weapons:
Have never feared God!

What shall I do?
An unknown voice drums:
Death! Death!

Dubai
1st March 2015

Geeta Chhabra

From the book: Smash My Glass by Geeta Chhabra