1.
377, those numbers were a shame to him
“The crime is your ardor,” they said,
“You’re not our son,” they said,
“Let’s escape,” HE said.
2.
"I don’t wish the pain I felt on anyone
except them
I don’t wish the loss I suffered on anyone
Except them
No one saw the blood or heard me shriek that day
Except them
I deserve my vengeance
So we all can feel secure and alive
Except them"
3.
I always dreamt of those girls carrying bags
Crossing the stream to sit by the shade
Beautifully scripting those letters with chalk
Mesmerized by those abundant numbers
Appa finally brought me a bag today,
To script those letters, count those numbers.
To chase the person I’ve longed to be.
4.
“Did you fall again, ma?”
My tear lightly touched those tiny fingertips
“Be careful,” she whispered softly.
He glared at me with those cold hard eyes
Was I to lie again? Was I to protect a monster?
Enough. Tolerance had its bounds.
I swept her into my arms and didn't turn for that last look.
5.
Had I moved a little, the bullet would’ve grazed my shoulder
But it plunged straight into my heart
Had I run for cover, a brother would be sacrificed
Had I been a hero, by taking lives, I’d never sleep again
Today I was a hero, by giving my own
I now hope to perpetually sleep in peace.
6.
“Why must you say Old-age home with such distaste?
Those adorable little ones love me, I know
But I’m allowed to live my life
I want to be around those who understand me
I want to grow old amongst friends
I want to travel, to play, and to feel young
Perhaps maybe even fall in love, again?"
Independence is relative, it's individualistic. It's a way of living life.
The little anecdotes are from Indians finding their freedom. Happy Independence Day.