THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

One morning, while walking alone in the park,

A thought crossed my mind, igniting too much spark!

My mind asked when would India be a developed nation?

A distant reality, it seemed, due to its extant commotion!

A country whose jewel was once its cultural diversity,

That diversity is now facing a lot of adversity!

With battles on grounds such as religion and caste,

The fire of animosity is spreading at a pace too fast!

With so many political parties fighting for power,

The real issues remain unresolved, making the nation sour!

A country where marriage was once based on love,

That love has now been replaced by money, dowry, and white-glove!

With women being expected to work and look after ménage,

Victimized by domestic violence, she resorts to camouflage!

A country that was grounded on its strong educational scheme,

Unable to focus on practicality, that system is now losing its sheen!

With white-collar jobs still being the first choice of the masses,

Art and creativity take a backseat across all classes!

With less focus on facilities, welfare, and health,

The government now runs on selfishness and stealth!

It seems the nation is engulfed within the claws of its flaws,

A sea change is sought in its regulation and laws!

My mind asks when will India be a developed nation?

A distant reality, it seems, due to its extant commotion!