Sarkari Babu

Bits of paper, bits of paper, waiting in a file,

This is Babu’s office, be patient and smile.

From table to table you shadow the clerk,

Awaiting his signal for the Babu to work.

 

Gandhi and Nehru, framed on the wall,

Their principles like leaves withered in Fall.

A definite ‘But’ before Babu exerts his pen,

Nearing the sanction, he finds flaws again.

 

The clock’s ticking; lunch, chai and then five,

He’s out of the office and into his drive.

A serpentine queue stranded; he’s gone,

Another day wasted; another rushed morn.

 

The sun shines on, ‘Satyameva Jayate’,

Let’s Hope the Babu makes grants today.