Travails Of A Common Man

A common man’s travail

I am a common man

Not so uncommon in a

Country of over billion.

I have no connections to

A policeman or politician

Or even to a party worker.

I lead a simple life

Of eating, sleeping and writing.

Of late I am full of fear

Of the policeman, the politician,

Of the extremist of all ilk,

Of even the local chauvinist,

Of the institutions of sanctity,

I am losing my sanity

So much so, I even fear to eat my beef.

What am I to do,

I have just one vote which I cast

Once in five years.

I am not of any label

With some money and intellect, just be able.

Where the mind is without fear

……………Let my country awake

Implored the Nobel Laurette.

I too want to sleep in peace and

Awaken in such a nation.