Misery
The cries, the pleas, those unmet needs,
People dying and how helpless I feel
No one to lend a shoulder to weep
To rescue the poor who can’t afford oxygen to breathe
Pacify their suffering and provide a shield
To families shattered and bereaved
Children losing their parents to disease
Citizens dying; gasping on streets
An ambulance is beyond reach
Drivers charging exorbitant fees
Because of insatiable greed.
Hospitals running out of beds and equipments,
Doctors refusing treatment to patients,
Shortage of land to bury the dead
People standing with bowed heads.
Scarce medicine to cure the sick
Healthcare workers putting life at risk
Some warriors, while others selfish
Life is traded by minds so devilish.
Labourers migrating back to villages,
Covering distance without vehicles,
They walk barefoot in scorching heat
Worrying about a family to feed
Empty pockets, broken dreams
Nights devoid of meals.
Whose heart would not bleed?
Looking at their wounded feet
Not feel an urge to fulfil their needs
Terminate sufferings so each one heals.
Grappling amidst the virus,
We scramble for our survival.
Establishment of religious shrines
Has it cured mankind?
Heart is where God resides
Not in palaces where you consider him divine.
Mosque and temples for which we fought
Are now care centres for the distraught.
Had we appealed for hospitals,
There had been less mortals.
Sought doctors not architects
And had discussed the pandemic!
News about my nation’s deprived peace
Brings me down to my knees
Hunger, greed for votes and seats
No practice of what politicians preach.
Lust for power paid a price,
Created havoc for humankind
Rallies and campaigns at various sites,
Proclaiming for free vaccination drives,
Neglecting people with tears in eyes,
Crisis like this brings it to light
Eventually humanity leads religions to unite.
At the end of the tunnel there will be light,
Doors will open and we’ll hug so tight,
Spend time with colleagues after a long time,
Group of friends will meet offline
Who longed to arrange a party late night
We’ll all Cheers to our post-pandemic life,
With friends and families raising glass of wine.
DIVYA BAHAL