The Momma Clan

The day I went to the polling booth…

The scorching summer heat looked directly into our eyes,

So many decided to take a break to rest, as it seemed wise
They failed to approach the polling booth 
Uncool they thought it would look.

However I reached the booth to cast my vote,
In the parched summer heat with a dried-up throat,
The wise old Mahatma caught my hand
And gave me a welcome grand.

“What did you do my child, for the country to date?
Would you tell me please, so that I can open the entry gate?
I give you a few minutes to reflect,
Kindly explain your clause and effect.”

With a stammer in my voice and a shaky tone,
I shivered in tensed bone
In my flashback mode
I recollected my unknown tone.

“Ever increasing price rise, 
The basics seem luxurious 
I can’t decide what’s injurious 
Keeping mum, or fighting back for my right.

I criticise the education system,
But do nothing about it
I see corruption around me
And think what’s wrong with the people.

I slog hard on the crowded trains,
And run here and there 
I am jobless with multiple degrees
Inside my resume.

When I express my right to information 
I look like a prisoner seeking confirmation,
And my freedom of expression 
Has become a form of suppression.

Women still feel unsafe,
In their cities or terrain 
Inequality is seen everywhere 
The quality of life is down, but do I care?

I see problems with everything in my country,
I cringe, criticise and say a few words,
Then I keep mum
Because it’s my conditioned response.

To cast my vote too
Seems an uphill task
I hide behind my excused mask
What’s the need, I ask?

The Mahatma waited patiently 
For me to reply effectively 
I said I did nothing 
Just watched the news on the TV.”

The Mahatma caught my hand 
And smiled gently 
“You’ve come to cast your vote 
It makes you a noteworthy citizen, of course.”

If you can’t do anything,
Exercise your right to vote
Be the change you wish to see
Even a drop is enough, in the parched summer heat.

Your single vote is precious,
To make or break the governance 
The common man has the power
He can shine, even if crushed like a flower.

Be responsible and show up on the polling day,
Learn about your candidate 
And mark your finger with the ink
To find your balanced link.

Spread this message to one and all,
Said the Mahatma to me,
As I exercised my vote 
And came out proud.

The day I went to the polling booth,
I saw something new
People made efforts with actions and not just voices,
For once they seemed wise.

Author’s Note:

Voting is the only contribution we can make.

So instead of saying “Nothing’s going to happen, let’s make something happen, even if it’s just our single vote, get inked dear citizens.

Be cool, go out and vote!

-Durriya Sakarwala