Independence Poem by RAJ VIKRAM

Devoid of the burden of
strangulating ideological
baggages of all hues,
it takes a lot of wherewithal
to feel light, really light.

Aligning with alien
or the familiar sucks out
the lifeblood from the being
through million pores
of stultifying compromises.

Not dependent on mores,
and not losing in the
maze of preconceived
notions of righteousness,
it is arduous but rewarding.

Ineluctable the choice isn't,
but iridescent is the
resultant feeling of fulfillment.
Incandescent is the feeling
of the being when independent.

Tangibles are within grasp,
tumbling into the depths of
falling in line is just like a stroll.
But defying gravity, the pangs borne out of resistance are bound to ache.

Independence is not just
reserved for mendicants
who resolutely court emptiness.
It is just a low lying fruit ripe for
plucking but only for the deserving.

Choices are galore redundance
is omnipresent and inviting.
In strife, in stillness, in churning
be dependent on the being and feel infinite in the lap of independence.