Second Going (Resubmission) - A Tearful Tribute To Mahathmaji Poem by Valsa George

Second Going (Resubmission) - A Tearful Tribute To Mahathmaji

Rating: 5.0


At the prime junction,
Where three roads converged,
They set up a statue,
In mortar and cement.

The Mahatma in loin clothes,
Supported on a staff,
With spectacles on nose,
Stood erect on the pedestal.

The oldsters passed,
Bowing their heads.
The youngsters dashed,
Screeching their horns.
The kiddies paced,
Staring at the outlandish figure.

Exposed to sun and rain,
Covered with smut and dirt,
Stood the Mahatma,
Staring at the passing crowd.

Crows perched on tonsured head,
His shoulders stained with bird droppings,
Never once had he a cold shower,
His soiled mien, resembling a clown.

Silently witnessed many a brawl,
Blood and gore dazed his eyes,
Ghastly scenes constantly unfurled,
Street urchins, raiding trash bins,
With stray dogs that greedily devoured,
Every bit of morsel, left uncared.


Everything around looked dismal,
Save the sly politicians in starched white,
Home spun ‘Khadi’, camouflaging their self,
Itching palms, needing constant greasing.




Congregated they at the Gandhi Square,
The day prior to 'Gandhi Jayandhi'.
What should be the agenda……?
They waxed eloquent.
Opinions differed,
Interests clashed,
Discussions lengthened,
Consensus never reached,
Each faction with an axe to grind,
Venom spit,
Hatred spawned,
Knives swished,
Gore spilled,


Speechless stood the Mahatma,
A fiery spirit possessed his self.
When night descended,
When darkness filled,
When the town clock tolled, the midnight hour,
He descended the pedestal in silent rage,
Off with the staff! With sturdy gait,
Never casting a backward glance,
He walked in haste……….
Sans terminus……………!

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
October 2nd is Mahathmaji's birthday. Unfortunately Gandhiji is reduced to a decript shadow of his old self. When he braved the indomitable British might with his weapons of Non Violence and Satyagraha, many had doubts about the potency of his weapons, but time proved how effective they were.

By embracing a life of voluntary austerity, Gandhiji revolted against the mindless materialism which he feared would strip the world bare like locusts. But to the new generation, he is reduced to a mere statue, erected here and there. Among the hypocritical ideological factions, he is just a name for playing political gimmicks. Those who have some goodness left in them cannot but mourn this devaluation
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Kavya . 03 October 2013

Gandhi's principles and his ideologies are no longer being followed by todays generation, even generation before that.......his teachings have thus gathered dust and so has his statue........had our nation walked towards his path, may be we would not have been in such a state as we are today......an excellent write Mam

1 0 Reply
Tajudeen Shah 07 October 2013

A serious thought, authentic, and patriotic instinct throbs in every pace as your words march by... Gandhiji listens to such soulful utterance, the Charka wheels roll over the wrinkled mass still, and the grating waves by the sea shore has no sodium in it's property it seems! Indian skins stopped sweating, heart pulses lazy and lethal too... who cares! ? The lilt of the National Anthem dies off into the uncultured din of the imbalanced Indians who crawl like reptiles in public, as punishable nuisances, boastful of spoiling his wealth, health, family serenity and personality in insane intoxication. Wish your write strikes at deserving targets.

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Tribhawan Kaul 03 October 2013

Yes, the poem is correctly titled ' A Tearful Tribute.......' We, Indians, have forgotten everything for which Mahatama Gandhi stood for...great write.10/10

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Harindhar Reddy 04 October 2013

Keen and clean observation, Indian officers, politicians and youth have become figures of mockery. It's pity to know but writer paid a tearful tribute to father of nation which our hearts.10/10 for writer. :) :)

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Tirupathi Chandrupatla 01 October 2013

Building of statues has become a political fashion with no consideration for maintenance of the monuments. Even living politicians have countless replicas in concrete with colorful facelifts. Mahatma, the noble soul, watches in silence. Only poet can see him walking away in the quiet of the night. Beautiful poem showing how things are.

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Kumarmani Mahakul 17 December 2018

I appreciate the way of presentation of this poem. It is really a tearful tribute to Mahathmaji. Great work.10

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Bri Edwards 19 June 2016

now i've read the Poet's Notes. thanks. i left more comment at the original submission of this fine poem! showcase? bri :)

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Akhtar Jawad 08 March 2015

A great tribute to a great leader..................10

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Sreelekha Premjit 08 March 2014

What a thoughtful depiction of the sad state of affairs in the country! ! ! sad but so very true...agonizing to say the least..well said again.. you are truly gifted

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Khairul Ahsan 17 November 2013

You've written a powerful poem indeed. The poem starts with an appropriate title, gives a perfect picture of the happenings around, with a stunning last stanza and ends with a strong note. Thanks for this 'Tearful Tribute'. It truly deserves 10/10!

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