The Land’s Lore
Caste segregation in India was used to distribute roles within society, primarily based on occupation. Known as the " Varna system", gradually this segregation became much rigid through power acquisition and systematic oppression. A ruthless society was formed on the basis of " Higher caste" and " Lower caste". Sadly, despite many reforms and laws being passed, today, "caste based" discrimination is also rampant in various places and sectors.
My poem is an attempt to reflect the evils of the issue and to offer a ray of hope that can bring about change toward equality.
The Land's Lore
Secluded, they stand under the burning sun,
When the swarm of
people fill in their pots,
Now they know, it's
their turn.
The little boy asks
his mother,
Why can’t we go now?
To fetch some water?
Scared, hushed- his
mother whispers.
It’s for them; we get
leftovers.
The little boy, naïve and curious
Complains his mother, “I am thirsty,
Give me some water.”
His mother worried,
but helpless.
Spreads her tattered
drape over his face.
“My
little boy, learn to wait,
If you drink now,
death will be your fate.”
Fatigued, burning- the
boy cried out
“Oh,
mother, what is this all about?
I just want some water
to drink
What is there so much
to think?”
Trying to console the
boy’s grief,
The mother told him a
story, in brief.
“Once
there was another boy
Playing with mud and
his toy.
He was thirsty just
like you
His mother tried to
get in the queue.
They caught them and
tied them both
Pricked them with
spears, till they perished,
So that no one dares
to break the rules henceforth.
Laws in this land are
not for us,
They only serve the
rich and pompous.
Oh, my boy, learn to
wait
Else, death will be
your only fate.”
The boy passed out,
unable to stand,
The mother cried for
help,
But nobody lent a
hand.
A little girl, one of
them
Adorned in gold,
wearing a silk hem,
Rushed there in great
hurry,
Saw everything and
felt sorry.
She ran to the well to
fill a pot
Quickly returned
before getting caught.
She splashed water on
the boy’s mouth
The guards came
running from the south.
Before they could
catch hold of her,
The girl, unbothered,
came near.
Shaken, nervous,
frightened, they bowed.
It was the princess,
before the crowd.
She held the boy and
made him stand
And waved to all, with
a gesture, grand.
“This is
our water and land
We should all fairly,
stand.
There will be no
difference furthermore
This will become our
land’s lore.”
A report in The Wire shows caste-based discrimination cases are on high and is up by 118% in universities. Educational system desperately requires a revamp to minimise the numbers. I am sure things have imroved and at least cases are been registered nowadays. But a lot needs to be done. Let's hope for a fair future.
This poem was published in the anthology " Canvas of Voices"
Very touching poem.
ReplyDeleteLaws in this land are not for us,
They only serve the rich and pompous.
It's very sad that the situation really hasn't improved. It was a shock to see how that anganwadi cook was treated in Odisha. Your poem hits the reader's heart.
A poem with this subject is top notch creativity in itself. It hits a chord. Very well written. ❤️
ReplyDeleteCaste has been the bane of society for long. Equality is where the Constitution came in, yet this goes on because people refuse to accept their own. This is a touching poem, for me the Princess became the 'hero' for providing equality.
ReplyDelete“This is our water and land
ReplyDeleteWe should all fairly, stand.
There will be no difference furthermore
This will become our land’s lore.”
If only these gentle lines could enter stubborn minds! Very Well Written.
It's sad to note that after so many years since independence, the caste system is very much rampant in our country. We still read news of honor killings and caste-based divides in jobs and education, which is unfortunate. On the one hand we are landing on the moon; on the other we divide and discriminate. Wonder how and when this will stop. Your poem highlights the sad state of affairs that plagues the country even to this day...well written, Ruebenna.
ReplyDeleteThe poem really touched me. The words really hit hard. The news at the end is disheartening. Something like this could happen in 21st century is an utter shock.
ReplyDeleteThis is really a hard hitting poem. The anganwadi incident is really ridiculous and even in this age the people seem to be stuck in age old oppressive rules
ReplyDeleteThis felt warm and grounded. I liked how the place came alive through your words- simple, evocative, and easy to connect with. A very pleasant read.
ReplyDeleteA sensitive poem bringing out the differences observed over centuries. They need to be eradicated on grounds of humanity. This aanganwadi worker needs everyone’s support.
ReplyDeleteWell written Reubenna.
Such a hard-hitting poem that reiterates why age-old practices need to go. This land, it's resources and the law is for everyone.
ReplyDelete