Dr Manisha’s poignant bicycle ride, on DifferentTruths.com, unveils class divides, women’s protests, and a call for humanity’s upliftment.
I love brushing past the wind.
My bicycle tyres are rolling underneath.
Not to the hills and dales,
Not past the billowing sea
But I rode downtown
Past the human settlements aplenty,
Stumbled upon lives that lived under the open skies
Their dreams twinkled in their eyes.
Were they the children of a lesser God?
I wondered as I rode.
Like beautiful flowers of the wild.
They blossomed, unsung, aside.
Dreaming of comforts and grooming
And of the world's gentlemen and ladies.
They had their struggles and strife.
Yet they indulged and smiled.
When God created humans, why, then, this class divide?
My heart sinks the moment I see their misery brood.
Let's hold their hands and be virtuous and kind
To make them live anew.
Children of a dearer God yearn for happiness and dignity.
Let each one uplift one
Thus, spread warmth and light around.
And with their dreams fulfilled
Our happiness multiplies manifold.
I love brushing past the wind
My bicycle tyres are rolling underneath
I then took another lane.
This time, I saw a sea of silent women
Sombre in countenance, waving black flags
Staging a peaceful protest for their cause.
And I saw an agitated force charging lathis
To drive them away.
Injured in body and soul,
Yet steadily, their voices they raised.
Democracy is a virtue, not to be suppressed
Independence is to be hailed, and no one is to be oppressed.
Life is God's gift.
Mercy and forgiveness aren't virtues for nothing
I love brushing past the wind
My bicycle tyres are rolling underneath.
From one lane to another, I watch human settlements
Hold hands to strengthen bonds
Uphold the rights of humanity.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
Dr Manisha Saxena is a multifaceted paediatrician, novelist, poet, travel blogger, and citizen journalist. She has published works in The Times of India, Outlook Traveller, CNN IBN, and anthologies. She has received awards like Women’s Pride from Rotary and Jan Shikshan Sansthan, and has delivered book talks at prestigious institutions. She lives in Bharuch, Gujarat.
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