A river questions tradition in this powerful protest poem, by Dr Kumud. River symbolises voyage and here we see two voyages, within and without. An exclusive for Different Truths.

I am a sullied river hither,
Wonder what awaits thither
Oh human contaminated have you me
Wonder what awaits midstream?
 
Nestled in Shiva’s matted locks, heard I your kettle drums
With deafening blows of your conch shells, upon me you spread the scrums;
How could the innocent Ganges comprehend the ascetics’ sayings
Even as you plunged into her with your OM chanting.
 
Battling against your impurities,
Consequences lined with uncertainties 
I am a sullied river hither
Wonder what awaits thither?
 
With false assurances you soiled my heart
Dried garlands off Shiva upon me you set afloat;
Deep down is an urge to make you lifeless
Spewing back the flowers withered and odourless.
 
With an insincere utterance of Mother
You tried to woo me further;
Sitting snugly on the lap of the earth
Wonder what awaits on the yonder path.
I am a sullied river hither 
Wonder what awaits thither?
 
Your thirst is quenched by my waters
Your bodies dirt upon me batters;
Dwelling in high buildings 
You use fair skins for dark dealings.
Hurling abuses at the woman who bears your progeny
Sucking the life out of her, subjecting her to ignominy,
Reducing her to a corpse through exploitation
Blind is the world is your accusation!
How heartless can you be
Questionable is your propriety.
I am a sullied river hither 
Wonder what awaits thither?
 
What take pride in a futile war
Why defile the soil
Who will one day, with you settle her score.
When the mighty ten headed Ravan could not hold his chin
How on earth do you dare to win?
While I am pure, you are guile,
This too shall time compile;
My pure spirit is put to damper,
Wonder what next will transpire.
I am a sullied river hither 
wonder what awaits thither?

Visual by Different Truths

Dr. Kumud Bala

Poet Dr. Kumud Bala, a lecturer by profession has been penning poetry for about 4 decades now. Writing has been her passion since childhood and her forte lies in poetry, stories, essays, research papers and more. Her works have been published in several newspapers, magazines and journals. With over 5000 poems to her credit, she participates regularly in Kavi Sammelans organized at the National and International level. With a D. Litt award from Nagpur Jyotiba Phule University & Research centre, an honorary Sahitya Vibhooshan award from Late President Shankar Dayal Sharma,