Gopal’s protest poem, exclusively for Different Truths, depicts a city’s streets filled with defiance, questioning rulers’ ability to ignore demands before change becomes too strong. 

Abhaya’s are flying over the city corner leaving
one world in their wake, looking for answers.
 
A blank and boundless expanse too vast to comprehend
and the world beneath that surrounds the hands of defiance.

Groaning traffic and lathi waving ruling forces that
tail down soon into utter bedlam and commotions,
 
A fledgling sunlight drips into the ramshackle
shelters, below that brewing into a place of protest.
 
Hungry medics are weak; their bodies are broken
but they are not going to give up their demands.
 
Mundane air inside is all set to light up the mood
with songs, slogans and clapping till the end,
 
Seeking justice for the tortured dead and safety
for the living. Everyone cheers on everyone.
 
Rulers say- they are not distracted by ‘Side Winds’,
ready to ignore the link between body and soul.

But for how long? The common man needs answers.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Gopal Lahiri

Gopal Lahiri is an India-based bilingual poet, critic, editor, writer, and translator with 23 books published, including four jointly edited books. His poetry is also published across various anthologies as well as in eminent journals of India and abroad. He has been invited to various poetry festivals including the World Congress of Poets. He is published in 14 countries and his poems are translated into 15 languages.

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