Numbe rof words: 291

*Think inside the Box*

Let’s put things back 

Inside the box

Pull down the shutters 

and bring out the locks.

The processions, the garlands, 

the loudness , the noise.

The drum rolls , the traffic, the politician’s toys.

That statue of Mary, 

the frenzied whipping and blood,

The colourful buntings,

those idols of mud.

The cries of the maulvi

ripping the dawn, 

The garbage of crackers 

littering the lawn.

The bleating of goats – 

a chorus halaal, 

The groping  of women – 

in public  they’re maal!

Can we put our religion 

firmly back in our home, 

It’s becoming quite rabid- 

a street dog with foam!

Back in our hearts , 

back in silence, our mind

In the  quietest corner 

we can possibly find.

Converse with our God, 

or our conscience in peace,

Standing or sitting , 

or down on our knees.

Nobody needs to know 

what we worship or believe,

The intricate patterns 

of devotion we weave. 

It’s a private affair 

like the party you vote,

The motherly cow, 

or the sacrificial goat.

Worship or not, 

but keep it within your walls,

Bring out your beads 

or dress up your dolls.

Sing softly to the One , 

offer prayers and incense ,

Keep it silent and strong , 

or quiet and intense.

Don’t spill on the streets , 

don’t scream on the speaker,

Don’t hassle the neighbour, 

don’t prey on the weaker.

Think for a minute, 

could this shoosha be calm

They all will prefer that: 

Allah, Jesus and Ram.

Spend a day saying thanks – 

let the loudness be spared 

He can hear you quite clearly- 

not hearing impaired!

Whether saffron or green , 

rainbow or white,

Put it back in the box folks – 

and shut the lid tight.