Numbe rof words: 291<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*Think inside the Box*<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s put things back <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside the box<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pull down the shutters <\/p>\n\n\n\n
and bring out the locks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The processions, the garlands, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
the loudness , the noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The drum rolls , the traffic, the politician\u2019s toys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That statue of Mary, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
the frenzied whipping and blood,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The colourful buntings,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
those idols of mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cries of the maulvi<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ripping the dawn, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The garbage of crackers <\/p>\n\n\n\n
littering the lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bleating of goats – <\/p>\n\n\n\n
a chorus halaal, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The groping of women – <\/p>\n\n\n\n
in public they\u2019re maal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can we put our religion <\/p>\n\n\n\n
firmly back in our home, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s becoming quite rabid- <\/p>\n\n\n\n
a street dog with foam!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back in our hearts , <\/p>\n\n\n\n
back in silence, our mind<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the quietest corner <\/p>\n\n\n\n
we can possibly find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Converse with our God, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
or our conscience in peace,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standing or sitting , <\/p>\n\n\n\n
or down on our knees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nobody needs to know <\/p>\n\n\n\n
what we worship or believe,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The intricate patterns <\/p>\n\n\n\n
of devotion we weave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a private affair <\/p>\n\n\n\n
like the party you vote,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The motherly cow, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
or the sacrificial goat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Worship or not, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
but keep it within your walls,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bring out your beads <\/p>\n\n\n\n
or dress up your dolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sing softly to the One , <\/p>\n\n\n\n
offer prayers and incense ,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep it silent and strong , <\/p>\n\n\n\n
or quiet and intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t spill on the streets , <\/p>\n\n\n\n
don\u2019t scream on the speaker,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t hassle the neighbour, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
don\u2019t prey on the weaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think for a minute, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
could this shoosha be calm<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They all will prefer that: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allah, Jesus and Ram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spend a day saying thanks – <\/p>\n\n\n\n
let the loudness be spared <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He can hear you quite clearly- <\/p>\n\n\n\n
not hearing impaired!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether saffron or green , <\/p>\n\n\n\n
rainbow or white,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Put it back in the box folks – <\/p>\n\n\n\n
and shut the lid tight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"