After much contemplation, I have finally gathered the courage to start my own blog.
I thought it would be appropriate to start with a poem since poetry is the genre that I find the most beautiful of all forms of writing.
THE STORYTELLERS
Perhaps they are magicians,
Like magicians,
They deceive us.
Sensational thrills, unforeseen twists
In the master storyteller’s tale.
“Cash for votes!”
“CBI investigates!”
Or was it Special Investigation Team?
Did I hear “Hasan Ali”?
Aah so many stories knit with one single thread.
Pardon me if I forget sometimes
The intricacies of each tale.
Forgive me if I blashpheme,
But might I compare these storytellers to Vyas?
They possess his dexterity.
(A wiser man may wish they possessed his piety
But who am I to say? Talk is cheap, no?)
For the storytellers, it is a game of Shatranj
Played by the Netas, the Babus
And the occasional Niira Radia.
And the queen on either side -
The invincible Gandhi heir.
I am a pawn, so are you.
But they make us feel like kings (and call it democracy!)
But that’s the art of storytelling isn’t it Miya?
They keep us hooked –
The protagonists emerge unscathed after each (scandal) assault
Much like our much loved Shatrughanji from bollywood.
(I had to add the “ji” you see.
He is in the Lok Sabha.
You didn’t hear?
His excellent acting qualified him to legislate!)
We are hypnotized
By the masterfully crafted illusions.
Freedom is a perception,
Justice, a fantasy.
I know all this,
But then there are more pressing things in life Miya,
Wouldn’t you agree? You are a family man too!
But my favourite part is the draw of lots!
If they call out your name,
You get running water, electricity and education.
And if you’re really lucky,
You get reservation.
But Truth is a prize we’ll never win.
To tell you the truth, Miya
The truth is just Maya.
(And Maya is my wife,
And she is bloody good in bed!)
But I will tell you The Secret,
(Yes, this is better than the book).
I vote for the storyteller who keeps me intrigued till the next election.
If he bores me,
There is always Baba Ramdev to voice my concern,
God bless him.
