Clueless Ink

If you listen closely, the majority is snoring, and the powerful are dancing to its tune.

I watch these World War II films,

stories of Indian independence,

and I see people who look just like us

giving orders against humanity,

more importantly, taking them.

–

And I see it now too.

–

People like me,

thousands, crores,

just working for money,

living in curated, bubble-wrapped lives,

telling ourselves we’re sorted.

–

Let’s just admit it.

Admit that we’re vultures.

If nothing else, be self-aware.

–

It feels like someone greater than us,

with far more power,

is keeping us busy,

so we don’t notice how hunger, rape, murder, and oppression

are dancing in plain sight.

–

It’s like eating meat.

If you eat it, acknowledge that something died for you,

that something once alive is now your meal.

Or admit you’re just another selfish person in denial,

one who can’t face the blood,

so you close your eyes.

–

I’m so busy applying for leaves,

moving on from a breakup,

pushing myself to the gym,

ordering food,

that it’s all just routine.

Comfort is routine.

–

When I read about wars and deaths,

about innocents and artists being jailed,

it’s just… sad.

And even my saddest emotion

sits quietly in comfort,

AC temperature perfectly set at 22 degrees.

–

Like a non-vegetarian myself,

I know I benefit from looking away.

I work for organisations that sell purpose,

and I work so hard

that I have no time left for the news.

I am the majority.

–

I am the majority.

And I am sleeping.

–

If you listen closely,

We are snoring,

Loud and clear,

and to that rhythm,

the powerful dance,

the oppressors sway.

Will we ever wake up?