India is my country.
A piece of paper
And the whims of the powerful
Made it so.
Some protested,
Others did not,
Most did not have a choice.
All Indians are my brothers and sisters,
I find siblings can be very different.
I love my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.
My country is not always proud of me
And does not always remember my heritage.
I tell myself it loves me back.
I shall always strive to be worthy of it,
Although worth is measured
In terms I do not understand.
I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders respect
And treat everyone with courtesy;
Even the man who feels entitled to rape me
Or abuse my man
Because we look different.
Yes, I will answer with courtesy
Every time someone asks
If I am from China.
To my country and my people, I pledge my
devotion –
For what it’s worth.
Devotion. Devotee. Devoted.
Words to chew on.
In their wellbeing and prosperity alone lies my happiness,
And in my wellbeing and prosperity alone
Lies the future of the nation.
