MISCELLANEA

I AM DEAD NOW

I AM DEAD NOW
[The parting words.]


I am almost dead now, don’t wake me,
You who have been the cause of my death.
Be bold and do confess to the world
You poisoned me. Why do you now dread?

I tried to humour you but I failed,
You that bit the hand that had fed you.
You starved me and denied me all help.
It’s no use saying it is not true.

Lament not that I am too fragile;
Lament not that my pulse is too weak;
Lament not that my breaths are numbered.
Better harken the words that I speak:

“Remember the rule--live and let live;
Don’t deny others freedom to talk.
You may be quick and may run too fast;
Don’t deny others freedom to walk.”


• Written 9 syllables per line. Rhyme scheme abcb.


M C Gupta
5 September 2010