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What is the life of an Indian sovereign
without pomp and show of royal splendor?
What is the living of an Indian ruler
Without a grandiose palace
like the palace of a Viceroy?
An opulence of majestic display.
What is the celebration
of a birthday of an Indian ruler
without a cake immense in size
as huge as a room?
An edible paradise
without a shower of
tons of flowers?
A fragrant treasure trove
bathing in petals, nature’s bouquet
like the shower of raindrops?
What is the transportation of an Indian ruler
Swift and grand
without a fleet of Rolls-Royce and BMWs?
A symbol of might
Whisking rulers through realms day and night
Headed and followed by commandos.
What is the foreign travel of an Indian ruler
without a huge plane as immense as that of
the President of America
in soaring skies where diplomatic wings spread?
India has become free
but free has not become
the mindset of Indian rulers
who still bear the air of
haughty superiority
and not as pain-assuagers
of the common man
like Queen Ahilyabai Holkar,
a leader selfless, compassionate, shining bright
who served with humility across the site. |
