"New" Nepal

I remember when the great 19 days began.

They said it was the final push,

To end what started in the villages a decade ago.

Time to overwhelm the capital with people

in hundreds,

in thousands

or perhaps a hundred thousand.

Chanting ,singing,

shouting on top of their voices.

In urgency and anger

while many spectacle seekers present

because everyone else was.

Holding small branches with leaves as placards

and partisan banners,

while the silver moon and sun lost

amongst the tree, the yellow sun, the hammer and sickle.

The home dwellers poured water

and mercy and blessings to quench

what only change could quench.

A day turned to 2 and that into a few.

Till the master was master no more

but the slave still the slave.

United on the streets, as one nation

divided by flags and banners and who out does who.

Throwing stones like bullets and upholding chest

like shields

till someone was shot

for what they believed and shouted, and all would scatter

when eyes were filled with tears.

And the police are confused

and reluctant to fight a fight that is not theirs .

Striking blows at someone he would have smiled and greeted

In and around the tol, or in the footpath vegetable stall.

Only doing what he does to feed his wife and kids

while the others do what they do to feed their wife and kids.

And those who were always feed

stayed locked up at home

dreamy castles growing taller

as people got louder

whenever someone got shot.

And when the “ruler” of the land bowed down

To secret telephoned deals and the might of the people,

Like vulture they tore his flesh

And when he was devoured

They eyed each other

And our saviors became cannibals.