KULWANT SINGH GILL
About
Two thousand five hundred years ago
An ascetic in saffron robe
Entered Pataliputra to chide
King Ajatsatru
For his overweening pride
And
Thus the Master spoke:
“This fleeting world
Of pomp and power
Is ephemeral
Like the summer shower,
Truth, charity and compassion great
Lend lustre to the human race”.
During the years last forty two
No Buddha has arisen
To rebuke
The chair-charmed chameleons
Crafty of conscience
Sellers of souls
Liars - inveterate and bold
Seekers of power, Pelf and gold,
Scrambling for a niche
Near Bapu’s fold
They smile.
On the screen
At the charity shows
With a spontaneous sweep
That would make even
Cows laugh, worms weep.
(Reprinted from TRIVENI, Sept, 1991)