March of Time

By the roadside a frail old man 

supporting a long bamboo staff

leads many marchers

on a blistering day. 

I wonder if I was seeing things I did not really see -

a peaceful rally defying unfair levy on salt

police beating up the marchers with batons 

breaking their heads and limbs.

Its shame how the law batter down the dogged tide

saltwater laced with screams

and colonial masters claim they love us

while level our lives to crust.

* This poem is inspired by the giant statue of “Dandi March of 1930” – a satyagraha against the salt tax that stands by the Sardar Patel Marg in New Delhi.

Bio: Ashok Bhargava is a poet, a public speaker and an essayist. He has published five books of poetry. His latest book Riding the Tide has been translated and published in Arabic, Hindi, Bangla and Telugu. He has been featured on national Canadian Radio as well as television. He has performed on various poetic and literary venues like Word on the Street, Explore-Asian and Under the Cherry Tree. 

He is an avid volunteer, supporter & organizer of numerous literary, social and artistic activities. He is founder of Writers International Network (WIN) Canada. 

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Setu Special 2020 :: Setu, October 2020