Parade-charade

(The early morning sun had dimmed, as the parade was being held on the verandah.The Colonel's jeep was still running,and this is what I saw and felt, as I passed through.)

A picture
of composure
the back
being ramrod
straight
the creases
in the
olive green trousers
having
been
tended
to
very carefully.

Shoes
glistening
in the sun rays
of early morning.

A sharp waft
of
cologne did
nothing
to mask
the overpowering
stench
of disdain

Disappointment
writ
large
on faces
shaven
shorn of
gaiety

Sharpened
spears of
masterly words
burying deep
into dark
depths
of
scarred hearts.

Like a
vampire
feeding
on the
life blood
of discomfiture
helpless boys
squirming
in pain
plain
for
all to see
even as
sharp talons
twisted in deep
tongues
words
lashing
whiplike


leaving
welts
of remorse
disgust
tattoed
into
souls

Is one
that worthless?

(kabir once said-
maati kahe
kumhar se
tu kya
roonde moy
eek din aisa
aayega
main
roondoongi
toy)

The hapless
mound of clay
in the potters'
hand
says
why do
you
knead me
so?
there will
come
a day
when
I shall
dismember
you