Statues

Statues many we see everywhere

Statues on the roadsides

Statues in the parks and plazas

Statues at city centers and markets

Statues at road intersections

And statues in holy places!

Statues that are fine art of pride

 Works of skilled human hands!

In all sizes and shapes they come

So small that they become

Easily key ring attachment

A little bigger, yet light enough

To be bought and carried home in hands

to adorn your study table or

Your glass front showcase

Or altars attached to walls

To be incensed and bowed to

With ringing of bells and chants

Some of them are only busts

Placed on pedestals which

Could have been their lower body

Many others are life size

Quite many are more than life size

Yet proudly posed on high platforms

Even if they ride a horse

Many just standing and watching

Their devotees with lifeless eyes

Others gesturing with their hands

Lifted in varied postures!

Whatever they are, they stand for ideas

They represent persons who did great things

They were brave, they were holy,

They brought changes in the society

They transformed lives of their fellow-beings

Brightened the face of the earth

And earned themselves statues of honor!

Oh! Oh! My holy gods! Whatever happened?

Statues lie in shattered pieces this day

Toppled on their faces or staring the heavens

On the mundane earth in utter dishonor

Was there a killer storm last night?

No, this too is the work of human hands

Commanded by contorted hearts in hatred

Fruits of selfish seeds sown by devilish dogma!

Storm yes, of contempt for the other

Of intolerance for the different

Brace, brace, my people,

Grace has been banished from the land

Vandalism shouts slogans with swollen chest

Arrogance walks everywhere with lifted chin!

Xavier Bage

Mon, March 12, 2018