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Day 8: B for Balance

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Put the books on your head,
And walk in a straight line, they said.
If you learn this balancing act,
You would lead a life of impact.

I asked, what if I tilt towards the right,
And become pro-business overnight?
What if I look to the left,
And start complaining about the capitalist theft?
Shhh, they said, no rightist, no leftist,
If anyone asks, you are just a balanced centrist.

How about, I wondered, my opinion on feminism,
I believe in equality, but not in activism.
What about politics, which way to lean?
Can I be a red without being mean?
Just balance the damn books, they said,
It's not so important if you are blue or red.

What if someone asks me about my phone?
Would my cover be blown,
If I tell them I hated Apple all my life,
I just think Android has better design.
Oh man, they cried, you are a danger,
If anyone asks, say you can't talk to strangers.

Can I atleast be honest and tell everyone
That french fries without ketchup is no fun?
That its blasphemous to assume otherwise
Who even eats these plain salted fries?
Hmm, they said, maybe you can.
But what if you're handed a French Fries Association ban?

I threw the books and shouted,
Who made these rules you don't want flouted?
What if I am born politically wrong?
Why would it make me any less strong?
Hurry, pick up the books quick, they whispered.
The bibliophiles are offended, we heard!

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Comments

  1. Vishal BheerooWednesday, April 03, 2019

    Superb poetry Preeti...in your face and a dash of chilly breaking all hypocrisy.

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  2. AnupamWednesday, April 03, 2019

    I loved this poem! It started talking about general things (such as political positions) and got more concrete with every stanza (with smartphones and french fries).

    There are few better ways of calling out the plague of "political correctness" than poetry laced with irony and satire.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DIWednesday, April 03, 2019

    Haha! You are turning into quite the poetess Preeti :D And so, so understandable :D Any opinion is bound to offend someone for sure, so chilling in the middle does seem the most comfortable option anyway. I am no where in the centre for anything, but I do keep which I am swaying to myself most of the time !

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    Replies
    1. PreetiWednesday, April 03, 2019

      Who would have thought, huh! Every night at 11:30 pm, I suddenly remember I have to write and I type on my phone. I realised it's easier to type short poems than long posts. It started like that, but now I am beginning to enjoy this! :D

      Delete

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