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No Gurudev, with all due apologies,
And so much respect for your sonorous voice,
It won’t work that way.
‘Into that heaven of freedom, my Father,
Let my country awake?’
We can’t be caught sleeping.
Freedom, that inconstant sprite, slips away
To taunt other people’s dreams when we sleep.

Father, let my country keep vigil.
Mother, teach us to defend the freedom of others.
Everyone, ask this question:
If you and he and she and they aren’t free,
Is anyone free?

About The Author

Jerry Pinto

Jerry Pinto is an author, poet and translator. He teaches journalism in Mumbai. His most recent novel is The Education of Yuri