Outsider in My Own Terrain

I recited this poem at the 12th edition of gpif (Guntur International Poetry Festival) held on 19-20th September at Guntur Andhrapradesh, India

My ancestors lived a life of peace and tranquility

we had plenty to eat, drink and share

until you came to tell me "I am not enough"

only a tribal- uncivilized, and illiterate!

You  judge  me on your terms

why should your culture,  selfishness, greed

be held superior to my life attuned to nature?

why should we learn your tongue

while ours are slowly dying away

Malnutrition, infant mortalities galore

diseases of malaria, cholera, TB, Jaundice

are our lot on brushing with your "Great" civilization

insecure, displaced, disgraced,

we are now 'outsiders' in our own terrain!

Footnote: This is a wake up call to the Government to do more to rehabilitate our tribal population who are displaced physically and psychologically. 

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