Basic Amenities

a poem by Janakiraman Ra

It is not at all acceptable or imaginable
That a country sending satellites into space
And much advanced in nuclear technology
Can’t provide a regular drinking water supply
That won’t be in unpredictable intervals
Keeping citizens guessing with empty vessels!

A country proud of showing Mohen-ja-daro’s
Drainage system is not able to provide
A well built stagnation free drainage system
That won’t cause unbearably nauseating smells
And generously permit mosquitoes to multiply
Spreading many kinds of strange diseases!

Ancient saints who professed a philosophy
Telling wise men to treat flower and filth at par
Would not have expected that drainage water
And many chemicals of disturbing odour
Would at times get mixed up with drinking water
In the water supply system of their great country!