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These poems cover political subjects, from the sad end of Mahima in Bangladesh to the demise of Vieira de Mello, “the UN’s top man in Iraq”. All ten poems were published in the superb offline magazine, Left Curve (#28, #29, 2004, 2005).

A Victim of Democracy

Based on the death of Mahima, who was violated by ruling party student activists because her father and ‎brother belonged to the opposition. She killed herself on February 19, 2002. ‎



Thirteen, she dreamt of love among her chores;‎
Indifferent to politics, she had
Seen them excited on election day;‎
It would be years before she could marry
Or vote. She had no concept of the state
And civilisation; then the boys came
From the ruling party and taught her all
These things in one humiliating night. ‎
Technology abetted lessons; her
Pictures spread through the village like a fire.‎
The Id unleashed through democratic rule,‎
She saw the face of evil, and His love;‎
When nation’s best minds turn away from Him, ‎
What can a young girl do? They found her hanging, too.‎

[Read more poems at the link below]