Independence- Survive or Thrive

The true Independence of my nation 

Is the 'independence' from really what? 

Just from some other country on map

Or there is more meaning to that

Soldiers have kept us safe 

But is our goal is to just survive? 

So tell me what kind of country

Will you like to build- to thrive

A country that I like to grow in

Is a place with mission to prosper

Compassionate and courageous

‘Independent- one nation’

In my vision of this nation

Women have equal rights to progress 

Live without fear of rape or abuse

They can express without judgement 

 

People with physical and mental challenges 

Are given love and care they deserve

Here they are essential  part of society 

With their own vision and purpose 

Where poor have path to reach higher goals

In this beautiful ‘nation of Just’

Avenue of progress is not resisted 

Instead uplifted to meet what is must

Where each and every individual of this homeland

Is not treated differently by color of their skin

Neither by their standard of some materialistic living 

Nor by their racial nor religious creed

Environment is given top priority 

More than any capitalistic agenda

'Polluting' is treated as an offense 

'Clean and Green' is a new mantra

Where expression of thoughts and honest opinions 

Are welcomed from all - no exception

A free speech and journalism is boasted 

To keep accountability of those in power 

In this strong society of ours

Well being is based on nutrition and exercise 

Mental health is discussed with no taboo

And unhealthy corporate greed is set aside

Weak are supported by focusing on their strengths

Where humor is cherished and art is well paid

Communities thrive with a kind connection

A Wholesome mixture of science and faith

That’s the country worth living in

What do you say? Let's build it from within

Working to strive something better than just OK

As independence is precious but never free 

Praj101 

Here is a story of a woman

Back off - don't judge

As you are not her

You won't stand a chance with such a treacherous life 

You will fall down like a crippled broken kite

This is a story of a strong woman I know

Well in her sixties, weak and tired now

All her life she did things for others

And never raised her hand or raised her voice 

This woman got married and had few dreams of her own

And all she got was a broken empty pot 

She tolerated abuse as a part of her life

She did it for her kids- like a soldier in heart

She worked relentlessly at home and outside 

And now you ask why she didn't go her own separate ways

Would you have done the same with two kids in your lap

Or you would have sacrificed your happiness and stayed

She raised good kids without much of anyone's help

And at that time all you showed was an occasional Pity 

Now you shame her and make her feel guilty

As you expect more from this woman as her "duty"

 

You , her own society didn't care that time

Not a single one came forward and gave her a helping hand

Her life treated her as a worn out throw rug

And she bowed and never stood with her voice all along

And now she is a dependent "child"

Who is trained to ask permission for everything that she does

And to fulfill others needs now, you need some strength

And that strength was slowly taken away from her

So if you never helped then, then don't ask for more now

And keep your judgments solely to yourselves

As you are not as strong as she was once 

As you won't endure a thing that she did for others sake

praj101