MATCHBOX

I Refused To Die

When I refused to die

my chains were loosened

I came out

Into the vast meadows

Smiling at the leaves of grass

My smile caused intolerance in them

I was shackled again

Again, when I refused to die

tired of my life

my captors released me

I walked out

into the lush green valleys under the rising sun

smiling at the tossing blades of grass

Infuriated by my undying smile

They captured me again

I still stubbornly refuse to die

The sad thing is that

They don’t know how to make me die

Because I love so much

The sounds of growing grass

Patience

Have a little patience;

our courage alone keeps us alive

to a bright breaking dawn.

My love, my freedom,

raise the burning torch

in your hand a little higher.”

-Professor G N Saibaba wrote to his wife, Vasantha.

Why Do You Fear My Way So Much?

O Pundit,
O Mulla,
I’m not an atheist
for I don’t preach ungodliness
as my profession.

I’m not an agnostic
for I don’t carry a basketful
of doubts on my head.

I’m not your secularist
for I don’t stand
at the crossroads of all religions.

I’m not a rationalist
for I don’t use
the logic of pure reason.

I’m not a heretic
for my business isn’t
to chase after your orthodox ways
to worship and life.
Kabir says,
           He’s a messenger of love for people
           Why do you fear my way so much?

Excerpted from Why Do You Fear My Way So Much? – Poems and Letters from Prison by G.N. Saibaba, published by Speaking Tiger Books 2022.