AN ODE TO 26/11/2008

AN ODE TO 26/11/2008*

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I salute those

massacred at CST

martyred at the TAJ

felled in the line of duty

facing military type attack

composure retained

in spite of barbaric brutality.

I salute

the brave commoner

saving lives, though horrified

the fire-fighter, the bravery personified

local policemen, who dared to fight back

seeking to pay back

the nanny who saved the child

when at Chabad,

terrorists had gone wild.

I salute

a widow watching her dreams shattered

“India should survive,” she thought,

“that is what most mattered.”

I salute

the day 26/11

withstanding the carnage

when everyone jumped in

to limit the damage.

I salute

the never say die spirit of Mumbaites

for resistance shown

making every effort to comfort

known or unknown.

Giving befitting reply to

sinister designs of Pakistan

India has always survived

because my country is known as

Bharat, also Hindustan.

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*A note from the poet :- The day 26 November 2008 still lingers. On this day Mumbai (financial capital of India) was attacked by Pakistan based and supported terror organisations. Approx 164 were dead and 308 wounded. Resilience shown by Indian paramilitary forces and citizens was remarkable.

*The poem has been published in 'Refreshing Writes'

images curtsy google.com