Kamal Ghorui
1. Smog paints the sky, leaving it covered with sores,
Cities and towns suffer, rivers and ponds cough.
The world breathes in the pain, in smog that’s bad,
When will people awaken, amazed by green?
Should I pull it out, add something great, or let it run wild?
Leaves quietly weep, trees stand dry and pale,
Health moves like the ocean’s waves.
Livelihood and the future fade, in a thick, hazy cloud—
Is there any way to end the Earth’s dark time?
2. Slow hands that throw litter, tired little feet,
Bring a lot of pain to our city,
Their breath echoes, their eyes look lifeless,
Brighten the sky and make everyone feel right.
Children are the future of every country,
They are the most important gift,
A treasure to enjoy, a joy to feel.
They bring love, happiness, and fun,
Clearing their hearts and minds of haze and smog.
3. Motorists drive slowly near the smoggy city or the kiker tree,
Grass-seekers walk through the banks of the Black river or
Through the drains near the Yamuna, or through those of the barren Aravilis,
Lights shine in the mist that hangs over the Akshardham Temple or
The Red Fort,
Students walk the city streets in their woolen clothes,
Stephanian, IITian, JNU students, LSRians, Presidencians;
The hostels on the campuses are smoggy or up in the bush, or
With lovers hiding behind the bushes,
Unaware of the dark smog, flying low and high,
In the city, all are affected by this black haze.
4. At home on the hills of Aravalis or in the woods of Faridabad, or the
Yamuna farm,
Comrades of JNU, namazis of Jama-Masjid, (taking over public spaces),
Workers of railways and union leaders, workers of all kinds who shake hands, and enjoy drink, meat and gambling,
Comrades of Raiseena Hills, comrades of Ashoka Road, (loving their power),
A teacher, farmer, clerk, mechanic, artist, constable, student, leaders,
Lawyer, judge, prisoner, priest, physician, scantily-clad women, street wanderers,
All waiting for the light from heaven to fall, a bright light,
All teaching us endurance, brotherhood and care,
And pretending to show us the meaning of life, in the darkness.
5. However, darkness is unstoppable, the cycle of life can’t be cleared by dark smog,
So let’s live and fight it with care and bravery,
And give it a proper response from the people around,
For people are the future and the present too,
A blessing to the nation, a gift to society,
The strength of the stars, a bright lie,
A country of free-loaders, where hard work takes flight,
Leaders promise everything, on screen and in rallies,
But behind the scenes, the real story is of smog and haze.
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