A Tourniquet for the Land

It’s a good business
If not for the extortion
If not for the intimidation

It’s been long
I have been working in this hospital
Right in the centre of Imphal
For my ilk, it’s the paradise
And the people, their slaying never suffice
And some maimed, some deranged
And some who looked they were hit by warheads!
And more sick souls on sickbeds
And the filthy liquid they shed
And my only spirit of service.

It’s a good business
If not for the extortion
If not for the intimidation
They say we are only bleeding
When we are only building
Tomorrow and beyond.
Get a tourniquet if all of you would chime
But I see only greed and lust that grime.

It’s a good business
If not for the extortion
If not for the intimidation
See, see it clearly here
There, there, these are mere fluids
Of hate and pain and avarice
And if you would still say it’s real blood
Tattoo my forehead:
People are gods in a democracy.