Sunday 13 August 2017

Celebrating India in Brussels!

Do you realise it is seventy years
Since Gandhi's cherished dream came true?*
Partition - post the Raj - brought tears
Subcontinent split into two ...

Bold, fabled India took her chance
The rift, so great, could not be healed
Freedom - with a boil to lance ...
It was no level playing field.

Migration on a giant scale
Death and horror in the ranks
British negotiations fail
The last Viceroy will get no thanks.

The teeming millions wave their flag
Proud of their destiny diverse
From scorching plains to upmost crag
Mother India comes first!

Brussels a festival now hosts
With Indian spices, food and tea
What exotic flavours it now boasts
With dancing in a big marquee.

Artistic, henna-painted hands
Strange music wafting through the park
India comprises many strands
And each today leaves its own mark.

Cinquantenaire in August sun;
Crowds gather eagerly and queue
Tastes east-of-Suez will be fun;
Who thinks what Indians went through?

(c) Poet in the woods 2017

Indian Festival in Brussels 12-13th August, 2017
* Indian Independence: August 15th, 1947






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