Dying Declaration

By Anjana Nair

I forgive the unmasked
Who thronged the malls, theatres and beaches
Consuming the pleasures
As if there is no afterward

I forgive the travellers
Who toured tracing territories
trespassing the rules –
Written and unwritten

I forgive the crowds
Devouring the words spilling out of a *neta
Who somehow seems to care less-
For us and ours

I forgive the police
Who had already forgiven those
Breaking the law and dancing to the tunes
Of careless rhythm

I forgive the election commission
Who forgot to enforce protocols
With more fervour and passion
Rules, were there for a reason!

I forgive the governments
Who made us sitting ducks,
Failing to make arrangements – Oxygen and beds
On time, for me and the likes

I forgive the airs
That carried the virus,
Into my lungs – choking me,
And squeezing life out of me

And I forgive my lungs
For failing me

I forgive my mouth
For gasping….

I forgive everyone failing me

I forgive myself……

*Neta –Political leader

India is battling the second wave of Corona virus. The hospital beds are filled. Health workers are strained. Oxygen and antiviral medicines are becoming scarce. Laxity on the side of the people in following protocols and the authorities in conducting an election amidst this pandemic were also reasons for this spike.

It is a bad time in India where covid has peaked for the second time, this time being worse than the first. It is a common sight now to see people gasping for breath and ambulance plying across streets in search for a hospital or a doctor. Death has become so much a possibility than life now.