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The day we longed for
when we would be free
with no yelling headmasters
and teachers to see The day when we would
sit on the stairs and the grass
on the lawns and the canteens
but occasionally in the class With no monitor screaming
to keep us quiet, persuading us to be
in the class
no compulsory attendance first day
in the morning
making us reach the school fast no bunking periods or taking holidays
no roaming around in corridors
no talking aloud, running, loafing
in groups of four Finally here comes the day when we enter the hallowed interiors
of an engineering college
a college of repute and distinction
of excellence and brilliance
a bit of tension, circumspection as we take the plunge But what is this?
a ninety degree salute to the sirs and ma'ams
and a song and dance in deference to
their honourary whims
"And I'll do whatever you say my Excellency"
as I'm a criminal bound by your wishes Because I've committed a crime to be born later than you
and to surrender myself to your esteemed
fancies and notions
to be in complete agreement of your dastardly acts
with complete pride and devotion And here comes the day? And we are seen quite happy and excited
hopping around, answering questions
about biology (!) and life sciences
about the various modes of reproduction and its nuances What does this all give?
a sense of power, domination
a feeling of being superior
by making another person fall to your feet
and you in the driver's seat A sense of confusion prevails
all over and about
with humans stooping low enough
to give the devil a rout And we thought colleges make
men out of boys
mature, understanding, considerate
but strangely we seem to
see more toddlers of late by Karan Chatrath
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