Today, I cast my vote

For a secular, peaceful and inclusive India

Picture credit: Mariyam’s ink-stained nail after voting in general elections, 2019.

Today, I cast my vote

Against hatred.

That walks our streets like a mad hungry dog

Growling at every stranger it sights

Biting anyone it dislikes

Forcing us to mind our paths,

Monitor our steps and choke our voices.

Barring us to claim our streets, our days and nights.

..

Today, I cast my vote.

Against fear.

That has turned into our shadows.

Lurking behind, tracing our identities,

A woman. A Dalit. A Muslim.

Anyone who doesn’t fit the bill.

Of being enough of an Indian.

Of being enough to simply live.

..

Today, I cast my vote.

Against inequality.

The hand that snatches grain from the farmer,

Starving her land, her family, her life.

Only to feed those that sit in ivory towers,

So they could keep your coffers alive.