THE EMPIRE

This is my air-conditioned cabin

as long as I am here, it is my own.

This is my chair

as long as I am here, it is my own.

And

this is my table

this paper weight

and flower-vase

are mine now.

Before me

all these were properties of another persons

how many came

and owned them

I keep no numbers.

I am the king of this

empire now

all others in this 10 storeyed

empire

are my sub-ordinates

whatever I order

whatever I need

whatever innovations

to be made

whatever reforms to

be undertaken

the decision is mine only.

Mind you all,

as long as I am here, this is my empire

The cabin had

many stories to tell me,

the chair had many stories to tell me,

the table had many stories to tell me,

each still continues to

tell me

whenever I become

free, relaxed and comfortable.

The cabin says

The chair says

The table says

none,

except me had taken care of

them

none

except me

recognized their existence

none

except me

bid them goodbye

they came one day

went another day

without even looking back

at them

we were big zeroes.

Whenever I am free and relaxed

all of them tell me

‘when you go for good

don’t forget

at least to turn back and bid adieu

we too have sentiments

emotions, identities sir.’