Such was the oratory of the day

That as the syllables smashed

A thud was heard in the market-place—

The price of onions crashed.

 

So fierce were the masticated words,

And so vigorously deployed,

That idle millions glued to them

Felt they were all employed.

 

So threatening was the demeanour,

So  puissant the command

That the enemy crumbled at the knees,

As guns went limp in their hand.

 

And the silences were potent too,

With due regard to hustings;

The Lynchers know they need  not fear

The consequence of their bustings.

 

Women, Dalits, Minorites

May not have been in the peroration,

Such matters, after all, are low

On a day of celebration.

 

Such was the oratory of the day

That carpers all fell silent,

While nation-builders flexed some more

Their loyal muscles violent.

---