The Crowd

There is an invisible spark in every crowd
Powerful enough to create a new life
It takes the shape of an animal
And, it keeps the mortals caged inside

Sometimes, it is a Lion
The generous spirit that respects even its kill
enough to carefully cover the leftovers with twigs
An offering, a gift,
left behind for the hungry beasts

Sometimes, it is a sheep
They bleat about the generous master
And, his gift - new shearing scissors

Sometimes, it is a squirrel
Well, all it does is squirreling
No one knows what they want
And, they don't care to find out
where they want to go

Sometimes it can be a hyena
And, everyone becomes no one
No one lynched him
No one raped the girl
No one bullied him to suicide

Let's teach our children
The secret of the crowd
That will help them to live without masks
Masters of their fate and slaves to none

Children, if you are in a crowd
Be the ones who add more light
Speak out even when it seems to matter little
Stand up and raise your voice
Don't whistle at her, this is not what we do
Don't push him down, this is not us
Words spoken in an elementary school
could change the story of everyone
So, be happy on your own
But, if needed in a crowd
Be ready to be its soul

-Sajithra