A mother sings a lullaby.
In the moonlight
stars sparkle
over the Jhelum.
A father walks outside
to lock the gate.
And looks across the bund
on to the silent river,
black as night.
Footsteps in the dark
Stomp, crush
Tar and leaves
Dry as paper.
Where are they headed?
He wonders
and hurries back inside.
The night becomes darker.
Even stars hide
as boots approach.
They march.
Through the town,
Boy soldiers
Toy soldiers.
Wielding guns and grenades
and
their swagger.
Rap. Tap. Rap. Tap
The teachers house
His father’s house
The doctor’s house
His mother’s house.
His brother’s house
A traitor’s house.
Wind carries over the dark river.
And rustles through
the still of night.
His silent scream
reaches their ears.
Whose side are you on?
Speak!
The country waits.
Our leader waits.
Blood will flow
on our side and theirs.
maya mirchandani 
A beautiful and moving poem!! My heart and mind are with people of Kashmir, whose right of free speech has been taken away now. … May a new hopeful day come soon for people of Kashmir when the voices of the oppressed people cannot be suppressed by anyone…
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