Glorious were those days
The entire country loved me
They kept me on their lips
They kept me on their tongue
They kept me in their heart.

I was knowledge for scientists
I was ladder for doctors
I was treasure for scholars
I was everything for lawyers.

I lived in the Factories
I lived in the Libraries
I lived in the Schools
I lived in the Plantation.

All loved me and cared me
All said I am young and pretty
Alas they, the Traders with guns
Arrived in my land of peace.

Feared was I seeing those guns
For the reason they had no heart
Forced me to marry those grooms
Few children I had in that.

Pidgin one and Pidgin two
Pidgin three and Pidgin four
With whims fancies they put names

Now I am old
Can’t run fast as earlier
Can’t eat full as earlier
Can’t sleep well as earlier
Can’t see well as earlier

Gone those days and I heard people saying
Good for nothing and still living
Can’t you go and die somewhere
Yes, I know that I am Dying
Nobody needs me anymore
Last night I didn’t sleep
Thinking over and over what my role is.

Decided to leave my country and people
Mother for years for whom I was
Wished to pay a last visit of that
Public library my homely place.

The library looked so pretty
With garbage truck parked at the porch!!!
Tons and tons of books being loaded
Tears after tears rolled out from eyes

Treasure of knowledge those books are
Don’t you know, I shouted and screamed
Cool down; cool down, the librarian smiled
Didn’t you read today’s newspaper?

Your treasure is worth garbage now
The last speaker died yesterday.
Your treasure is worth garbage now
The last speaker died yesterday.

~Abhiram -09~

Sources:

Original Composition: Written by Team Member, Abhiram