In India, public buses run rashly and involved in accidents and ply with impunity |
Whenever I see a bus standing by a police station I am reminded of General Dyer Facing the court-martial. It stands in silence like him Without a trace of remorse in its looks. On the contrary, it radiates pride For having sniffed out life To teach a lesson or two to the survivors About the superiority of six-footed fleet Over the less equipped pedestrians. No matter that the victim was within his right To slow down or decelerate, The giant is not supposed to slow down, look ahead or stop. It blows hell out of its horn Which in essence seems to convey: “I am not responsible for your life. Take heed and get out of my way… or else...” It longs to roll down The narrow, crowded, bumpy paths As it does on a highway. The moment the ignition key Kisses the slot to warm it up, It goes on a frenzy craving for the fourth gear Of course, it has the necessary clout at the appropriate level To escape its excesses with impunity. At the worst, it would be put out of action for a day or two. After that, Washing off its stains There goes another Dyer In search of headlines… A place in history. |