A POETIC INCLINATION.

The place where optimism most flourishes is probably the lunatic asylum. And in a poet’s heart. It is said that a poet is a sentimental fool. All poets may be sentimental but fools they are definitely not! Which is why the Indian Prime Minister is bent upon giving ‘peace another chance’. Whether he proves to be third time lucky, remains to be seen.

A few years ago, rationality had prompted a few sentimental but wise German heads to get together to wrack and ruin the Berlin Wall. However, to bring down the Great Wall of Partition is not an easy task. Even though ‘Trains to Pakistan’ continue their routes to and fro, very often faltering in their political tracks, they often tend to ram into this invisible barrier. And ever since I remember, this Wall has shown no signs of disintegration whatsoever. A few bricks were indeed dislocated when a certain bus had advanced towards Lahore with great fanfare, trying to wind its friendly way into the heart of its citizens. A few more were dislodged when an affable Summit was held against the friendly backdrop of the Taj, in an attempt to redefine that universal epitome of love. But despite the noble or whatever intentions, these momentary elements were immediately cemented back. This time, even stronger than before!

It is very easy for us to blame it all on political intrusion. But a silent battle is waged in many a civilian heart whenever there is an Indo-Pak clash- be it on the sporting fields or on the battlefront. What is it about Pakistan that we hate so much? And what is it about India that Pakistan cannot stand? The only obvious reasons would be (or should be) Kashmir, Kashmir and Kashmir. Not to mention the little bit of ego involved. So if and when the Kashmir issue is solved, shouldn’t the Wall automatically crumble? Or will the one-upmanship still continue to flourish with bigger divides like Religion, Religion and Religion? For a moment, let us explore ourselves, not as Hindustanis and Pakistanis or Hindus and Muslims but as sensible individuals, each with a reasonable mind and a rational heart. Is it so difficult for us to replace war, hate and ego with peace, hope and humility? If the enemy lies within us, waiting to be triggered off by inane skirmishes, what do we need cross border terrorism for?

Everyone knows by now that a war is not the answer to every question. If it was, then all the time we were probably asking the wrong question. Everyone knows that Nuclear weapons are not the solution to every problem. If it were, then with just one hateful explosion, the root to every problem on earth would have been deracinated. And everyone also knows that this Wall of Divide is even superior to the Great Wall of China- the reasons being pretty obvious enough.

First of all, it was created not for the purpose of divide but was purposely created by the divide and rule policy. Second of all, it stands on the foundations of Religion and Politics. Third of all, it is built not with bricks and mortar but hatred and enmity. And fourth of all, it is only an imaginary wall. But most important of all, it is much easier to construct a wall than it is to build a bridge. And all things put together, I am afraid it does seem a Herculean task.

Nature knows no boundaries. Like a creeper that involuntarily stretches out its tendrils to hang onto whatever comes in its way be it a tall tree or the neighbour's compound. Sport knows no boundaries. Like a cricket ball that swings out with force and runs along the green field, regardless of where the energy propels it to move. Animals know no boundaries. Like a tiny bird that soars above the sky or a shark that glides along the depths of the Ocean, both feeling the forces of freedom beneath their bodies. Then why should human beings have walls separating them? Imaginary or whatever!

The only answer to this simple question lies in our myopic and clouded vision. And the earlier it is cleared the better it is- for the sake of humanity. When a leader brandishes his ‘arms’ the world sees it as a threat. When a poet holds them out, it is but to embrace humankind. Would that the wise and the learned ascertain their responsibilities once and for all. And would that every Head in the world have the heart of a poet! Undoubtedly then, there would be less of imaginary walls to scale. And more of concrete bridges to traverse!

Nargis Natarajan.