16 Days of Activism | Entry 6

I Did Ask You Nicely 

Sudeep Pagedar 

Sir,
I have nothing more to say –
at least not to you 

Would you kindly let me go? 

you will call my parents! wait,
how old 

do you think I am? 

Been around for a while now, not new to this place 

you don’t like me? I don’t need you to. 

Sir – I use this term very lightly –
if who I am offends, 

you need only close your eyes. 

will you please let me go? 

“Justice is Blind”?
I knew you’d say that!
but in my mind,
justice is blinded
a hot poker pushed through unbelieving eyes 

the blindfold is appropriate – you should wear one too, but I can see
you already are 

Now listen. 

I am not Kejri or Anna, there will be no dharna But when I tire of
this detention, 

I only hope you remember: I did ask you nicely. 

End Note: These are the words of an unnamed individual. Gender, age, religion unknown. Someone who is tired of oppression, and speaks with a politeness born of exhaustion. However, this is also the point at which we realise that this person’s resolve has not diminished, and from this point on, it can only keep getting stronger. It is, at worst, an idealist’s dream, and at best, a nightmare for an oppressive entity! 

(As part of 16 days of activism, we invited entries on Life of Sexual Minorities. We will be showcasing more in the days to come. Watch this space)