Let me breathe

written 3 June 2020

Eyes full of mist
Cuffs on my wrist
Lungs set to collapse
For free air as I gasp
These aches and sores
Have happened before
Stop crushing me underneath
Let me breathe… Let me breathe…

Mouth on fire
Life on the wire
When the food I did find
Did not know of cruel mind
That gives an innocent pain
Laying death traps insane
For my baby in my sheath
Let me breathe… Let me breathe…

Brutes on the beat
Drag me by my feet
Violate my being
Treat as a plaything
When they are brought to book
I am blamed for being lure hook
The weariness of being aggrieved
Let me breathe… Let me breathe…

Why do you hit
For every little bit
Drew water for my thirst
Can’t fathom your outburst
Who decided that you are dear?
Who decided that I am impure?
My living you turn into grief
Let me breathe… Let me breathe…

You treat me as soil
While enjoying my toil
I ensure your comfort
By cleaning your dirt
But when I was in need
You refused to pay heed
The road seems endless beneath
Let me breathe… Let me breathe…

Sometimes you pinch
Sometimes you lynch
If not for sickly honour
You will find a rumour
You have hit where you could
Yet stake claim on victimhood
Stop lying through your teeth
Let me breathe… Let me breathe…

In a world vindictive
Empathy is selective
Go beyond choosy pity
Reclaim human personality
Throw away all excuses lame
We are all born one and same
Don’t bury humanity under the hate wreath
Let everyone breathe… Let everyone breathe

- Pravin Sabnis
3 June 2020