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If Only...
(If Kipling wrote a sequel after a hundred years,
I hope he wouldn't kill me)
If only Kipling's song had a sequel for our times
For each age has its own peculiar rhythms and rhymes
So here goes my quirky tale of his mighty "If"
I have added the "only" to bring out the diff
If only the first waft of mud smelt the same
Since the shelters are common for that rain
If only the street smells of various mix
And we took the roses along with the bricks
If only the signal turned red and the foot
Slammed the pedal with the shiny little boot
And smiled at the androgyne who came for some alms
And gave a chunk of goodness, placing it in their palms
If only the board room heroes in the dark coats
Took home a lesser chunk of printed notes
And thanked the guy who filled their glasses
And made better deals for the bulging masses
If only the conference room heads of state
Cut down on weapons, bombs and objects of hate
And thought about those shivering in gutters
Then thy could think clear, not always shutter
If only the protectors of ancient faith
Thought the human message of the turning lathe
That works nonstop, making machines from the raw
Their wards could face life full, and take it on their jaw
If only Kipling were here and see his hundred meter dash
Reduced to a melee where driving is a rash
I doubt whether he could write a better "If"
For I suspect he too would be scared stiff !
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