A Free Man Poetry by Murlidhar Translated by Jam Jamali

A FREE MAN

I am not a bull,

wearing leathern goggles,

to whirl around a well,

I am not a 16^th century’s slave,

to act as an oarsman,

in a slave ship,

I am not a benighted bride,

sold for marriage,

in return of money,

I am not a serf,

held hostage with family,

to work on a feudal lord ’s farm,

I am not a listless laborer,

to work day and night,

in an industry,

of a capitalist,

I am not even

ascetic Gotum,

to remain recluse

from mundane matters.

 I am quite conscious of

my problems and rights,

I am a free man!!

I am a free man!!

Poetry by:             Murlidhar

Translated by:     Jam Jamali