The Dark Ages - A Turnaround

Written for Round 5 of the Slam! (Item ID:554585)

Prompt: Lights on/Lights Off

The Dark Ages - A Turnaround

Celebrate:
The turning on of lights
of awareness, knowledge and education,
of erudition, advancement and enlightenment!

These lights were off for long,
Blinking hesitantly at times --
Their brightness lost in ignorance,
Their burning put out by an infestation
Of prejudice --
Against the upliftment of humanity.

Scholars battling an unknown enemy --
The enemy within their own lot;
Subjects bearing the yoke of hardship,
Knowing not their future lay in darkness --
Despair and degradation imprinted on their minds
And defeat reflecting in their jaded eyes.

But now, things are changing ...
The curtains are lifting,
The mist is clearing --
People! Rejoice!
The light hurtling towards you is pure, unblemished
Truth. Knowledge. Wisdom.
Celebrate
The switching on of lights and advance!

© Dr. Taher Kagalwala, 2004