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| A protester marches next Chicago police mounted patrols on Michigan Avenue during a NATO summit demonstration in Chicago, Saturday, May 19, 2012. Security has been high throughout the city in preparation for the summit, where delegations from about 60 countries will discuss the war in Afghanistan and European missile defense. (AP Photo/ Nam Y. Huh) |
Blinded by the cacophony,
with tongues and ears left by the wayside,
dulled senses rotting away,
while all traces of empathy,
swirl into the gutter.
Willingly mute,
gleefully blind,
embracing the soundlessness of a billion cries.
Blind.
Mute.
Deaf,
consciences left to rot,
heartless and mindless,
as the promises turn into rust,
with all traces of empathy,
swirling into the endless gutters,
while the flag of freedom limply flutters,
in the impotent breeze.
Mute. Deaf. Blind.
Afzal Moolla was born in New Delhi, India while his parents were in exile, fleeing Apartheid South Africa. His father Mosie Moolla represented the African National Congress (ANC) in India, Egypt and Finland. Afzal returned to South Africa following the unbanning of the ANC and the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. He works and lives in Johannesburg, and shares his literary musings with his most strident critic--his 12 year old cat.
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