Born Spectator

One infant grows up and becomes a Modi

Another settles down quietly with shaadi

This one the coveted circle hates to enter

That one gets a cabinet rank in the centre

I am just glad as glad can be

That I am not them, and they are not me

With all my heart I do admire

Politicians with their pneumatic tyre

And the flashing bulb on the roof

Also the hooter that’s foolproof

And the way they take each poll in gaudy pomp

And maim each opponent as they romp

My limp and bashful spirit feeds

On other people’s heroic deeds

You’d think my ego it would please

To vote to power one of these

Well, ego it might be pleased enough

But the queue at the booth is rough stuff

I’d rather be a spectator than cast the vote

For people who will only rock my life’s boat

Confession: This is a parody on Ogden Nash’s classical poem, The Confessions of a Born Spectator, inspired by Gujarat’s decision to make voting compulsory for all adult citizens.