I lived in her charismatic shadow all my life –
Guarding her halo of beauty, fame, and power;
I’ve bided my time to step on the political stage
Coaching myself under a pretentious cover.
The greenroom provided a great view of the drama,
Lending me ample light to nurture my own exposure –
As if my life’s film I was developing in the dark room,
I came to public light when her life’s show was over.
My dreams and ambitions I kept tightly wrapped
In a thick blanket – of a stoic, silent demeanor:
Even as I fanned my families lofty aspirations
With resolute determination sans a nervous tremor.
The loyal hearts of Tamil Nadu scorned at me
For scheming against their beloved CM – Amma Jayalalitha;
But they didn’t know I, Sasikala, was her shadow,
So someday my fame and face might precede her in posters.
People, why didn’t someone tell me – ambition, grit, willpower
Aren’t enough, in this murderous race for power:
If education, experience and wisdom are not your teachers –
A solid baton of trust is binding to run a race you’ve hankered.
Please refer to the links below for the socio-political context of my poem…
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38965726
