SILENCE ZONE

Silence Zone :I

This is a ‘Silence Zone!

Horns and loudspeakers strictly prohibited’,

Warns a loud expensive sign board of

Police Station on the Indian Parliament Street.

 

Silence Zone :II

Rajasthan police stations greet

With their confidence-oozing

Blood red department motto

Declaring at their iron gates:

‘Trust among common men!

Fear among criminals!’

Silence Zone: III

A small brass plaque,

Daily deftly massaged,

Each word glistens

As  tiger’s canine teeth,

On station house officer’s dark table,

And underneath

Steely horse-shoe heeled black boots

Tapping hard on stone floor,

Assuring visitors,

Some smiling, most sobbing:

‘Buck Stops Here!’

M. Hasan

Jaipur, December 1, 2010