Anuj Lugun, "Globe" (poem translated from Hindi)
And surveyed the Map
I began to search the writings
Of revered philosophers
And poets
Whose verses I could sing
But all that unfolded
Were lines drawn by merciless rulers
Traced with ink steeped in human blood
Lines on this site
And with the blood of people on this side
Lines on the other side
From the intricate web of intersecting lines
Upon Maps
I could trace no human visage
My neck tilted like a globe—
Tears welled in my eyes
Setting aside
All debates and discussions
I learned today
Why the globe’s neck is tilted
Translation assisted by ChatGPT