Poetry

Intellectuals are gifted with supernatural power,
Of justifying their espousal even of convienience
Even with ideas n principles they may accept never
And though it may cause breach of their conscience.

Every ruler, may he be despot or gem of governance
Requires his pack of intellecuals to impart guidance.
Thy project the ruler and his system as egalitarian.
Adroitly they can do it by dividing whole population.

As an exception to the rule are diehard intellectuals
Who may prefer extinction for belief and principles.
They are though side tracked by cunning brethren,
Who overshadow them with fractured perceptions.

History has often witnessed intellectuals' pliability
When despotic rules shatter their cherished integrity.

                      -----Ratnakar  D  Mandlik