Washed Away

[Just back from a 4 day visit to flood affected areas in Bihar]

What can you say

To people whose lives have been washed away?

The river rushes in with a roar

Smashes through walls

Ploughs through the village

Destroys your fields, crops, animals, livelihood

Takes away your home

Washes away titles, deeds, ration cards,

driving licences, birth certificates

bank records

Obliterates your identity

What can you say?