The War Against Terrorism in India

In India they are fighting terrorism
not with guns or x-ray machines
but with luggage and stamps

Even my empty pani tiffen has two stamped tags
my shoulder bag had to go back to security
to be restamped
while they made pooja over me with a metal detector
in the Ladies' Q

Like dirty water is good for you
if it is holy and blessed enough

In Madurai three hotels turned me down
as a single person with no luggage
Only terrorists are known
to travel alone
and not to be householders

I picture the terrorists cringing
under this onslaught of baggage and ink

If it fails maybe they will threaten them
with hunger strikes
and loincloths