The poem is based on the theme of portable monuments and wandering streets. It is about the issue of slavery and how it has changed over time. Yet, the problems related to slavery remain the same – lack of education, poverty and so on. The persona of Dred Scott has been used by the poet to elaborate the evil of slavery, with a special emphasis on race. Scott is a well-known name in the African-American struggle for abolishment of slavery. Apart from this, the conditions of Dalits in southern India, particularly Kerala, has also been explored.
These days mixed in
red, black and white,
with drops of rain,
thunder and drought
along the brackish
lagoons of the Malabars
me and Dred Scott.
We have seen enough
of crabs, frogs and
mud-skippers.
Together we tried to
write an epitaph.
We moved from
village to village,
from misery to misery.
But how and where?
Alas!
Cried Dred Scott,
“Read”.
His voice echoed
in the carpets of Cassava,
Banana and Yam.
The Terns, the Darters
the Cormorants
led their ears.
Heard the Pandarus,
Otters and Turtles.
“Open the doors
of freedom to knowledge,
read, write and become.
Make a country
of your choice”
Cried Dred Scott and me,
The doors closed and
a helpless smell of
country liquors filled
the air around us.
Blood of helpless women
seeped out through the doors
and thousand burnt bodies
rolled down the streets.
Yesterday was the last day
for Dred, he said we have lost.
He showed me
St. Louis Circuit Court
moving with us every moment
everywhere.
Dred went back and
left with me his words.
I felt for a while
that the lips of death
has kissed upon me
and then a while
I found myself
amidst life again
I heard someone saying
from within :
I shall , I shall , I shall
Again and Again
Fight for freedom.
