Shadows of the Unheard

Every time my thoughts arise, A whisper of regret, a silent cry— "I could have prepared more for this single fight," "I could have put more effort, battled through the night." Is it a crime to be unreserved in this land, Where merit is weighed by an unseen hand? With the same marks, another takes my place, While I’m left behind in this ruthless race. Can’t marks be compared with marks alone? Why must our caste decide the throne? We have no caste, but we know hunger’s bite, We have no caste, but we’re out of sight. Poor in wealth, poor in hope, Yet the system leaves us no rope. When will this caste be uprooted, torn apart, From the education that could mend my heart? I am broken, in pieces, torn, Another year, another dawn, Sitting at home, waiting to fight, Hoping to crack the darkness with light.