The Human Automaton

I walk alone in the crowd

Head tall, platinum hair trailing

My face a metallic mask

I walk alone in the crowd. 

Each step a victory

Marching in timely masses

I walk alone in the crowd

Raise my arm upright

A selfie salute against all

I walk alone in the crowd

Clanging steps follow

Involuntarily my pace quickens

I walk alone in the crowd

My clattering breath throbs 

Feet by feet grows the row

I walk alone in the crowd

The patter of an anonymous

Army bangs and brags

I walk alone in the crowd

The raucous stampede 

Is almost on me now 

I walk alone in the crowd

It is too late

To escape my fate

I walk alone in the crowd

For the last time

Multitude bullets shoot

I walk alone in the crowd

The ravenous mob catches

Me in their clutches

I walk among the dead

Gleam in dreams of dull grey

Heaven or cherubic hell

I walk among the crowd

Am I no longer human

My robotic steps march on

I am the crowd

A coil in the machine

We are all robots now

Bio

Chantal Ratnayeke

Poetry is the rainbow lens which I view the world around myself. As a poet, I analyse socio economic problems to provide alternative solutions or narratives. T​​o raise awareness through my poetry about environmental degradation and Human Rights issues.

Presently, as a law graduate who is deeply moved by the adversity faced by different communities in Sri Lanka. My vision is to compile a poetry chapbook on themes of feminism, humanity, anti-racism, redemption and queer possibility. The importance of my discourse is giving the voiceless a voice.