Gross National Happiness

-Tumbehang Limbu

On your
Coronation day
There’s been carnival of trumpet and tribute
But those supporting you through taxes
The poor’s belly, strings to a sad melody.

On your
National day
Guests queue, from nation and abroad
Pictures get published
Of beautiful road and clean cities
On TVs and news portals
But the pioneer of road, the labourers
Repent without route permit
The workers, the pioneer of the nation, too
Sob in the corner at the court
Without an entry into the court of justice.

On your
Royal banquet and wedding
While the relatives and fillers
Celebrate to the fullest on the state coffer,
Loyal citizens of the nation
Are burdened with heavy debts on their head.

Your slogan of “Gross National Happiness”
All in the nude
Is ashamed in the dock of the world community.