I hear a whisper in my ear that a new king has been crowned.

I jump in elation and dance to the palace,

With the hope that his reign would be different from his predecessor’s.

I anticipate that an ordinary subject like me will finally experience equality.

Over a decade now, our kingdom has become one that only favours the subjects,

Who are either affiliated with the king or his council of elders.

Subjects who are unfamiliar to the throne struggle to get the needed attention,

Or activities done at various institutions of the kingdom.

It takes a few days for a friend of the palace to be delivered certain services,

While it takes weeks for an ordinary subject to attain the same services.

Subjects who are able-bodied and capable of executing specific labour are being ignored,

While subjects who are incapable are being chosen due to their familiarity with the king.

The welfare of our kingdom is gradually declining as the misplacement of abilities keeps soaring.

This single act has left many in distress and others, under duress.

These marginalized subjects continue to wonder why they are being treated differently,

Even though they pay the same homage to the king and the kingdom, just as the favoured subjects.

They grit their teeth and dwell in pain, with despair gushing all over their body.

They cannot help but wish they were born in a different kingdom.

A kingdom that will recognize them as sons and daughters of the land.

A kingdom that will provide them with equal opportunities,

Regardless of their relationship with the throne.

A kingdom, which will not cause chaos amongst its youthful and vibrant subjects.

Favouritism of this sort is something I never envisioned.

Even though I know not when it began,

I continue to remain optimistic that it will soon end.

I am optimistic that this new king and many others after him,

Will consciously work towards changing this narrative.

Only then will our kingdom flourish; and subjects will swim in contentment,

With their confidence in the throne restored once again.