A Moment of Solace.

The sun cast its glory sheath and reddish glow

Her work, half done and yet still more

Cut cane growing ripe and wrinkles grow

Day after day, her windy life she bore.

Yet every afternoon, after a lonely meal,

At the edge of the paddy fields, she just stood.

A moment of thought, she chose to steal,

And think of nothing, her tired soul’s only food.

In all his holiness, and pure air,

His duties performed and plants watered,

All deities worshipped and given their share

Little to eat, some rest, but sleep shattered.

Disturbed by dreams, by their redness

Night after night, burning amidst flames

Through the window, he chose to gaze,

At distant cold stars and their naughty games.

Long beyond the village, after the pond,

Started the river; flowing gently

And by the river, swayed the palm grove

To all secrets the river told, quietly.

In the heat of summer, for a short time

Always, the river died until sky’s end

Though burnt by lightning and no fruit to bear

The palm grove stood, awaiting his river friend.

Paintings by Baburao Painter, Anjolie Ela Menon and Indra Dugar

Courtesy: http://www.delhiartgallery.com/