THIRD DAY AFTER FLOOD

THIRD DAY AFTER FLOOD

Third day of

the night of the flood-

remembrance day.

Rotting bird carcass

in the valley-

drowned god

of aerial beings.

Here's a sandalwood tree

for the village beauty

lost in the currents;

Now, a 'paala' tree

for that hussy

of wet dreams;

Freshly blooming 'champaka'

for the cute kid

wasted by waves;

Tamarind of memories

for that pregnant girl

died of terror;

a dog's burial

under that poison tree

for the thug who

terrorized all

unbecoming pyre

off barren mango tree

for the old man razed

along with his hut;

And still-

a secret burial,

unknown to the shepherd,

for the never-returning herd

under boulders displaced

from the mountains.

(Notes: Several parts of this country were recently rattled by severe floods and landslides causing tragic consequences.

'Paalamaram” is a tree supposed to possess mysterious seductive properties, housing the supernatural temptress known as “Yakshi”, who would suck the blood of her victim, after satiating her hellish lust. Sientifically named “alstonia scholaris”, it emits heavy, sleep-inducing smell at night. 'Champaka' is a sweet smelling tree of lovable properties.)