Decree

 

Too weak and drained in the scorching sun
the poor man slumped to the ground
His miserable condition alarming none
for he rarely had anyone around

The Lord took pity and descended down
in the guise of an old man offering help
Took him in his arms without a frown
Gave him food to chew and wine to gulp

Carrying the poor man to a nearby grove
The old man laid him to rest for a while
Spraying cold water on his face from above
Asked him if he could wake up and return a smile

Getting up alive, the poor man was grateful
thanking profusely, asked how he could repay.
Handing him an axe, he uttered words hateful
“Cut off these trees, you will make me happy!”

Shocked, the poor man gazed left and right,
the green of the leaves and colours of the flowers
He could hear the young birds’ chirpy flight
and sense nature through shine and showers

Sheltering a host of animals, birds and bees
Isn’t this grove supporting life on earth?
I shouldn’t submit to destroy this peace
even if this devil takes away my breath.

Shaking in stubborn denial and standing firm,
threw the axe back at the old man’s feet.
“Don’t you think just ‘cos I am infirm
I will agree to kill what I can’t create!”

“If that’s what you expect me to perform
Take my life driving that very axe down my meat.”
Pleased, the Lord revealed his magnificent form.
The poor man fainted again, his heart skipping its beat.

Opening eyes as he gained his sense
he saw himself seated at the kind Minister’s bar.
Propping him up with curiosity intense
“Get up, poor man, you seem to have come from afar!

What can I do for you, what is your wish?”
Bowing in respect, bent on his knees,
“A decree, your Highness, so that life doesn’t perish,
Death for those who fell the trees!”

(My translation of a Kannada poem - may be because I love nature, the translation has come so well both in English and Tamil)

June 6, 2023