An Erroneous Impression

An Erroneous Impression

 

A palatial mansion

a century-old construction

wooden logs supporting the ceilings

molasses, lime, earth being materials, bindings

built by a zamindar when in power

occupied by his progeny as successor

thus occupied one generation

and succeed it next generation.

With the expanded size they shared it

as for separate dwellings, their budget did not permit

Add to it,

to proudly exhibit

that their ancestral self-esteem is knitted in it

though dilapidated, it, they did not quit.

Aromatic remains its container

long after vanishes the camphor

Thus they held on to the show

despite the zamindari abolition blow.

Partitioning rooms and sharing places common

they lived there till to shreds it was broken.

I was born and grown in this mansion

with nostalgic memories of frolic and fun

Many corridors to negotiate on the way

before we come out outdoor to play

A real labyrinth for any newcomer

to enter, guests and thieves both fear

Corridors remained dark even in the day

with the hobbit, pupils in our eyes light the way.

In the cracked structures snakes breed

and move in the hollow walls for their feed.

At times when we met, for life they used to run

as they are certain, killing them is human fun

No untoward incident has ever occurred

neither any such past incident I have heard.

Now the whole palace has fallen on its own

in its place stands a new mansion modern

no cracks, no debris in the vicinity for snakes to stay

concrete wall standing around with carbolic acid spray.

Our house temple was retained after repair

as to disturb its holy set up none could dare.

There exists a portico in the house shrine

where I used to play sleep, pray and dine

The idols worshipped on the shrine altar

wherever I am, in my fontanel ever anchor

despite my age and exposure to knowledge western

where to get convinced senses sensing proofs govern

For many it may be lifeless doll or stone

but to me, it is above everything to me known.

Dwell I thus on the posts with this preamble

to speak on the king cobra the serpent awful

that appeared on our house during day time

looks awesome, majestic and sublime.

On the concrete floor hot and rough

to crawl fifty meters must have been tough

on the way the glazy tiles adding to its misery

endured it with determination the injury

zig zag scuttling to cross. the double turns the length

it must have drained out king cobra’s stamina and strength

No debris on the way to render the protection

braved it everything certainly with an intention

It knew for certain no prey to be at its destination

What is the purpose of its journey with determination?

Perhaps to pray the lord on His throne

and drink His grandeur and converse alone.

Do not I see any anger in its majestic form.

rather see timidity in its frame supposed to be fearsome.

Just a wall separated it from the lord

Was it trying to meditate undisturbed?

When men came on its way to Lord

It lost the opportunity that it can not again afford.

On its hood the divine artwork dazzle with its beauty

is it the dancing sandal mark of the Almighty?

A long coiled body that once held the Lord tight

with the hood up and glittering tail scenic is the sight.

Minus fear of its bite, majestic it is to behold

villagers came rushing to worship it, as in guise, the Lord.

Out of fear it was trying to hide itself to exist

pathetically praying the Lord, it to assist.

It had no faith in human beings

as evident from its dictates to their offerings.

Hey King Cobra! you look unlike your own

looking timid and seeking for protection

evoking my sympathy on your fear and frustration.

Gratitude I pay to those to watch the king cobra in person

trying to worship it and protect it

May it be their fear and faith in the Almighty.

Sure I am with my experiences and exposure

the king cobra never bites unless instructed by super Master.

We miss the king cobra in its majestic form

with hood up spitting venom looking fearsome

instead of a praying king cobra with submissive form

Do not be afraid of it, as compared to man it has less venom.

 

 

P K Routray

In the service of Lord

 

(On 15/02/2020 at around 11am the king cobra was found near the wall of the temple of our house. Mobile cameras has captured Its postures Some posted here. It was later caught by snake catcher and was freed in a forest. I had lived in an old house here till 2005. My respect and experiences I share.)