Prayer

 

I do not cross river beds

under the burning sun in agony

nor I walk barefoot  in rituals

over mountain stretches fasting

as others do on all occasions:

but I am no atheist or agnostic.

I come when self doubt cripples me

I climb your steps to find myself.

I go to your majestic abode

not to confess  my sins or wrongs

not in fear or in supplication

I do not  know what to ask for

but I come with love to play

with the others who chant  repeating

what the priest mutters by habit.

I have no desire to see you

I know you are not in the image

punish me if I transgress

your rituals laws and grace:

I come to see my lost soul

In your ever smiling face.

When others close their eyes and pray

my eyes search for the hands

that carved you to bless

the men and women who seek solace.

Every breath I inhale, I  take in

your breath incense like to sweeten

my mind, body and life

to  purify my being to receive

your essence in all my limbs.

But are  you there in this stone

this marble floor, song and flower

in this temple built by a king

or a greedy corporate for fame;

tell me are you there in this structure

on this bejewelled throne:

if you are, let me know my destiny

my identity and role here

in this crowd of stony hearts.

Sabita Sahu