DRAUPADI - 60

  

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - 60

Draupadi's Universe

 

The sun was past the meridian

all her husbands ate with relish

went out severally on the calls

of living at the heart of Dwaita

adjusting searching inventing

new ways to survive and overcome

all transitions of life's mazy corners:

Draupadi came out to breathe free

after the breathless homemaking hours

to be herself among trees sun air and

'the murmurous flow of pristine Ganga.

But what is this! Birds from all sides

came flapping in tremulous joy,

sat looking at her with appealing eyes

on branches, bushes and the mynas

sat on grass, all looking at her, Draupadi

in joy tried to read their eyes when

the birds fluttered screeched and flew up

in panic speed up on the trees - Draupadi

saw deer, boars, monkeys coming in hordes.

In fearful silence she watched perplexed

but in the next moment she saw them

sitting in a ring waiting for her - What?

She wondered, have they all come

to see her, greet her or to listen to her

unspeakable agony in anthemic strain?

What can I do for you, what do you want?

Draupadi asked in nervous ignorance:

the birds chirped, the beasts burred

in total confusion Draupadi ran inside

brought the pots and pans, placed them on

the ground and said, I have only this

take it - And lo the world of birds on trees

animals danced in joy - Draupadi poured

the rice and curries into a big pan

all ate with relish to their full, she

looked amazed there was enough for everyone

the rabbits, squirrels, boars, deer

danced and left, the birds flew

and all perhaps said tomorrow tomorrow!

While collecting the pots and pans she saw

still some food  enough for her, she

looked around put some of it for the ants

and was happy, truly happy for none left unfed,

there was enough for her world.

But how could that be? She bowed

to the earth and sat down to eat.