The Mind Is The Brush

He drew  four lines

on ]a piece of paper

with a charcoal which

he had picked up dementedly

while walking  along the road.

But Lo! He drew a Cross.

 

He then thought he will use

his son’s colour box

brought a fine drawing board

and worked all night

to draw the cross.

 

Next morning he was in the bed

his son looked at the cross and laughed

what cross is this without

Christ’s body nailed into it.

He took out paint and brush

and drew a bleeding Christ

and went to his school.

Father woke up and with

bleary eye looked at the board

he was surprised,

Who drew this?

 

The picture was sold

for two lakhs.

Sabita Sahu

 

DRAUPADI -69

  

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - 69

The Year Of Incognito

 

When the Pandavas broke the hut

and started moving directionless

in the shady domain of thick jungles,

Draupadi wondered why this hideous

self negation to keep breathing?

Where can man hide in this open

vat spread of the  universe? Are we born

to live incognito in disguise?

The meanest flower under slimy

stones cranes its neck to see

and be seen by others:

for a flower dying a virgin

is a waste of nature.

Birds sing not for their own pleasure

they reveal the worth of their being.

The astral sky is also for show

luminosity is its own salvation

only when viewed longingly by billions.

 

Why should my husbands each capable

of challenging, turning the world

on its axis by their personal prowess

cower under irrational evil in disguise,

lest they be discovered to repeat

their unlawful unjust exile?

They know as I do you only die once ,

 why hide your face, voice and nature

and live for one year under tempers

unworthy of your true nature?

Draupadi could not walk with her

heart heavy on her unwilling feet.

 

She said: O forsaken heroes of Fortune

why are you wading through thick darkness

for fear of life, walking like thieves

fleeing from the hands of law?

Where will you hide you bright

Pandavas in what earth hole of safety?

When fear chokes your voice

and cripples your bodies the true heroes

stand firm to face thunderbolts in honour,

come challenge the Kaurava brothers

to single combats to settle the unjust

dice game rules by manful defiance.

 

Calm Panchali calm, we have endured

the wrongful barbs for my impulsive

actions, now patience must hold us

to our integrity, said Yudhistira in a

sad voice as if to himself in anguish.

Panchali retorted, we are all together

in this dark forest searching for

a place to hide; does this behove us,

this passive cowardly run around

for dear life - We feel your pain

Panchali, but we cannot fight,

Arjuna said, we have no army, no armaments,

Duryodhana is resource ready to fight

we have nothing, not even chariots -

That's not the issue Arjuna, Yudhistira

averred, we are atoning for my sins!

My dharma does not permit me to flout

the rules, the agreed conditions, however

ridiculous, it may sound, we have

no choice but to endure our pain

for the thirteenth year to roll over:

But where are we heading to, the twelfth

year will end very soon and the

Kaurava spies must be everywhere.

What plans we have for the year of

 hiding our identities and where?

 

Draupadi moaned and sat down

on the ground exhausted and tearful

Pandavas too sat down consoling Draupadi.

We are going to Virat, not to Panchal -

No, never to Panchal, I cannot carry my

shame to my father's kingdom -

Nor are we going there Panchali, assured Yudhistira

neither to Trigarta, Virat is our only hope,

I have made contacts with some people

who are already at it, now let us not

rue our fate nor think of revenge,

let's concentrate on the present and

keep our mind soul together for the

challenging year to pass without events.

We are all moving towards Virat

hope the morning sun changes our lot.

Hunger

I am never hungry

whether my plate is full or empty,

I am never hungry for

social media adulations,

never desire for seven star palace

nor am I hungry for diamond

or the peacock throne,

I never fidget on my three leged chair

yet I wait for the crown of fortune

sitting on my head with the premium of love.

 

But love too is rare as sunshines

in the dark desert of my heart

but should I weep when my love

swims across the oceans

to bring something more

beautifu;l than Beauty’s self

straining his nerves for more

and more to put all jewels on me?

 

No my love I am hungry

for your kind words and care

if you bring the best dishes

from heaven’s kitchen

I’ll not be full

I won’t even touch it:

I am hungry for your touch

satiate my hunger if you love me

as I love you.

Sabita Sahu.

 

DRAUPADI - 68

  

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - 68

Yaksha Yudhistira Smbad

 

Nonplussed Yudhistira felt faint

he entered the lake but when he

tried to drink the water a voice

as if from the zenith of the earth

commanded, Stop! The deep baritone

gave Yudhistira a shiver. Before

you drink, answer my questions, else

you too will die like your brothers.

Yudhistira stood erect, Is your water

the price of life? He asked looking

around for the source of the voice,

he saw a large white crane sitting

on a branch of a midlake tree.

Yes Yudhistira water is life, therefore

answer my questions before you drink:

If I have no choice ask your questions

but I must know who I am answering to

Yes Yudhistira I am Yaksha  I guard the lake

I guard life and its noble purity.

 

What is the measure of the sky?

   The sight and sweep of mind's eye.

 

How many steps the earth measures?

   One multiplied by the Air's treasures

   each speck of dust runs a foot

   each seed penetrates its root.

 

The Yaksha laughed and asked

now tell me who got the moon raked

Who made the sun rise and set?

   Moon lost his face in sin's blazes

   Dharma makes the sun ever rotate

   between the poles of east and west.

   Sun is duty bound to light all life

   to complete the journey from raw to ripe.

 

What is common in animals and man?

   Hunger and sleep, fear and death

   are the sad anthem of life forms.

 

In a thunderous voice the Yaksha asked

what is heavier than earth, he smirked

and what in this universe is higher than the sky?

   Sin is heavier than earth O dryad wise

   love soars beyond the limits of the sky.

 

What is faster than the wind?

   Nothing outstrips the racing mind.

 

The divine crane swelled in size

Tell me who is happy without guise?

   In this world of sorrow and death

   good digestion and bad memory is the best

   to forget the pain of debt, homelessness

   stateless existence tyranny and tax.

   Whenever a meal comes to eat with relish

   and sleep without dreams is the wish

   of a man seeking happiness and peace

   to be in his own home is a bonus bliss.

 

Now answer me you noble Pandava

What is the greatest Dharma in this world?

   Without hesitation in a firm voice

   Yudhistira intoned, Anukampa is my choice

   compassion to all forms of life

   non violence in anger or strife

   is the dharma I value amongst all

   it saves life and purifies the soul.

 

The tree deity in gladdened heart without guile

expressed his pleasure with a broad smile

I am pleased Yudhistira, by your truth

ask me anything I'll grant forsooth.

Yudhistira said, grant life to my brothers

Yaksha said choose one whose life matters,

Yudhistira in dilemma thought a while

if he chooses a Kunti son dharma will rile

his having done wrong to Madri's line -

hiding his tears he said, I pray for Nakula's life.

 

The Yaksha changed his form

Dharma appeared in full charm

I am proud of you my son,

by choosing Nakula you have won

my heart and I grant life to all

let all Pandavas rise to glory's call

to protect dharma and never let fall

any men to demonic wiles

and save truth from murderous lies.

I am your father O my noble son

I tested your dharma and wisdom

I go now with joy and satisfaction

my father's heart blesses you in elation.

 

The Yaksha disappeared leaving

the last glow of the sun flaming

the vast fading skyline mocking

the death - life drama returning

to familiar worlds of self seeking

men recounting their stories.

 

Draupadi watched from the mound

the brothers got up as if from sleep

all her five men came towards her

carrying water for her in leaf-cups.

But she was no more thirsty,

she admired Yudhistira  whom

she thought responsible for her plight -

But now she thought how wise, noble

large hearted he was, how virtuous!

A new love glimmered in her eyes

as they returned to their hut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAUPADI - 67

   

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - 67 

Seasons passed as usual

time's unseen wings flapped

the lapping sounds had no magic

trees fell and rose grass died

into a green birth, the misty wind

gave shivering shocks, changing

directions to sweep away dry leaves

to awaken green shoots to relish

storms in uncanny silence:

But Draupadi's mind has only

one season of all pervading gloom

sunlight fails to penetrate the thick

layers of murky agony, the moon

is always in the dark fortnight

spring summer and rain move

in concentric circles churning her mind.       

 

The exile years rolled on testing

their patience, resilience and resolve

it was the last month of the twelfth year

Yudhistira was worried where to go

for the year of incognito living.

Duryodhana's  spies are everywhere

land and waterways are watched

where to go was the question in the

Pandava mind, the brothers sat worried.

Yudhistira said Panchal is not the right

kingdom for us although we will get all

protection and care, but we can scarce

maintain secrecy, our identities cannot

be hidden under false theatrics

as the palace will treat us deferentially.

We cannot be spy proof in Kampilya.

Bhima said why not live for a year

in Hidimba's care in the caves far away

from the roaming eyes of Duryodhana?

 

Arjuna said Brother, there may be

physical safety but we must not

lose contact with our close relations

as we have to prepare for war - suddenly

Three rishi's appeared, appeal in their

eyes, distress and disgust in their person

we came for help Yudhistira an antler

has carried away the yajna firewood.

We have failed chasing him would you

kindly help us - Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhistira

and the twins immediately rushed at 

the direction pointed out by the rishis.

Draupadi too of curiosity followed them

they saw the antler's branched horns

had the pieces of yajna wood, Nakula

took aim with a stone but Yudhistira

checked him, no harm should come to the poor

antler, let's catch him; but the stag

was so agile and fast, they could not

catch him, all their energies sapped

yet the stag was free. He moved into

the dark woods leaving the Pandavas

gasping for breath, in the midst of

trees and shrubbery fearfully deep

and thick full of thorns and wild growth.

All the brothers were thirsty without

energy to move further in search of

water - yet they did move about

there was no stream pond or the murmur

of a distant flow of water real or illusive.

 

The afternoon sun parched their throats

they sat on a mound in helpless stupor

Nakula dragged his anxious feet a distance,

climbed a tree scanned his tired eyes

saw a distant pond and shouted;

Brother there is water

not far away come to the north

it's blue sheen pleases the eyes

I'll go drink and bring you water,

so saying he rushed into the thicket

the brothers waited in eager breath:

Draupadi said - let's follow him,

Yudhistira waved his hand, he'll bring

let's wait; they waited till the sun

turned grey and drained its lustre.

Bhima in impatience stood up, let me

see where Nakula is - and walked away

-  He too did not return till the sun was

fully westward  hurrying for home.

Arjuna went out to search for the two

when the sun turned molten gold

in pale descent, Sahadeva followed

after a few anxious breaths lost

rhythm in apprehension, Yudhistira sat

in irate impatience thirst yielding to

fear of unseen calamity - Draupadi

in sunken heart urged Yudhistira

to go and look for his brothers - the sun

is now poised on the mountains

preparing for duty's end, the returning

birds in hungry clamour call their

young ones not to fear the twilight.

Please go my thirsty eyes are drooping -

Yes yes I know, I am worried, let me go,

you can come with me if you wish.

Yudhistira walked full of misgivings

what he saw milched his energy

his dear brothers lay dead on the

banks of the lake of crystal waters.

 

Live As You Wish

What matters in life?

Don’t ask live if you can

and live if you must,

if you wish to mount

to the top do it,

if you wish to live in a

self created island

create it and live.

 

If you believe relationship matters

relate yourself with love,

love without self in it is a sacrifice

If you are not ready for the sacrifice

don’t love anyone just to bite

in a moment of self jubilation.

 

Well you know that nothing matters

neither spirit nor matter

live a life exploring beauty and truth

not in any Body but in a mind

that will make you unique -

if you know what really it means.

 

Why bother so many things

Philosophy, science, ethics,

god, religion, never think of books

who wrote what on life.

Write your own book with joy

if you can!

If you can’t then simply live and die. 

Together Apart

When I laugh he frowns

when I frown he runs three miles

to tell me how his sweat sticks to

his body like dried up tears.

 

One day I told him

why don’t you build an orphanage

and keep me there alone

feeding me the best royal stuff

he said our house is the best orphanage,

when you stay alone

I roam around the world

when I stay alone

you reach out like Dido

in the storming world of fugitives.

 

This is our home

this is our conversation

this is our love

we are alone and together

we are in each other

but run everywhere

to find ourselves.

DRAUPADI - 66

 

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty's 

DRAUPADI - 66 

After feeding everyone birds, beasts

and men she sat to eat thinking

how satisfied people are when a

bellyfull meal induces peaceful sleep:

Is man only a belly a body of senses

is there nothing beyond the carnal world?

 

The mind has its own hunger, imagination

its own peaks and precipices different   

from the body's thrills frills and drills.

I eat to charm hunger but what can I do

to charm my rising agony that distracts

makes me sink into the depths of despair!

She washed the pots and pans when

she heard commotion and chants of Shiva!

She paused craning her ears, the chants

grew louder which made the Pandavas alert.

The brothers went outside and saw

the great saint Durbasa followed by

a large group of disciples advancing

towards their hut, Yudhistira and brothers

stood with folded hands to greet and

receive rishi Durbasa whose anger was

legendary for he cursed at the slightest

neglect or disrespect of his stature.

His moods were mercurial, temper

tempestuous judgements  impulsive

and he was always in a hurry 

as his patience was proverbially thin:

Yudhistira took a few steps and fell

at his feet, the brothers all bowed and

washed his feet, Draupadi wiped his feet

with her saree edge in due respect.

Durbasa blessed them profusely, praised    

their honour, valour humility and grace,

after the group was seated, Durbasa said:

we are tired and hungry, cook good food

we'll have our wash in the river

and  return soon to eat and rest.

Durbasa arose with disciples and

left for his bath and prayers       

leaving the Pandavas and Draupadi dazed.

Draupadi ran to the kitchen, searched

for rice; there was nothing; looked for

fruits, there were none, the kitchen was

dry and empty, the pots were like  

voided bowls of the inverted sky

when the stars fall in disgust

to earth's bowels protesting the sun's

domination all over the three worlds.

Draupadi struck her forehead, what fate!

O Sakha how many deaths shall I die

in this daily horror of my existence!!

 

Yudhistira was worried stiff

Bhima went out to get some fruits

Sahadeva said, Brother, this is

Duryodhana's plot, the scheming Shakuni

and the enemies cajoled the Rishi

to ask food for three hundred disciples.

If we cannot feed him he will curse,

The Pandavas may not survive his curse:

I know son said Yudhistira but

we have nothing not a grain,

not a banana - stop worrying

whatever happens accept - suddenly

a racing chariot appeared like

 a cloudmist during a sandstorm.

Yudhistira's eyes brightened when Krishna

alighted and greeted the brothers:

Hey brother! You are here, I searched

for you in the old place, where's Draupadi,

he went inside in a tearing hurry.

Yudhistira wondered at his odd demeanour

His ways are strange but how

has he come alone, no guards

no weapons; Is he on a mission -

Well he knows what he does; Nakula

it's time for the rishis to return

what shall we do? What can we feed them,

we will lay prostrate at their feet

and apologize for our inability

to quench their hunger and thirst;

after that if he curses in anger

we'll accept it as our bad luck.

 

Sakhi, Sakhi, Sakhi  I'm famished

feed me your best Drupadnandini!

Draupadi sprang to her feet from her

worry worn posture in a jerk: You

How --- when you came Sakha without

any indication  - O Sakhi, stop these

questions and feed me, I am hungry!

Draupadi's eyes leaked in profuse shame

I have nothing to give you, nothing at all

Durbasa and his train are on us

to ruin our future - O Sakhi  I am hungry

give me something: He lifted the pot

It's empty Sakha I have washed it - No

here is a grain Sakhi, let me eat it;

Krishna ate and running his hand

on his belly said O I am full,

you have saved me Sakhi - Now tell me

why did you call me? I came flying

leaving everything to time's mercy.

Draupadi wiped her eyes in wonder

you know Sakha tell me how to feed

the rishis who may come any moment!

Come Sakhi let's talk to elder brother. -

 

While taking his dip Durbasa felt

a tremor in his body and mind -

What am I doing, I have fallen

into deceit, I am now an instrument of evil

working for Duryodhana's agency -

Why should I torture the innocent Pandavas?

How can they feed hundreds of us

when they are deceived into penury

losing their royal bearing, are now

languishing in the forest bare bodied

how can I mortgage my wisdom to evil?

 If I am an enlightened sage I cannot

stoop to villainy to flatter Duryodhana.

Durbasa took another dip when he got up

he was at peace, his belly was full

his world and mind had an illumination:

He said, dear disciples let's now -

No Gurudev we are not hungry for we feel

satiated, we get the scent of the divine.

Well then, said the Rishi, let's bless them

and go our way to heal

the bruised victims of blind egotism.

 

Krishna questioned Yudhistira's apathy

to life's malignant barbs saying,

brother don't think this world rewards

the good if the good looks up the sky

in idle expectation, good must prove

itself time and again by deeds and

when evil tramples your good must

fight back and snatch from the jaws

of evil its own place in earth's bosom.

 

The rotten mangoes fall, the ripe

tasty fruits must be plucked

by desire and Karma, only the

crippled wait for things to happen.

The strong and good make things happen

brother Yudhistira now prepare at least

to show you are capable, you are strong

otherwise Duryodhana will rob your life

and throw it in the dump yard of time.

Yudhistira and the brothers bowed,

Yudhistira said, if you are with us Vasudeva

 these years of painful life will fortify

our resolve, we shall now prepare

for the final encounter with evil.

 

The Pandavas crouched in fear

what can we feed them

destitutes as we are,

they lay prostrate at Durbasa's feet

in true reverence: Rise up Yudhistira,

we are not hungry,

your truthful ways have filled us

with extra worldly energy and

we are fortunate in having a darsan

of Krishna Vasudev, we are all blessed.

Vasudev knelt down and bowed

Draupadi touched Durbasa's feet

all the rishis sprinkled water

on the bowed heads and the sage

blessed them all - your days of

horror will end soon, may you all

see brighter days and get back

what is yours, remember

bad times purge your soul to enjoy

the bliss of good to do good to others.

 

They left chanting slokas of peace

Krishna smiled at Draupadi - See

a sage's thoughts are not in the belly

go now pave the way for your

future to walk on benign soil.