SILENT FLOWS THE GANGES

 

R K SINGH

 

Silent flows the Ganges in Banares

the muddy water and mud accumulates on roads

each house harnesses the taints

no matter, how many sacrifices of blood

each temple shelters Satan’s friends

even after centuries the muck stinks

on both sides convenience of culture

cuddles the self-turned waves

speaking of our pride, my obsession

straight through the bones of the living

their crooked simplicity and polished innocence

treachery, vanity, ranting

always washed in the fast current?

or the rod of time is impotent?

like the river I see untiringly

(though it hardly flows like the Ganges in life)

it’s unsleeping eyes looking upward.

 

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