ELEMENTAL KING

Suddenly, the yellow being disappears

Not with a gradual edging away

But a sharp retreat

Into the white sheets above

Thankful mutters at Mother’s lips

The day will now have less heat

No more sweat adorns her palms and finger tips

As the sun has chosen to take its seat

                 

But Mother’s mutters may

Not last so long today

As white sheets change to grey

‘Its rain’ gleeful children say

Quick words run on Mother’s lips

Saying a plea to the universal elements

To allow her sell her goods

But the skies seem poised to pour

A strong wind heralds the pour

Itself heralded by a cool breeze

It looks like the skies have waged an elemental war

And this is felt even by the swaying trees

Thunder bolts now clap

Striking quickly, no moments’ gap

The wind now takes a nap

On thunders’ lap

Mother gathers her clothing

Her goods

And her children

Under the rust zinc sheets

Yet nature’s fury is not kept

Nor are the elements appeased

Soon the wind that acted as though she had slept

Is up to see all work has ceased

As if in joy she moves with pride

Tossing here and there, pushing aside

Watching mothers and children run inside

As this wind now doth easily glide

Fear is now on Mother’s lips

When shall I get home tonight?

Will I sell all these many goods?

Or will the day be yet waste

Finally the elemental King arrives

Not with the usual August patter

But with the heaviest of its kind it thrives

As if to prove it is liquid matter

Fast flowing, pouring relentlessly

Knocking at trees, houses, people- aimlessly

Wetting office men carelessly

Raining ceaselessly

Under the zinc sheets the rain finds Mother

And child

And goods

Hurling itself at them

Mother is now mad, yet pleading

You’ve done enough

And the stubborn rain seems to be ceasing

Yet suddenly decides to act tough

Mother moves with children again

From rust sheets to roof of cane

People are packed there; no space to gain

But Mother must get her children out of the rain

Now Mother pleads to the yellow being

Please return with your scorching pain

At least I could sell my goods

And get home tonight

Under the cane shelter

Two women push for space

One at the edge of her tether

Gives the other a slap in the face

Yet again, Mother pleads for Sunlight

As she moves children from the fight

And she sees the day is already night

This has become her plight

As if aware of Mother’s plea

To its elemental rival

The stubborn rain hits fast and hard

Then reduces to a patter so slowly

Mother’s only chance

She grabs it as soon

Pulling the children with both hands

To brave the flood with only the light of moon

And now mother and children are gone

From the rain and from the sun

And they now run

Amidst pattering, they move as one