Relatives of relatives flock the houses
they brave the heat of summer
Alzhagar comes trotting on a golden horse
Madurai lashes chilled water in syringe fountains
no one walks steady ,people dance
do not forget to pray, devotees show off their caste marks.
The men who carry the Golden horse trot
the common man knows what is in store
the camera covers the side scenes
unable to move forward or backward
I talk to cousins about the summer festival.
The grand finale is Azhalgar getting into the Vaigai river.
I have not held Vishnu in my arms.
Alazhagar goes in search of his sister Meenakshi
the just then married Meenakshi
stays back to rule Madurai with her Shiva.
Meenakshi , warrior queen, well versed in martial arts
she conquered manifold kingdoms to reach Kailash;
here she drops the bow becoming coy seeing Shiva
her third breast disappears as per the myth.
I like the story of removing Meenakshi's nosering every night
they are sheer diamonds and diamonds can tickle even gods.
This story is history, so the people celebrate year after year.
Did I mention the whole crowd walked into the river?
They have to repeat these rituals, not to forget a legacy
On the side other village- rowdyism happens, boy pinches girl
young kids lick stick ice, old men ogle other womenfolk.
You do not have to do much chores.
you can celebrate without pain,
as the womenfolk always have to work.
I rubbed my eyes and saw Alzhagar on a silver horse
the festival was coming to a close.
A Found Poem
(I had watched all this on You-tube.Hence it is a found poem)
I Have Not Held Vishnu In My Arms.
Re: I Have Not Held Vishnu In My Arms.
Siva---
wonderful movement, literal images and culminating in wonder. great job.
bernie
wonderful movement, literal images and culminating in wonder. great job.
bernie