Monsoon Tandav

Monsoon Tandav

The skies clap and crack
and on earth the tandav begins
as monsoon dances
over rice fields and vegetable patches
on thatched huts and cowsheds

Rivers announce their conquests
ravaging grasslands and croplands
front-yards and back-yards
woods and orchards
till water and just water dominates

The destitute squat on the thatched roofs
gazing at the putrid flesh rushing past
and as the dance becomes more spirited
the roofs drift on the gushing waters
taking the starved on their last journey

From the skies  
the cosseted minister analyses and appraises
Far below waters flow
Bodies branches roofs utensils float
Reports on his visit flash newspaper headings
While lightning streaks the rural skies