A Grain of Rice
James Oinam *
'jumping a stream' :: An illustration by James Oinam
A faded full moon
Nestled in the dark leaves
Tall and slender
Along the way they stood
Alas, a way that grips the legs
For shackles are ankle-deep grass
The night breeze on its way home
They bid bye as it pass
Slithering brook wriggles into the field
Gushing abyss, what lurks underneath?
A home so close, yet so far
A body chilled, this cold sharp air
Warmth lies over yonder
On the bank he thought and pondered
Hunger gripped the belly
And soul starved for courage
A loving lip that licked the fingers
Gently he caressed the benefactor
Stuck on the furry beast
Alas was a grain of rice
Hunger devoured the tiny morsel
While tears ran down his skinny cheek
As courage overflowed his spirit
Round fists and broad jaw
A leap that made cold hearts thaw
On his way to home again
For manhood he now regained
PS: Based on a short Manipuri paotak (a lesson or preaching).
* Poem written by James Oinam for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at jamesoinam(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This poem was webcasted on September 27 2017.
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