The Drought

Droughts are a frequent occurrence

For the masses they bring sufferance

Only four species benefit from the drought

The Sarpanch, the Leather Tanner, the Dog and the Vulture.

One sunny day, I heard someone say

"Prosperous days are here to stay"

The Sarpanch nodded his approval

The Leather Tanner wore a smile so cruel.

I'm a Gemini curious by nature

I had to know the conversations' matter

I sighed heavily, sat down besides them

Seeing Sarpanch's hand, I said, "Those are beautiful gems"

"One from each drought I've earned" he said.

His face was alight with pride instead of dread

"Each year the village gets funds for drought relief

I keep major portions for myself, as I am the chief"

The Tanner boasted, "I too have earned a fortune!"

"From the dead cows leather?" I asked in tune.

He replied, "I've tanned 40 cows, you know;

With a sharp knife from head to toe."

In their eyes I saw a drought of emotions

I realized how wrong were my humanitarian notions.

Drought represents not only climatic condition

It also exhibits human nature's variation.

I walked ahead, instead of using my car,

I met a Dog and a Vulture not very far.

The Dog barked, "The prosperous days are here to stay."

Giving it company was the vulture—the bird of prey.

Suddenly, I dawned upon the similarity

Between the animal and human personality.

Dogs and Vultures follow animal culture

We humans are worse we exploit each other.

Droughts are a frequent occurrence

For the masses they bring sufferance

Only four species benefit from the drought

The Sarpanch, the Leather Tanner, the Dog and the Vulture.

Blast from the past: I wrote this one ten years ago in 2000.