Majuli Cries

A poem on the largest river island in the world named Majuli, battling against the threats of erosion and about the plight of its people fighting against the havoc of flood.

                         MAJULI CRIES

 

                   1.

The onset of the rains

filling up the thirst of the gaping earth,

Spells doom,

For soon it will

Overwhelm  the Brahmaputra,

Bringing in a deluge,

Submerge the paddy, the thatched abodes

ravage crops and finally ...

the entire village, rendering homeless the

the poor villagers, cattle et al.

                   2.

They cross a rickety wooden bridge

With small steps,

A  mile  still  to  go

And arrive at a school

Itself  on the verge of being swallowed up

By the mighty river embracing it,

Succumbing to a future uncertain

They stride on nevertheless,

But can anybody think of ways

To fulfil these little heart’s desires?

                  

              3.

There lies an ailing woman,

Having covered a great distance across the river

And being carried on a hand-driven cart

To  the nearest hospice to be cured...

Will she survive to tell the tale of her plight?

               4.

The deathly river engulfs my being

Swallowing it  piece by piece every year,

Save me, save my people,

Rise above petty differences and unite,

Thus, I  implore to you

For I carry the legacy of the rich heritage of Assam,

My name now   spreads far and wide;

But   shall  it  be erased in the near future?

Help me before it’s too late

And before my cries go unheard!

 

 

Reviews

[Daniel Hebert]

This peice very well captures the chaotic essence of a natural disaster, and the phrasing here captures the panic of those in it's wake. I love how you emphasize the constant threat of the river, as well, as it shows how great an impact this kind of thing can have on a small town. Very well put together, overall.

[Shyamolima Saikia]

Thanks a tonne :)

[Jon Roggie]

Born by a river, I can understand these feelings. What is next to be swept away? The added emotion of what is happening around you is powerful. Best wishes.

[Shyamolima Saikia]

Thanks a lot :)

[Sharon]

Great job. I love reading this. I also like how you made the font nice and easy to read. It stands out to the reader.

[Shyamolima Saikia]

Thanks so much.

[Sharon]

Your welcome :)