An Ode To Shani Dev Poem by Jim Dunlap

I

It is recorded that on a time, Sri Surya Dev
went into eclipse, ostensibly on the birth
of his son, Lord Shani Dev, whose failure to rev
up the energy of the sun, occluded the girth
of the great celestial body- leading to the belief
that Shani Dev was the most powerful of all
the Hindu pantheon, with power over thief,
as among birds, and all who answer his call
will be rewarded for their actions in this life,
or punished appropriately for transgressions.
Those who worship him avoid much strife,
and are not snared by most earthly obsessions.

II

The avatar of Shani Dev is taciturn Saturn,
and he is always depicted dressed all in black,
while his devotees must surely all learn
that he’s so dark that he even appears black.
Wearing two knives, he’s mounted on a raven,
and those who cross him or hurt his feelings
soon discover that for them there’s no haven
or safe-house in the heavens or on earth -
It’s also of note that he has power over the gods,
and defying him is more than your life’s worth.
His memory is as strong as potent iron rods.

III

In India, his worship is widespread, covering
the sub-continent from the mountains to the sea.
Often wrong-doers will discern him hovering,
and discover that his justice is not arbitrary.
The fortune few who find Shani Dev positioned
favorably are reputed to receive uncanny luck.
Those who worship Shani Dev are conditioned
to believe themselves elevated above the ruck,
and since Shani Dev is the avatar of Vishnu,
and a great devotee of Lord Shiva, it’s known
that fealty to both of those gods will bestrew
fortune and luck to those who wear his stone.*