Onam Poem by Mathew Thomas

It is Onam,
In God's own country,
Where palm fronds sway,
When Mahabali visits,
Unannounced only to find,
Bacchus more a guest,
Than this Humble king.

Where are my subjects'?
Who welcomed me with open hearts?
Where are my daughters?
Who prepared the kollam,
Where are my children?
Who sang paeans in my name?
Alas where are you my friend?

In disguise I roam my kingdom,
I find men at the bar,
The children in theme parks and cinemas,
The women in shopping malls,
They have no time for me,
Alas devil's own people inhabit,
God's own country.

© Mathew Thomas