Tender Poem by chidananda sali

Tender

Tenders are invited in
Sealed envelopes to
Build my dream home.

The rules are all clear:
Build the walls so smooth
That not just a lizard, but
Even a fly loses grip.
Make no exception for
Mosquitoes and cockroaches.
Hang a slogan in the living room:
'Be compassionate to all living things.'

Build a fence and an iron gate
So that not a crow can slip in.
Cut all trees that littler with leaves
And paint scenes from nature on all walls.
Colour the terrace green and
Decorate the place with plastic plants.

Stick pictures of gods on the compound around
So none can throw garbage even in stealth.
Hatch a plan so that just my family
Is untouched by blemish or stain.

Build a toilet and install a tap in the sit-out
So that our guests, who are equal to gods,
Need not take the trouble to step in.
Build a doghouse for Jimmy and Mothi too.
Don't forget stick a striking slogan there:
'Athithi Devo Bhava.'

Put a few electronic birds here and there
So that there is chirping always, but
No bother of feed of droppings.
What's life without birds and bees and trees
Love of nature is in my very vein.

Be warned, though: Conditions apply.
Gender, caste, creed, language and nationality matter.
I reserve the right to forfeit the advance
Without any notice.