The Priciest Umbrella! Poem by Aumreetam Dinabandhu

A precious umbrella my friend!
Our human body,
intricately woven, instinctively
our parents had gifted
Just before
our longest journey started,
bought from unknown, esoteric weaver
without bargain
to walk in the path
of scorching heat and drizzling rain.
Mother first taught its essence
the parts it's made-
Please hold it like a banyan tree
provides all shade.
Father then advised-
when there are stormy winds-
my son! Don't perturb!
Fold it like a tortoise
retracts its limbs.


like a gifted umbrella
little by little,
It unfurled to public
and used in street
But some ridiculed
when heeded it
as parent's costly gift.
Sometimes the path was sunny
and sometimes rainy
Parents left it as a memento
in the path of the journey.
Beaten by hailstorms, smitten
by mud-spattered rains
It retained its core substance
to remove all stains.
Questions were needled
on its color, race, caste and creed.
Fastened by humility, slurs
of rag pieces got stitched.


For some, this became priciest article,
Hence, with deep reverence and homage
extended its canopy
So the desperate and meek
could get benefit and be happy.
Friends wielded it carefully,
needy were allowed to borrow
That's all about a little bit happiness
to replace their sorrow.
Maneuvering continued
like shuttle train and tidal currents
The virtues gripped on soul
from endowments of teachers and parents.
Please use it my friend!
to navigate an adventurous voyage
Nevertheless, some use it, merely,
to relish for ceremony and marriage.


An auspicious symbol
of vehicle of endurance
had to cross a long arduous road
amidst many torments
but clung unto its prime purpose
till the last moments.
Color, gender, race, sect,
and indictment on appearance
Everything became frivolous
after a certain time and distance.
Slowly its handle would be weak,
its fabric would be worn!
Its spokes would be loosed,
and condition forlorn!
The life is a success
when the soul rests in peace
as antique in the eternal darkness!
Yet the irreplaceable altruistic legacy,
if bequeaths, would be priceless!