A32 Answering The Commission Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

The Emperor’s action
Created a confusion
In the mind of Baron
Who awaited confirmation.

He was forced to open
The Grotto later on
Under severe pressure
From the Emperor.

The Commission met
To enquire Bernadette,
Who faced twenty gentlemen
While answering each question.

Her bold explanation,
Her sharp expression,
And her vivid memory
Were all seen extraordinary.

The commission noted,
What all details she stated,
And examined the witnesses
To verify her statements.

About the Lady’s secret
One member tried to get,
She said, “It’s no secret,
To you, if I reveal it.”

Another member asked
“How the Lady told,
You eat herb and grass
Like an animal does.”

For that she replied,
“Sir, when you eat salad
You don’t act like animal
But you feel quite normal.”

They didn’t expect,
This kind of retort,
From a peasant girl
That showed her will.

Next day, the commission
Went to inspect the scene
Where the Lady was seen
By the girl at the cavern.

To express their solidarity,
And show their total unity,
Marched the town people,
With their burning candle.