Autopsy Of The Living Man... Poem by sisirachandra vaduge

It was a dark night of a provincial city capital
Sleeping vendors, general merchants and shops of textile
Except few tea kiosks
Of that unpleasant street in front of the Office of Governors

He was squatting on the street payment edge
Getting comfort of the burning garbage
Rugs waste papers and rubbish
Made me to have an autopsy of his life

Never shaving face covered with rough beard
Greasy hair is glittering with black sweat and
Waste coconut oil substitute for hair gels
Cloths never met with water soap or detergents.

Surprising and inquiring eyes depicts the fear of surrounding
Disturbs his thoughts and feeling
Sounds and smells of smokes and vehicles
Seems to be that he is out of natural sense

Had your dinner? I asked suddenly
Nor response gazing at me apologizing
For not having dinner
And I understood for him hunger is not a matter

Hurriedly I bought a packet of rice (chicken) from nearby tea parlour
And I asked my friend to offer him the parcel
Feeling that perhaps he might refuse it as far as I am a stranger,
Yes I am delighted he has accepted the offer,

I am observing, standing behind him
He was struggling to un cover the parcel
With his fingers that do not operate well
However he was succeeded now I am in thrill!

Again I discovered he is not comfort with swallowing lumps of food
Hurried to shop near by for some water bottled
Broke it open and gave him to drink as suffocation is my fear
For my surprise he poured some to the glass bottle he had

He was feeling well with eating after drinking water
Continued eating saying that I don’t eat this! (Chicken)
I was upset and urged my friend to make him eat however
I am happy he ate the whole thing whatsoever

Now I am deeply in thinking
Here and there walking
I want a beedi, again he is demanding
I brought a cup of yogurt and what he is wanting

First I gave him the yogurt
But he refused to eat it
I demanded the smoke unless he eat it
Yes he is trying by me looking at


He started to eat with reluctant
I observed he continues with much interest
He is not used with
To have a sweet desert aftermath

Its time for me to leave for my destination
On my long journey, I decided to reveal my report of autopsy
To the society and its autocracy
But I am helpless to complete it’s legacy

As I am unable to confirm that he is a human of this society.

giantsqurrel@ gmail.com


beedi; cheap tobacco cigar used by ordinary men in asian countries.

Plot: Authentic experience of the poet on 10th October 2008.



World Mental Health Day 15th October 2008.