Beliefs Bathing By The Sea Poem by Aniruddha Pathak

The footfalls of belief move on an inch,
Firm-footed along, holding high their breath,
You too, if can stand the over-powering stench,
Be one with the holy crowd's faultless faith,
Giving way to weak but firm of beliefs,
Help poor and ripe of age, without what-ifs,
If you can keep your head high, move ahead
On the narrow causeway's realities,
Can dodge prying crows hanging over-head,
Flocking for food, shun photo-hunters' pleas
For a quick snap, and keep your fervour still,
Feel of rancour in heart, nor yet ill will,
And faultless pure can keep your pious breath,
Breathing shallow bare but faith-filtered air,
Haji1 Ali be the pilgrimage rare—
Spiritual trip for thee whatso thine faith.

Walk to the durgah, tomb of a tall soul,
Perform vazu2, not just cleansing hands-feet,
Rid impure thoughts and ill feelings to all,
The sun as moves to its diurnal retreat,
Let your serenity seek depths within,
Despite all noise and stormy Worli sea,
The way I've been touched by the sacred scene,
May it maghreb1, puja2, or prayer be.
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1. Haji Ali at Worli, a Muslim religious place, on a small island by the city of Bombay, where people of many faiths come to visit.
2. Vazu2, maghreb2: Muslim prayer rituals.
3. Puja3: Hindu worship.
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Musings | 14.03.13 |