Entomologist Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

When I see insects I tell them
I love them: I want to observe them.

My conversion took place in Velodi’s room
He was the Superintendent of Gardens, BMC.

As Secretary, Urban Development Department,
I had visited his office for the first time that day.

He mentioned he has some old books,
I went to see them lined up in the next room.

I picked up the first volume in a series
On Indian Insects, by a Britisher in thirties

I read the 25 pages of the first chapter and was a convert
I asked Velodi to get me a Xerox copy of the chapter.

Prior to this reading, the cockroach was repulsive to me:
I’d kill it on sight.... never since that day of reading.

I joined BNHS Course co-ordinated by Dr Shubhalakshmi
And my resolve grew, and became stronger, more appreciative.

This evening sitting on the verandah in the residence
Of the Deputy Commissioner, Tezpur, I saw a host of them.

When I spoke of insects approvingly, the DC replied coolly
That while he is not against them, he does not want to eat them!

He added that he does not consider them repulsive, I can see
He is smart, intelligent, and not one to go beyond a senior!

As I write, one small insect with six legs is using
The exact space where I have to put down words.

Flashed before my mind’s eye the sight of D H Lawrence
Awaiting his turn while the Snake first slaked its thirst.

I waited for him to finish his job of bending the pair
Of forelegs and cleaning his eyes and small mouth-parts.

While I was puzzled how to check his wings, he finished
His job and showed wings by flying off, to let me write.