Memory Of An Epidemic. Poem by Bishnupada Sethi

They took the name of our local goddess.
Everything came to a standstill.
She was angry.
No one knew exactly why.
Village folks kept vows
To propitiate Her
With the best of offerings
And praying just to remain alive.

Don't know how I fell sick.
I was kept isolated.
Few were succumbing as
Doctors feigned ignorance
Of a definitive cure.

In such a moment of dread
I wasn't abandoned however.
Often as I opened my eyes
I would find my mother sitting nearby
Never leaving me alone
Caressing my humid hairs
Keeping the wet cloth on the forehead
Putting me on regular diet and medicine.

With a tired and painful body
I used to be half conscious
Saw no fright on her face
Being in a state of dream.
The goddess was right here
Shining in her own light
She was not guilty of anything
She was neither scaring anyone
Nor could she be scared.
There was a river of love flowing
And I was safe in her boat.