Spgm 018 - The Head Baton And Prayer Song Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

SPGM 18 - THE HEAD BATON AND PRAYER SONG

THE HEAD BATON

(A short staff carried by
certain public officials
as a symbol of office)

After a battle was over,
When enemies left in fear,
Their white umbrella stick
The winners went to pick.

This stick, that came as a prize,
It was cut and polished to size.
Colorful bead-strings were tied
To every stem-bulb just wide.

A few thin gold plates as hubs
Were rolled between these bulbs
They worshiped this baton,
As Sayandan, Indra's son.

This was called as Head Baton.
To this Baton a bath was given,
With water from a pot-golden.
Flower-garlands were tied then.

One fine day this decorated Baton,
With the royal elephant was taken,
Besides chants thru' every street,
For the people to see and greet.

In this march, drums were played.
The royalty symbols displayed.
With his troupe the king followed.
What a honor the Baton received.

At the end of this procession,
A poet took this royal Baton,
In front of the stage he placed,
Where the drama was staged.

THE PRAYER SONG

While the king took his royal seat,
His troupe sat in their respective seats.
The accompanists their own seats.
The servants stood on their feet.

Madhavi placed her right leg,
As a first step on the stage,
And the right side of the stage,
To honor the rule of that age.

The other girls to dance with her
They in a row stood at the rear.
Then started the prayer song,
With folded hands they sang.

The band of instruments then,
As a team took their turn.
The audience with rapt attention
Awaited the onward presentation.