The Walk Of The Temple Tooth Elephant Poem by Sheena Blackhall

Ten days in August’s sweltering heat
Ponderously I stately swing
White linen laid before my feet

Where dancers whirl to rhythmic beat
Of drum, I walk the tooth to bring
Forth to the crowds on cushioned seat

The monks and devotees I meet.
Petals of scented flowers they fling
The relic of the shrine to greet

The air is filled with incense sweet
Pearls to my gold umbrella cling
Thousands applaud me in the street

The scarlet banners furl and pleat
Orchids, like birds go fluttering
And every bowl with alms replete

I am the chosen. A short leet
Reduced to one. My neck bells ring
With pride at conch shells’ welcome bleat

Night of the full moon! Torches leap
Saddu they cry. Small fireflies wing
My glory over, task complete

The curtains part, the Heavens weep
The short walk of a brief godling
Back to my stall. The dark is deep