Touch Wood Poem by Madathil Rajendran Nair
Touch Wood
He would say 'touch wood'
When he was optimistic, expected something good
The idea was to avoid the opposite bad
And not to let life turn untoward
The habit grew chronic
His movements became comic
He would look around for actual wood
Every time his lips whispered 'touch wood'
So that he could fast touch
Anything wooden in his reach
Be that a table or a desk
Or even a road-side oak
Panic became his companion
Helter-skelter he ran
With innumerable 'touch woods'
To countless trees in the woods
And one day he thought long life God would grant
But, alas, forgot to mouth his chant
A few hours later he died
Of heart-attack the doctor certified
Well, he didn't know that he ended
No 'touch wood' was therefore in order
Death to him was not something that ‘happened'
Not an experience, so no further panic and shudder
The world he died in had him found
Lying dead, for no mantra it did utter
To it, his death was something that happened
So, that was also very much in order
A beautiful poem on superstitions that prevails in the human society and its futility.
Touch Wood reminds me of my mother-in-law. She knew more superstitions than just about anyone- -and she too was frantic about verbal antidotes and would get quite upset if anyone opened an umbrella in the house, etc. It started off being humorous just like this poem did but after a while we noted the real distress that clouded her days because when you know that many bad omens you don't get a peaceful life. Intriguing topic and so well-written that it will not be forgotten. Excellent write.
Brilliantly expressed on superstitions in the poem'Touch Wood'.Enjoyed. Thanks for sharing....10
Mantra may be a word or collection of words. 'Touch wood' may be one to gather thoughts and focus on what is at hand. But we all realize that there is no escape from death which provides the ultimate relief for a 'life-drained' body. Beautifully expressed in the poem.
I really like this write. It's very significant n gives a powerful message in the most subtle way. Superstitions n myths have become a way of life with a lot of people. Through generations they live on and seems like there would be no end to them. But the reality strikes, there's no escape. An interesting n thought-provoking write in your endearing style. Thanku for sharing sir. A huge 10.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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9/24/2024 6:08:34 AM # 1.0.0.1119
This highlights the irrational superstitions that plague even the most rational minds at one time or the other! We absorb unconsciously the fears and anxieties passed on to us by the generation that lived ahead of us. This poem is at once a satire and a hilarious commentary on a man who was an addict to 'touch wood'! Enjoyed!