DEMI-GODS

 

R. RABINDRANATH MENON

 

Eagerness to be impartial

fosters a fever in the veins,

that dries up the generous flow,

of fluid in the central mains.

 

Bones ache on the sides

echoing the mental broadsides

where each seeks to cover

ego with the strength of negative power.

 

Reason wants to save its skin

and races the few yards ahead to win

with water whose soluble content

unchanging in form or colour

remains a secret in its ascent

from vapid to vaporous state,

until residue in the flask

removes the neutral mask.

 

In games against loaded dice

with selfishness up its sleeves

cowardice takes over the reins

with the outstanding difference

of its supreme indifference.

 

A strengthening co-efficient

to weak squares and the strong zeros

circling with decimal brains.

Across the hills the lashing rains

roll down the paper-thin heroes

along panting plains.

 

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