Cried Woof
PRANAB KUMAR Chakraborty
Cooch Behar, West Bengal
News went out that Uncle Lion Said, “No more meat, I’m done with tryin.” The six desires that rule the soul, I’ll crush them now and gain control. For sins he did through beastly years, He’ll pray and chant to clear his fears. At dawn he’ll sing through town divine, Then bathe within the Ganga’s shine. Home again with fruits to eat, No trace of flesh, no hint of meat. This is now both far and near, Uncle Lion’s routine clear. But nephew Fox, so sly and smart, Watched his uncle play the part. Spied on him to see the show, And found it false, just all for show. He beat his drum through forest deep, “Beware,” he warned, “his vows are cheap. If you take his fruits, beware your breath, He’ll snap your neck and chew your head.” All the beasts and birds around, Gathered fast on jungle ground. Swore to Lion, “Never again, No more trust in his domain.” At last the king, in his own snare, Got trapped himself in jungle air. The lion roared with mournful sound, Woof woof, crying round and round.