Boad Ride Across The Ganges
Part I From the famed Darbhanga House Ghat- Reminiscent of a rich King's donations; From whence, as the legends say Two thousand and more years ago Sanghamitra left for LAnka, The land of Patliputra; Shrunk today in a small posh colony Detached from the Ganges- Distancing itself: Amidst expanding dimensions of Patna! Part II Foul water, no more blue; But stale grey. Denying the once famed medicated waters. No dolphins show themselves: They are safe(?) in lone sanctuary Many miles downstream. Part III A skull shows through water, Long strands of hair: Neatly detached Through a sharp cutlass; Missing lower jaws. Part IV A newspaper story of recent past Flashed through conscience immediately- 'Eighty-eight skulls seized, from Ticket Collector's Office, at Patna Station; No claimant.' Part V We sailed past, Apparently ignoring the sighting. I only hoped in my mind, fervently: "Those eighty-eight skulls Were dead Before being detached.."