Thirst Poem by Pallab Chaudhury

The front ahead is a sea with saline water- huge
Where shall I get a little water- for drinking use!
After crossing a long way in this beach, I think
I'd die at last due to dehydration and sun-stroke!
The thirsty chest is cracking and is, as if, nonstop
Yet the vast sea cannot offer me a single drop!
With hundreds of worries while in this water search
Leg-joints became very stiff and unable to stretch!

A milkmaid was passing nearby after selling milk
Called me- Oh, my dear son! Come here and be quick!
The lovely river-mother- the Palar is her name;
Though there's no surface flow, you'd get it and is wholesome.
The villagers on either bank are nourished, they claim
By her milk-like stream; go sharp and get the same.

While going into a hut I saw a well- at last
And had water in a tumbler- to quench the thirst.


Dated: 21st March 2019.