The Immersion

The drums went fanatic, vermillion stained the air.

Boys jigged as girls squirmed.

Dupattas clenched - all they could care.

Uma walked along with the crowd - to reach home - where her ailing father lay.

Slogged and weary - out from work - where she'd spent another hectic day.

She looked up the lorry - Mother Goddess!

The huge idol swinging through the jolt.

She joined her hands - a silent prayer - then quickened her steps - Was that her fault?

Some hairy hands - the stench of booze - groping - shoving - huddling - the darkening crowd!

"Save me Maa" - her voice was drowned - the drummers were now beating yet aloud.

When she could see through her welling tears - through her shudders - through her shame -

'Maa' too was drowning in water (or in tears?) - She remembered the name!