Women Wordsmiths And Christmas By Emmanuel Mettles

Women Wordsmiths And Christmas By Emmanuel Mettles

CHRISTMAS IS AT THE THRESHOLD...BUT....

Christmas is at the threshold, With all warmth and fervour as usual.. But ... no more Christmas I want ! Because I witnessed, the clergy violating Mary behind the confessional. She was so young and tender.. Was too devotional... but now she cannot bear the Son of The Man anymore... So, I won't wait for the one horse Open sledge this time.. No more carols to be sung!!

Sankaranti is Readily waiting at my gate.. To spread colours of rangoli In my front yard... But.....no more sankrantis I want... Neems are ready to bloom. Mango twigs are having a leisure. For they will be too busy receiving Birds and bees soon. But...no more Sankrantis I want !! Because I heard the wailing of Lakshmi the goddess..near the temple gate! On the road last night... She was learnt, wise and pretty.. My younger brother abducted That maiden, who was preparing herself for New year's special rituals at the temple.. So no tarmeric or saffron will bring Festivity to my abode! She was gulped by my brother's lust... So I won't wait for the Ramdas This time...

Maulid-Al-Nabi is scurrying Towards my gates.. Henna thickets are bending their heads To hide their blushed cheeks. Sweetness of semia and meetta pan Are humming from the past... But...No more Maulid -Al-Nabis I want !! Because, at the dawn, I witnessed, My companions molested a woman of fifty In the heath, beside the mosque! Alas! She was the angel who wrote The name of ' ABU BEN ADHEM' in the Lord's book... Delicacies or persian perfumes Will not bring frolic to my Namaz... So..I won't prepare a feast at the dawn... This time...

Tell me dear, How can I go out insearch of a willow branch for my christmas tree.. When I cannot expect the holy birth.. When the new star of hope is blown out, By the religion, before they exploit Mary the Virgin !!

Tell my dear, How can I go to the grocer's Or to the peasants to buy new jaggery and Fresh rice for my ponkal ?? When I cannot go alone to the temple For prayers.. When devotion and devotees tear The redsilk that wrapped around the goddess Sakti behind the effigy !

Please tell me dear, How can I grind mehndi and sandal wood! And prepare a sweet dish to distribute In my neighbourhood... When Holy alms has transformed into Drugs and arms !! When prayers are changed into war cries !! When religions and lust build wharfs for The vessels of momentary thirst for flesh and blood!! How can I!!?? And HOW CAN I???