1) I heard a lone melancholy plaintive drawl
Of the lonely piper begging round
A wail of shrill soul-piercing call
As if his pipe puffed pain profound
A lean old man turbaned appeared before
A flood of music through dim morn tore.
2) In ragged attire once shone with richest charm
A faded apparel of good old times
Big beads, strange shells bedecked his form
He went alone with tinkling chimes;
Puffing a full-blown outdated song
Something missing,something went wrong.
3) I thought of happy past times' call
When festive zeal infused in all full cheer
When whole village became a wedding hall
When each house appeared neat and clear
Where were those merry moments gone?
Why this sad sullen song in morn?
4) Where's the humped bull with crescent horns
Striding with regal pace full-drest
With precious brocaded silks adorn
With tassels and bells upon his painted crest
Where is the piper with the magic spell?
5) The piper's lusty shout at every door
Rang out a note of joy in all to see
His hands were filled with gifts galore;
The bull shook to and fro his crown with glee
The village welcomed with full-stretched arms
The piper gladdened all with sportive charms.
6) And now none cares to come and hear his song
Old, weak and neglected by all
Dragged on and drawled a sullen song
Without his beloved bull and silken shawl
A lifeless spirit gaunt he slowly went
From lane to lane his form half-bent.
7) In his sad face seen the ruined spirit
Of rural heritage of dying past;
Who can revive the bygone mirth and wit?
The piper without his sacred bull, a lost
Legend of fabled mirth and thrill ;
His song rings through my bosom still.
8) A dreary noise indifferent all round spills
Snapping the friendly feelings of intimacy
Too much concern for one's self kills
The spirit of charity and mercy;
The piper's song -- a glorious lyric for all
To sing, to share and live with all.
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2nd May, 2015 Somaseshu Gutala
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