The Black Koel (August 1996)

For many years the black koel

Sang nothing but songs of love.

Yearning and longing

Craving and Waiting.

Treasuring brief stolen moments

Hoping and dreaming

Wishing and Praying

But waiting, waiting, waiting.

As she sang, others loved

As she yearned, others joined

And as she prayed, others possessed.

Many turned to look at her

Some heard her songs

Some felt her pain

And a few tossed crumbs her lonely way…

Who cared enough to stop or stay?

Will things ever change?

Will the story ever end?

Will the koel find new songs,

And learn new tunes?

Or will she remain,

hurt and hurting

Grieving and craving,

Hoping and cherishing till the end of her days