Monday 2 December 2019

Because a graffiti artist drew a prayer on a pavement, and someone remarked he’s uncomfortable with the Saviour’s face on the ground…




I.

If you believe, then He is everywhere –
under each sole, beneath arches of feet,
in the minutest of grasses. In prayers
of chalk on asphalt on a peak hour street.

Does it unnerve you if He’s not always
smiling down at you from a lofty height? –
from a cross, a pedestal, carved cliff face,
hidden beyond the range of outer sight.

Too big for boots, He could very well choose
to look up at you from a pavement sketch,
and measure obeisance in passing shoes -
and they need not cautiously skirt the edge.

Don't worry, He can’t be trampled upon,
whatever the height, wherever He’s drawn.


II.



Didn’t He state unequivocally
that He is the Object of all worship?
the forms and rituals tweaked locally,
suitably adjusted for human grip.

You know no earthly murals can contain -
no carvings, no altars, no blocks of stone
mean anything, just a guide for the brain
which can’t grasp the formless, the unseen, unshown.

Everything, and nothing, is holy -
sacred’s not a place, it’s your mind, and mine.
He’s as much in buildings as in a lowly
coloured chalk drawing at a roadside shrine.

Don’t worry, He won’t be trampled upon.
He’s not just an idol, or icon.







"Those who worship other gods with faith and devotion also worship Me, Kaunteya, even if they do not observe the usual forms. I am the Object of all worship, its sole Consumer and the Lord." Bhagavad Gita, Ch 9:23.













14 comments:

  1. A beautiful poem and so true...

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  2. Well said! He is everywhere and I certainly take no offense to his figure on the sidewalk.

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    1. For true believers, pavers and heights should not be an issue...

      Though in the Eastern cultures it is customary to take off ones shoes in a place of worship as well as before entering homes.

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  3. however he is pictured, that's fine with me. I find no blasphemy in a sidewalk figure or a tattoo. Whatever works

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    1. As you say, whatever works. Also, freedom of worship is a fundamental right in a democratic country...

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  4. Sigh.
    I so often wonder how the various Gods would respond to the way their worshippers behave. And yes, everywhere does indeed include the pavement.

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    1. My guess is that followers tend to get more agitated about protecting/respecting their God than the Almighty himself :)

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  5. Hi Nila - I too don't worry where he is portrayed: each to his own. People tend to react unnecessarily to things at times ... let's take pleasure in others' lives and appreciate them for being human. We're lucky we can express ourselves.

    Wonderful poem ... loved it - cheers Hilary

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    1. There's so much to be appreciative and grateful for I can't understand why some people go out of their way to look for negativity...baffles me. Glad you enjoyed the poem, thanks.

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  6. Hari OM
    Spot on my friend! wonderful response to such closed thinking. YAM xx
    (a bit tardy here - father requires a lot of my time these days.)

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    1. Hope all is well, Yamini. Thanks for being here.

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  7. Reminds me of Tagore: আমার প্রানের মানুশ আছে প্রানে, তাই হেরি তাই সকল খানে।
    He is within me,so I see him everywhere.
    Your poem Nilanjana, echoes this profound truth.

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    1. So blown away that it reminded you of Tagore. Thanks.

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