The Man With Flute Poem by Prasanna Mishra

Who is he
Coming so silently
Without a convoy
Without a banquet
And a welcome speech!
Some of us
Withdrew
A bit


He prodded us
To speak
We did
our wants were many
Ship, aeroplane, money
And chimney
He is impressed
we are simple
sincere and quick
He would give everything

Our invitation for lunch
He accepted
We ate
While he talked
offered his hands
For a lasting relationship


Why not plant a sapling
I suggested
In memory
Of his parents
To be protected
At my expense
Against errant cattle
He declined

Return he will
If not
Nor do we see
Ever his money
or chimney
The music will last
Long and kindle
His memory sweet;
He had played his flute
Into our hungry ears
While others didn't.

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