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FollowFloods in Allahabad
The Ganga and the Jamuna have risen, threatening and marooning Allahabad.
People escape with their basic belongings to higher points, worried about thieves,
About snakes that could latch on in unguarded moments. The rivers transform
Into seas coming together titanically and encroaching upon land like locusts
Or indeed the Chinese army. People panicking and picnicking together,
With fear and joy running into each other. The army trying to save breaches,
The administration on its toes, compelled to notice the people’s woes.
Narratives gaining strength, imaginations running wild in the absence of events.
Prayers gathering momentum, reporters reviewing with decided agendum.
The Ganga and the Jamuna have risen, threatening and marooning Allahabad.
People escape with their basic belongings to higher points, worried about thieves,
About snakes that could latch on in unguarded moments. The rivers transform
Into seas coming together titanically and encroaching upon land like locusts
Or indeed the Chinese army. People panicking and picnicking together,
With fear and joy running into each other. The army trying to save breaches,
The administration on its toes, compelled to notice the people’s woes.
Narratives gaining strength, imaginations running wild in the absence of events.
Prayers gathering momentum, reporters reviewing with decided agendum.
I gather that the floods are a rather normal occurrence in the monsoon. A time when the overflowing rivers replenish the fertile soil and add water to the thirsty land. Humans living in the area have, for thousands of years, have both welcomed and dreaded these annual events.
Ron