GURU GHARIAL'S MYSTERIOUS MARSHES

Bogs, Fens, Quagmires, Marshlands and Swamps,
Wilds that make your heart beat in THUMPS!
They’re dark and mysterious places,
Get lost here—there’ll be no traces!

There is no place on earth that’s stranger;
In every nook, there lurks a danger.
Toads, newts, owls, crocodiles and snakes,
Hungry insects in all shapes, colours and makes

Call these lowland sloughs their home.
In some mangroves tigers roam,
Reeds, ferns and mosses set up their traps
To capture the hapless—you perhaps?

This is where Guru Gharial resides
Meditating quietly until—woe betides! —
You cross his path and disturb his rumination.
Then that’s that! His stomach’s your destination!

Ranee Kaur Banerjee