The Triumphant Empress—Kunal Roy

Mother,

You are the Queen of the evergreen cosmos,

Radiant,

Invincible,

Hemmed in

by an ineffable aura,

Simple,

Serene ,

Divine! 

You are majestic,

Imperial,

Riding a roaring Lion,

The King of beasts.

Embodies the strength and sublimity! 

You are the pulse,

The throbbing life,

The blend of sublimity and spirituality!

You are sought by sundry,

Obtained by a few,

The Eternity,

Holds the universe,

Lips curl up in a gentle smile,

Gracious,

Unyielding! 

The strength of the gnarled fingers,

The terror for the devil,

Killed Kabandhasur,

Appeared with all your crimson resplendance -

before the globe of creation! 

You are neither Durga nor Kali,

Their third eye radiates wrath,

Yours serenity,

Embracing and Commanding! 

The City has decked up 

with the shimmer,

The devotees have assembled,

Just a glimpse of your countenance

Exudes timeless elegance!

Stays for five days and nights,

The hour of immersion matures,

No ostentation ,

But -

Soft lustre of a crescent moon,

Reflects like the million jewels 

in the placid water of Ganges! 

Waving au revoir,

Smiles and Tears 

Play hide and seek 

Like the lights and shadows! 

Four armed,

Discus, bow, arrow 

Protect the creation! 

The conch proclaims the battle 

For the peace to settle 

amid the commotion,

amid the chaos,

amid the illusory images!! 

                          Dr Kunal Roy 

(Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Communication, George Group of Colleges, Kolkata)