The bird within

Bengali folk songs, specially of the Baul, speaks about a strange bird (অচিন পাখি). A bird which would fly from the cage once it breaks and leave it to rot. The cage, whether be of bamboo or gold, alwas rots and goes to dust. We all know that these songs are allegorical referring to our body and soul. But when I close my eyes, I always see a bird (usually an exotic tropical variety from the rain-forest), quietly chomping on sprouted bengal gram; and observing all my misdeeds while shaking heads in disapproval.

Pen on paper