Nissim Ezekiel

   Enterprise

 

It started as a pilgrimage

Exalting minds and making all

The burdens light. The second stage

Explored but did not test the call

The sun beat down to match our rage.

 

We stood it very well, I thought

Observed and put down copious notes

On things the peasants sold and bought

The way of serpents and of goats

Three cities where a sage had taught.

 

But when the differences arose

On how to cross a desert patch

We lost a friend whose stylish prose

Was quiet the best of all our batch

A shadow falls on us- and grows.

 

Another phase was reached when we

Were twice attacked, and lost our way

A section claimed its liberty

To leave the group. I tried to pray

Our leader said he smelt the sea.

 

We noticed nothing as we went,

A straggling crowd of little hope,

Ignoring what the thunder meant,

Deprived of common needs like soap,

Some were broken, some nearly bent.

 

When finally, we reached the place

We hardly knew why we were there

The trip had darken every face

Our deeds were neither great nor rare

Home is where we have to gather grace.

 

 


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