Surendra Gautam
I’m impatient, oh Nature!
Why did the neurons of my brain get organized?
Hasn’t your gift of a human become a curse for yourself?
My consciousness only understands anthropocentric values
I surmise myself as ‘Messiah’ of the entire universe
I consider myself the master of the whole world
I evaluate merits and demerits in your multiple resources
I only value ‘jatamasi’ and ‘yarsa’
But I see no usage of weeds and mosses.
Oh Nature! Why my prefrontal cortex decrees
To hurt animals, as for their sacrifices
I belittle innumerable buds that grow in your lap
I destroy them, pull them out, and throw them away;
I them I cannot see my personal progress
I see no propose of weeds and similar other plants
Kindly tell: isn’t there any purpose of their existence?
Oh Nature! Am I the best among species?
Have not my boundless desires been restrained?
If only I were the sole consumer of this universe!
Why do the ravines, mountains and hills exist?
Why do cherries and oaks grow?
What worth is the life of animals, birds and plants?
I’m impatient with my irrevocable desire, Janani,
Is my creation only for greed?
Please speak up! Your silence has driven me even more covetous.
[Surendra Gautam is a Nepali poet from Baglung. He is a teacher by profession.]