The Blood Sucker

Forsaken by his siblings,

Lone, the old man lay

On an indifferent water bed, which,

Was as cold as his son’s smile,

Bed sores his sole companions.

The mosquito buzzed

At his wrinkled ears.

Raised he, his trembling hands

To strike at the intruder.

But his strength no longer breathed

Killed by senility’s wrath.

Defeated physically, he cried:

“Go away, you blood sucking beast”

And then surprised was he

When the insect buzzed:

“Old man, your blood I need’

Scowled the old man,

“Never shall I give my blood

To blood sucking beasts,

Pleasure you feel in pain

And my heart though old

Never can feel such pleasure”

“Please, old man, help me

You are obliged to me”

The little creature whimpered.

                                       

Roared like a lion, the man,

“Me, obliged to a puny creature!

Get away, you blood sucker!”

Settling on his wrinkled chin

The blood sucker wept

“Struggles there my precious companion,

Between life and death”

Like the breeze, the old man softened,

“Tell me, who hurt you?”

“Old man, that little grand daughter of yours,

Swat at my companion and bled him.

Dear old man, find not I pleasure in pain

Nor do the members of my clan

Such are we made

To live on other’s blood

But men do live on other’s blood,

Not ‘cause man cannot think.

Yet sadly is it believed

That man owns the sixth sense.

Old man lacks it, your son too

Else how could he abandon you?”

The old man heaved a sigh,

“You are wise, my little friend,

But blame must brand not us, mortals

But the great king of paradise

Who foolishly created the beautiful tree

And then forbade man.

He is loving, a little wise too

But lacks common sense.

Little friend, take my blood and save him”

And then his heart its music ceased.

The mosquito stiffened and flew back

His mission unaccomplished

Yet his precious companion only said:

“I can die with a happy heart

That you didn’t take the blood

Of a soul so good!”

ANUSHA.U.R.

17 yrs

11:00 PM

Published in the anthology “In Celebration”