Poetry at Sangam
Poetry at Sangam showcases poetry in English and translations as well as essays on poetics and news of new releases.
When all had been absent of human noise
for three turns of the moon,
the cats and the mice came to an understanding.
Mice would reign in the cheese shop
while cats would claim sovereignty
of the fishmongers.
There will be no Tom-and-Jerry-style absurdities.
No sticks of dynamite applied
to the rolled-out tongues of sleeping cats
and no mouse need squander a bead of sweat
on hefting irons to rooves
in the hope a cat would mosey by.
Thus, began a golden age, which like each golden age
will soon prove itself to be composite metal
with gilding shown greenish as it rubs away.
A mouse in a cloak stands on the last cheese wheel.
A cat in a cloak holds the last sole aloft.
It’s the cats’ fault! said the mouse. Greedy mice! said the cat.
Hence, the Battle of the Grocery Shop began.
The mouse shouting orders with a mouth full of brie.
The cat screaming attack! spitting sole at the ranks.