SORROW OF SATAN

[Guest guest]

SORROW OF SATAN

Mockingly asked the owl of the Satan,

"Master, why don't you enjoy pleasure and fun

On this happy Divali day

When all are feeling happy and gay?

Why do you sit brooding quietly

In a corner feeling gloomy?

Where's your big company

Seeking pleasures in plenty,

Dancing and singing,

Drinking and gambling?

Alas! Your den in quite empty,

There's neither sweet saqi

Nor the damsel of beauty.

Who used to attract so many

Visitors for passion and pleasure!

Master, with sorrow and wonder

I request you most humbly,

Tell me your tale of agony

Who has brought this misery

And made you melancholy?"

The Satan heaved a deep sigh

And looking towards the sky,

Replied in a painful tone

And with a groan and moan,

"My sweet owl, the God Almighty,

My only and eternal enemy,

Has descended on this earth,

Giving every joy and mirth

To the people in pain and misery,

Who seek His celestial company!

Believe. He grants boon and favour

To all chanting Allah and Ishwar.

There's divine magic in His eyes

And even the learned and wise

Go to far-off and tiny place

To seek His guidance and grace!

M> choice friends and followers, too,

Are attracted by His aroma and hue!

They have only to chant Allah and Ishwar

And get the boon; what a wonder!

Really I am at my wit's end,

How to beat and bend

This dreadful enemy

Who weans away my army

Of drunkards and debauchees,

Gamblers and of faithful devotees,

Who never heard of Allah and Ishwar

But now chant His name; what a wonder!

Dear, can you render me service

To get rid of this nuisance?"

Hearing this the owl bent his head,

And with mischief in his eyes Saluted

The Satan sitting in sorrow

And overwhelmed with worry and woe

Saying, "Master, Where's that Almighty,

Who troubles your majesty?"

The Satan with pain and prick,

And feeling sore and sick Replied mournfully,

"The Almighty Is sitting in the masjid at Shirdi

In the guise of a fakir smoking chillum

By the fireside, chanting 'Ram, Ram'.

Dear, if only you could go and reside in the mosque

And utter your cries, all shall feel sick

Of the place and leave it immediately.

And I shall get back my followers quickly".

The owl after deep meditation

And with fear and hesitation

Replied, "Master, you know my fate

How I live lonely and hate

Crowds since my birth

Knowing no joy and mirth!

I simply shiver and shudder

And it shall be a blunder

To live in the masjid with throngs

Of people dancing and singing songs

Day and night in the company

Of the fakir whose greatness and glory

Eclipse your authority in this country !

So, I can't do the job, I am sorry;

But I shall tender you a good advice,

If you want to play the evil and vice,

Leave the area of influence of this Almighty

And migrate to some distant country

Where people shall welcome you with open arms

For you have got the tricks and charms

Which, undoubtedly, shall attract and bring

You new followers as you dance and sing".

So saying, the owl began to fly away,

Leaving the Satan in utter dismay!

—Bakht N. Moolchandhani

 

 

(Adopted from Sri SaiLeela Special Issue 1973)