The End of the River Cauvery
Quiet flowed the Cauvery, except of course during the monsoon, when it roared and gushed mightily.
This great being had survived centuries, painting the entire land in green, washing away the sorrows of the countless farmers who lived by its banks.
As dark forces saw this giant bring prosperity to all, they were troubled. A plot was hatched by these evil ones to slay this great one. This slaying was to be done in a foul manner, not the graceful death of a battle, but a slow lingering one.
Rains stopped for a year or two. The Cauvery trickled, but still fought, waiting for the year of rains, which would come soon. But then, this powerful, but innocent goddess did not understand man well enough. The dark forces put thoughts in certain men. Troubles started brewing - for the rights over the waters.
The great waters were dammed, held in check. Across the land, the riverbed began to dry. Sensing that the great one was fighting for her life, vultures pounced on her. The Sands of the river were carried off in lorries, to satisfy man's unslakable thirst of money. As her body was being torn to pieces, the river cried out in anguish. The same people who had enjoyed her bounty failed to heed her cries.
The vultures continue their feast. Soon, it will be the land of "The River That Was," a tribute to man's great destructive purposes. A vast barren land, thorny bushes and an occasional muddy pool will be all that is left for our children to see what was once a divine spectacle. Bathing in the cool waters, watching the sun set, the rows of trees on either banks guarding the beautiful maiden will soon be left to imagination.
Hear her cries, O Children. Hearken, O Rain God. Let us do something before one more thing of beauty and joy perishes from our world. Let us prevent the dark forces from gaining another victory.
Let the Cauvery flow quietly once more.
posted by SherlockSridhar @ 11:46 PM
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