The Symbol of Agonizing Abstinence

These valley lands were once meadows of white sorghum. Gorges of deep wounds spread like wildfire, when the brick making mafia succeeded in luring the farmers away with stacks of cash. This seemingly permanent abstinence from their beloved lands for the past two decades is slowly fading away, as the court ordered the butchers to stop their butchery. The symbol signifying this change in relationship is already here.

The mayhem is over and the valley is silent.

Within the deep wounds glistens the lilac blooms of Vitex negundo.

Pre-Sangam Tamil literature considers this நொச்சி as the symbol of abstinence from beloved ones during the times of calmness after violence and misery.

I see many standing in silence at the edges of large quarries. These were once their farmlands. Pits are covered by Vitex. A wind that blows through, lifts up the fallen flowers of the previous night from the bottom of the pits to cover their faces scarred with human guilt.

Nectar streams of Vitex negundo crisscross the wounded valley.

Bees, wasps and butterflies are all over....