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‘What is that you are playing with?’
‘A bamboo bow and arrow, father,
brother made for me today.’
‘Do not hurt any, take care.’
‘Yes, I am hitting only into the air.’
Time moved on,
the four-year old is now sixteen
and has the aim of an Arjuna!
News of his achievements reached far and near,
hundreds assembled to see his magic
in festivals and big countryside fairs.
Fascinated by his extraordinary performance,
the king of the land took fancy
to invite him to his court and exhibit his art!
Excited, the poor youth could hardly hide his joy.
In the presence of thousand men and women
he was asked to prove his dexterity and acumen:
to take aim at an apple hung by a thread from a height.
The young man with great ease at first attempt hit it.
The applause was loud and the king was glad,
and asked, ‘Bravo, try once more the same game.’
The confident boy repeated his great feat and felt happy.
The applause was louder this time rising up the air.
With a contented smile the king patted the boy
and asked him to aim at the apple once again.
The hand of the youth was not sure this time,
though he did not miss the target. It was fine.
The king did not stop with that, and signaled to try again.
The young archer felt the heat,
And was not so sure this time to repeat the feat;
He didn’t miss his aim, yet felt for the first time
the presence of an unseen hand that, in fact, is taking the aim!
(Based on a story by Kshitish Ray)
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