A Harvest of Chance

A lush green paddy patch to the bystander’s eyes,
knowing not behind the vista what hardship lies.

With blood and toil nurtured, starting with the plough,
sowing, growing, nourishing, lifting water until now.

With tender loving care, fighting spot, rot and blight,
and once the grains appear standing guard day and night.

From afar the family watches dreaming of golden gains,
will it be enough this year to unshackle the iron chains?

– Narendra Nayak © 2019