Lamb To The Slaughter

Gentle tributary of a hill-born river suburban lake caressed acres of fertile land - paddy rich, growing fields Schools of fish raced at depths water-birds, herons, egrets, warblers, mynas, pipits, swallows, shikra, barbets, owls Bowl that held varied lives The surrounding city rapidly scales cloud- heights, as skilled strategists, land grabbers, investors, policymakers, now take her on a ride The silenced birds, once family to the lively-living lake, their provider, now watch from a mile, her being led like a lamb to the slaughter chemical sewers, toxic algae rotting froth, foam, fumes engulf volatile, fire-prone, wasted, water body stands scrapped A stilled lake, beyond repair