The Rod Piercers Of Goddess Marriammen

The Rod Piercers Of Goddess Marriammen, a photo by firoze shakir photographerno1 on Flickr.

On his arms
are needles
on which cluster
of limes will hang
through his cheeks
a 21 feet rod the pain
the spiritual pangs
on their feet bells
sing and clang
on his back
two huge steel hooks
pulling a truck..
the tamilian angst
a festival that
pays tribute to
mother marriammen
the drum beats .
with a soulful bang
the tamils genial gang
the women with hot
pots on their head
a trishul piercing
their tongue
a moment in
timelessness
overhangs

traditions
of hope humanity
from culture sprang