AVNI

AVNI

Out in the forests, the grasslands, beyond hills and streams much further

I raise my cubs in a lone manner, I too am a mother

Vulnerable out in the savage wild

I'm but only a nature's child...

I only protect my cubs from barbaric beasts--- the poachers and the hunters

Instead, you set out on a witch-hunt branding me a vile man-eater!

I had brothers and sisters, one of them was Avni…

Cubs and children large in number...so many!

Orange and black, stripes white

We are truly a majestic sight

Few in number, today we are at your mercy…

Does our fur take your fancy?

Our heads and skin adorn your walls

Gentle reminder, humans! The netherworld awaits you with seven deadly gateways and morbid halls.

©️ Sangeetha Kamath

Pic Courtesy: Pixabay

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