DABU - 1998
The Old Way Versus the New Way
By: Neeraj Pradhan
The old way.
Waking up at 4:00, fresh, invigorated,
Ready to start the day with prayer.
Going to the decorated shrine.
Praying to the gods.
Bathing them in milk and water.
Dressing them with varies orchids and blossoms.
The warm sun lighting up the roon, massaging your back.
The new way.
Waking up ar 7:30, half awake,
Lazily dressing yourself to the mirror.
Praying while getting dressed.
No idols or ceremonies.
No sun, just a light bulb flickering away.
The old way.
Waiting for everyone at the breakfast table.
Lively conversation occurring.
Then savoring the feast.
The boiled eggs, honey tea, and buttered toast.
The new way.
Eating while reading the newspaper.
Not a word.
Only working teeth and jaws are heard.
The old way.
Using the tool God gave you to have fun.
Creativity.
Playing tag, hide and seek, and follow the leader.
The new way.
Using the tool Sony gave you to have fun.
TV.
Starting at the screen.
Letting your brain slowly, but surely shut off.
However, throughout it all.
The love we have for one another.
Will always be the same.
This page is designed by Raju/Sumitra Maharjan on Jan. 1, 1999.