Pratik's HLF/NYWW Issue Special : JANE HOUNG's "Sleeping Vishnu"

 

JANE HOUNG

Sleeping Vishnu

 

 

Vishnu, at this moment, I hate you, lying in orange-petalled grey-marbled bliss with that serene look on your face.

Because there I was, standing at your feet, water gently lapping, blossoms sweet as milk and honey, jostled by the muttered mantras of worshippers saried in their best. But all I could see is my daughter sleeping in her wicker coffin, in stone stillness, inert, like you!

The gnarled old ladies rubbed your holy feet and threw you rice and nuts and fruit. I did too. But you know what? Then all I could see is that terrible night with my daughter screaming and sputtering and writhing.

While you were just reposing here, I suppose.

Vishnu, I’m not afraid of death. Kill me for my blasphemy, I don’t care. Because aren’t you supposed to be the Protector of Protectors? My deceased daughter served others, selflessly. Her killer killed, shamelessly. When righteousness wanes, shouldn't you rise up, come forth, defend the good?  And there I was at your shrine lowering my head to pay respects (my sentiment genuine at the time), while some tricksters stole my friend’s bag and your boy-monks were rude and abusive. No semblance of sacredness there!

Right now, if you were a tortoise, I’d squash your ugly poking head. If you were a fish, I’d fry you. If you were a swan, or even a dwarf, I’d shoot you.

Okay, let us strike a bargain. First, forgive my shocking disrespect. Next, flick those garlands from your ears and listen, please. I beg you! Wake up, soon, as Kalki! Armed with mace and bow and sword, leap on the back of your white horse and blow your conch with Annapurna majesty. Make us mortals shake. Make the whole world quake.

Then I might believe in you.

 

 

Jane Houng is primarily a children’s author. Commercial Press Hong Kong has published Bloodswell, Cat Soup, Pun Choi, Hong Kong Movers and Shakers, and Under Lion Rock, and she has self-published Asian Elephant Art, Houng’s Lantau Life. She has also written for Oxford University Press, Pearson Education Asia, and Sing Tao Publishing Corporation. Jane recently self-published a memoir, Beirut Is More Beautiful by Bike, and currently runs three charities on behalf of her late daughter, Rebecca Dykes, including Becky’s Button and Rebecca Dykes Writers. She also hosts a podcast called Mending Lives.

Also Available on Amazon, Flipkart & Daraz

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWSPT5WP

Amazon India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0DWSPT5WP

Distributed in the United States by Itasca Book Distribution: https://itascabooks.com/ Distributed in South Asia by Nirala Publications, India: https://niralapublications.com/product-category/pratik-series/  In Nepal by White Lotus Book Shop, Kathmandu: https://whitelotusbookshop.com/product-category/pratik-series/