THE COBRA & THE CROW

​The Cobra and the Crow

Beside the swollen river's side, Where stormy waters crash and glide, A crow sat perched upon a tree, Watching the floodwaters roll free. ​Across the rush of the village Makarput , Where ancient banyan trees take root, A King Cobra swam against the tide, With unexpected guest astride. ​For on its hood, serene and still, A small frog sat—its usual meal! The crow let out a mocking caw, Amused by what it clearly saw: ​"Oh mighty King! What tragic grace! Your dinner sits upon your face! You carry food you’d normally swallow, In river currents deep and hollow!" ​The cobra hissed through waters deep, "My fate is hard, my path is steep. If I should strike to claim my prize, I’ll sink beneath these rainy skies. ​Survival forces me to wait, And yield a moment unto fate, Until I reach a stable shore— Then it shall be my food once more." ​The crow replied, "Ah, now I see, How strange the turns of life can be. The feared and proud may fall from grace, And find themselves in humble place. ​No strength avails, no venom's power, When destiny commands the hour." ​Then down the heavy rain did pour, The river raged with louder roar, And down the stream, lost to the view, The humble King and frog withdrew. ​Moral: Never let pride cloud your mind. No matter how powerful one seems, circumstances can humble anyone—pride goes before a fall. ( Composed by ©Abadhoot Panda, Cuttack, Odisha. )