Rondel Wherein Mandodari Questions an American God

Rita Mookerjee

These karmic cycles are very odd.
Reincarnation takes far too long.
The mechanics have grown wild and shaky.
How can you judge the sins of frogs?

You are the shepherd of stolen flocks.
Your people are tired, their wills are breaking.
These karmic cycles are very odd.
Reincarnation takes far too long.

What is the cost of remaining strong
through plagues and violence and incessant quaking?
How can you judge the sins of frogs?
Your mechanics have grown wild and shaky.
Leave it all behind you now, and flee while the moon is waning.

Rita Mookerjee is an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Worcester State University. She is the author of False Offering (JackLeg Press 2023). Her poems can be found in the Baltimore Review, Hobart Pulp, Lantern Review, New Orleans Review, and The Offing. Follow her @RitaMookerjee.

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