I remember as a child what I was told by my mother,/"Never eat ‘Margaji’ as he is our benefactor./ You may eat a chicken but never a cock,/ Otherwise who will take care of Zohak, the Napak?”
It’s said in the valley of Demavand he is chained there,/ Whether it’s a fact or a myth, I really don’t care./Zohak is said to be licking his strong chains until it’s ready to break,/At that very moment ‘Margaji’ crows, at day-break.
Immediately the chains once again become strong./ I have only heard this story so don’t get me wrong./ Then Zohak starts his licking all over again day and night,/ And our savior ‘Margaji’ crows to make things for us right.
But Zohak like Sholay’s Gabbar is talked about, so to say,/ Matrons tell naughty kids ‘masti na karo nahi tau Zohak avsé,”/ This is the year of the rooster (‘Margaji’) I am told,/ Please eat no ‘Margaji’ as he is our only hope, behold.
So I wish you a Happy Rooster Year this Navroz,/ Praying that our ‘Margaji’ lives forever and always crows.
RODA D. HAKIM
Baroda
vadhakim@yahoo.com
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