Arabian Nights : A poem by Banani Sikdar

Vast blue horizon overhead, vast warm golden sands underneath,

Against oddities, nature survives and thrives in its own sheath.

The cavalcade marches gently, making a pageant theatrical, 

The regal, mystifying, Arabia, cradles 'Arabian Nights' in its soil.

An unparalleled monument in the eternal art of storytelling,

The 'Arabian Nights' stands tall, grand with mesmerism titillating.

The exotic, fantastic fantasy, revolves around a king Shaharayar, 

A king, betrayed by his queen, grows vengeful beyond measure. 

He vows to wed a marriageable maid each day, 

Only to execute her at dawn, the next day. 

The sacrificial lambs soon dwindle in large number, 

When Shahrazad, the Grand Vizier's daughter steps forth to volunteer. 

Marrying the king willingly, despite her father's vehement protest, 

With a penchant for storytelling, 

she sets out on her conquest. 

Each night she begins a tale, never-ending before daybreak, 

The king kept enthralled, steadily she earns her sweepstakes. 

Shahrazad weaves the hightide, incredible adventures of Sindbad, 

The magic lamp of Aladdin and the Genie with wings of birds, 

'Open Sesame' the command of the pirate leader, 

To open the cave door to stock the looted treasure. 

Such fascinating stories coupled with faithfulness and flair, 

The king unaware, when Shahrazad turns into his love and desire.

Finally cured of his paranoia, Shaharayar calls off the execution, 

And hails Shahrazad as his beloved queen with elated satisfaction