POEM: Ode to flatulence

Ranganatha Sitaram

A more variegated outburst

The body does not produce.

A greater multiplicity of sensuous impact

Nature does not induce.

.

What resonance!

The vibration, the din,

And the melody.

.

How redolent!

The emanation, the aroma,

And the fragrance.

.

Nothing compares to this 

pneumatic pleasure:

Neither the curt yawn, 

The rash sneeze,

Nor the ultimate exaltation of love.

.

Of all nature’s gifts

At the zenith it remains,

The flatulent release.

.

It presents itself in many avatars:

The little infant may cry from colic

Before the air is relieved.

And it comes out of the toddler

With a giggly flourish.

.

The teenager may produce at will

For the entertainment of others.

While the pricy lady may 

Quietly release yet feign innocence.

.

The middle-aged man will not hesitate 

In the exuberance of the act.

An old man shows belligerence 

With much less tact.

Still, the solemn old woman

May let out the most potent one.

.

Whatever the end effect

It is only human 

To follow nature’s lead

And perform the necessary deed.

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