The Tobit & Sarah Story

 

I have heard so many love stories, but the sad truth is that most of these speak of raging passion and erotica that generally end with stupidly glorified death; the essence of love is lost. I was reading the book of "Tobit", and my first thought was, this is a story which must be told.  It was with this intention that I rewrote the entire book as a short poem.

If you like this poem, consider purchasing the e-book I have written; it is filled with poetry, articles, and short stories: Beyond Black & White: Collection of poems, articles, and short stories to which everyone out there can relate to

 The Tobit & Sarah Story*

Act I - Introduction

 

While Israel was in exile,

The fate of two faithful would unite,

Tobit of Nineveh and Sarah of Ectabana[1]’s

misery would end.

Through a common thread of

Tobit’s son “Tobias”

And a tale of;

Son’s love for father,

Spouse’s love for Spouse,

And God’s love for mankind,

Shall forever be told.

 

Act II - Tobit’s Prayer: 

 

“You brought me out of my father’s land,

I never left your way,

Even on the persecution day,

To every brother I lent my hand,

 

On that day,

I just buried,

My brethren murdered, whose corpse on street unattended lay,

After my duty, unclean and tired under a tree, I lie,

But the sparrow’s droppings fall in my eye,

Gone is my sight,

No longer the priest, prophet and king am I,

Oh lord, here my body day after day rust,

Oh lord, in your wisdom and justice,

Take me now! Take me now,

And turn me to dust.

 

Act III - Sarah’s Prayer:

 

“This life was your gift,

But today I wish it all to end,

I, the apple of my father’s eye,

Oh lord! Call me today and let me die,

Why lord? Why

My seven suitors all found dead?

I can’t bear this shame,

Take me, and take me now,

To the place where all miseries end.   

 

Act IV - The divine intervention:

 

Before his throne no prayer is unanswered,

Every unsaid word is heard,

But his ways are mysterious,

The thread was about to unwind,

For he can stop every east wind.[2]

A thought he put in Tobit’s mind;

Of an old debt he did remind.

Then to his son “Tobias” he did command:

“Go find a man among our own,

 To guide you to the city of Rages[3],

To collect my debt,

Before I lie on my death bed”

 

Unknown to Tobias, he brought home an angel,       

Unknown to father and son,

To Tobit’s only son the guide,

would be Raphael.[4]

With a tear in his eye,

He bid goodbye to the apple of his eye.

 

Act V - Fishy Tale:

 

The journey was long,

 In the evening by Tigris[5] two weary travellers stopped,

On Raphael’s command,

From Tigris, Tobias pulled out a fish long,

They ate the flesh,

But on Raphael’s command;

Of the fish, he kept the liver, heart and gall.

 

Act VI - Blind Faith:

 

As they entered Ectabana,

The angel did instruct:

“Here lives, Sarah a maiden fare,

Marred by fate,

Yet from eternity destined to be your perfect mate.

Her father Raguel belongs to your clan,

And you have every right, to ask for her hand.”

 

Tobias replied:

“You my companion, you my guide,

You know seven suitors of have died,

It would bring my father’s end,

If I would enter the realm of dead”

 

The angel replied:

“Those men of flesh,

Those men of lust,

By their intention they were turned to dust.

And dragged to hell,

By Sarah’s pursuer Asmodeus devil.

But with you, all shall be well,

Coz amidst you shall the holy one dwell,

Burn the fish’s heart, burn the liver,

And from its smell,

The devil shall flee.”

 

He had blind faith,

And obeyed his guide’s command.

Raguel pitied the young lad’s fate,

But to Tobias he gave Sarah in marriage,

That night, Tobias burned on incense the (fish’s) heart and liver,

And for God’s mercy, they did pray,

Before their marriage they consummate.

 

Raguel lacked faith,

He had asked a grave for the young man be dug,

But when he came to know,

The couple were sleeping in each other’s hug.

The grave was quickly covered,

And a feast was arranged.

Indeed, Raguel realized his daughter was indeed blessed,

And he praised, he praised God like never before.

 

While Tobias was at the feast,

The guide collected the debt.

 

 Act VII - Held by the thread:

 

As Tobias, his spouse, and his guide,

Neared his father’s home,

His guide and he rushed ahead,

To prepare his house,

For his spouse.

 

He applied the (fish) gall on his father’s eye,

And peeled off the layer,

Restored was Tobit’s sight.

 

Tobit’s joy knew no bound,

His misery no longer did him hound.

So he declared;

“Whatever from Ectabana and Rages,

You have got,

Half of it from you must part,

Give it to your guide,

For without him you would not have been equally yoked,

And in my misery, I would have died.”

 

It was then that the angel Raphael revealed his true form,

And as the household praised God,

The angel left for his heavenly abode.

 

Tobias was the thread,

Angel Raphael was the medium,

Through these God had worked two miracles,

And united two lives.

 

Act VIII - Coz his love never ends

 

I don’t know what would be my fate,

I don’t whether there is love at first sight,

I don’t know whether the marriage,

would be of love or arranged,

 

But I am blessed with faith,

And my father knows what is right.

Our mutual love might end,

But my father’s love will never end.

 

-          Prajval Albuquerque

 * The poem is a work inspired by the book of Tobit; the poet does not claim that the poem is historically or biblically accurate. The poet while exercising creative liberty, has made a sincere effort to protect the intent and content of the book any inconsistency or inaccuracy is highly regretted. The readers are encouraged to read the book of Tobit for a better understanding of the scripture.

---

[1] Nineveh and Ectabana: Ancient Assyrian cities.

[2] East wind: The east wind of the Bible is a fierce wind (Isaiah 27:8, Job 38:24), it can destroy ships on the high seas (Psalm 48:7, Ezekiel 27:26), it can scatter and sweep out people (Job 15:2, 27:21, Jonah 4:8, Jeremiah 18:17).

[3] Rages: Ancient Assyrian City.

[4] Raphael:  Raphael is an archangel responsible for healing.

[5] Tigris: River Tigris.

---

Letter to Dad; A leader with no title

 

To,

My Dad on his Birthday.  

Dear Dad,       

I know you never got the love,

That you truly deserved.

Today when I live far from you I understand,

That fatherless son’s agony,

Oh! that kid’s pain,

Who never got his father’s love.

I feel Grandpa shouldn’t have left you in such a haste,

Oh! That child’s worry…      

 

Perhaps it was fate that he was supposed to meet his untimely death.

 It’s in teens that a boy needs his dad the most,

I wonder how you lived through that situation worst

Yet, turned out to be my Dad best.

 

While other kids liked to walk,

Your small idiot preferred to talk,

While to the office you would have to walk,

You first carried me to my crèche*,

Oh, I wonder how much your legs would ache,

But you never let his three-year old’s feet to the ground touch.

I remember how in the evenings at those cuts you would stare,

And give out those small gasps of pain,

I an idiot would laugh as that’s no big deal to care,

And then you would smile behind that thick mustache,

As if my joy was your biggest gain.

I wish I was better then L

 

When I grew,

You were with whom my fears and pain I confide,

I gave you so many reasons to be wild,

I felt your voice becoming gruff,

But never were your actions tough,

An occasional hit or some sessions of scolding,

Was what I escaped with.

Coz I guess for you, I was always that child,

Whom you carried to the crèche*.

 

Then one fine day mom got sick,

And you kept that marital promise, “Through thin and thick”,

That sudden change in schedule,

That sudden change in lifestyle,

That sudden duty of being another mom,

So that this Mama’s boy would not bother his mom.

 I wish I was better then L

 

 

If you have met a man this humble,

Who under the pressure would not crumble?

Who would forgive your every sin?

And would always your heart win.

Who for his family,

Would put on line his dignity?

And face all the consequences with humility.

Then definitely you have met my Dad.

 

A man of words few,

But who holds an ocean of feelings,

Which he refuses to spill,

Yet fulfill my every fanciful will.

My silence comes from him,

My faith comes from him.

 

He taught me:

There is nothing wrong to feel, but never let your words ever an emotion of other kill,

If your pain is someone’s joy, give them that joy,

There is nothing wrong in love but never break your chaste vow.

 

I hope as I become a man,

I become a man like him:

A sacrificing father, a loving husband,

A humble person,

And most importantly;

A leader with no title J               

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

Your loving son,

Prajval Albuquerque

 

* Crèche: a nursery where babies and young children are cared for during the working day.

One of the most important lessons I ever learnt summarised in a poem.

Villain within us

Villain within us

Note: In the course of this article some of you might be led to believe that I am justifying some of the heinous acts committed by the people whom I have mentioned in the article. But let me be very clear right at the beginning I do not endorse their views rather my concern is, why do they become? What they became.

Life is harsh, but according to me we as humans go that extra mile to make others' lives even more miserable at times, and then the unexpected happens; a person becomes tired of being victimized, and a monster is born. Perhaps how many times we don’t even realise our small actions solely done with the intention of fun might completely transform a person. People become criminals because of their greed, lust, psychological issues etc. Today am not writing about them. 

My concern is for those monsters which we create and I sincerely hope that we stop creating them. We as people should not merely be robots controlled by our analytical mind, but think like humans with hearts and realise everyone has needs and when they are not fulfilled, they tend to become something very different.

History speaks about great people and their good acts specifically their acts of valour which led them to triumph over evil, but at times does this society which we claim to be good does it create its own evil?

I guess people knew right from the beginning of time that they created their own evil, but our self-righteous ego simply refused to accept it. However, some of the authors have always known it and they have expressed the same through their writings. That is why they have always felt the need to create a dark background story for each villain. Who better than J.K. Rowling knows this perhaps that is the reason while creating the character of Voldemort she felt the need to describe the horrific past of Tom Riddle; who was tormented and ill-treated by his father and later in the orphanage. Even when the righteous hero "Harry" does some pretty nasty things to his cousin and their aunt when they insult or bully him. Paulo Cohello in his book Devil and Miss Prym; A story of a man who searches for the answer to whether the man is basically evil or good? has described the antagonist as having a violent background. Perhaps the earliest author who understood the pain of being wronged and justified revenge was Alexander Dumas in his book The Count of Monte Cristo. Then Hollywood and Bollywood caught up with the idea and for every act of violence committed by the hero there is a previous count of injustice done towards him and thus his act is justified but what about the villain? He too is born out of injustice; shouldn’t he too get justice? Or is it that we live in a society where the victor is the hero and the loser is the villain?  The Hollywood movie John Wick Chapter I showed the hero killing a person who killed his dog. John Wick got his revenge by killing that person who killed his dog but don’t you think even he committed a murder and should have had a bad end? Instead, John Wick killed both the father and the son he is the hero and the movie is named after his character. 

I firmly believe in this quote from the book of Maccabees in the Old Testament “Those who take the sword shall die by the sword.” Death does not forgive the Maccabees brothers though their cause was just, two of the three brothers were killed.  

We need to build our society on; where there is no justification for a wrong act. There has always been a debate whether the means justify the end or the end justifies the means. Based on whatever I have analysed from the above-mentioned literature I stand by the conviction that “the means justify the end” and not vice versa, as the end only exists in stories and movies in reality there is no end, and the animosity continues for eternity.

The Criminologist Cesare Lombroso in his theory of atavistic-born criminals identified certain people as criminals or would-be criminals if they possessed certain characteristics from the list of 16 characteristics that he had published. Lombroso’s theory of identifying criminals is no longer relevant  It must however be noted that most of the 16 characteristics mentioned by Lombroso were deformities or features which usually a person would not possess. How do we treat a person with deformities or unusual features? Then what do you think will be the reaction of a person who has been treated as an outcast, jeered at and treated differently for the entirety of his life. He will definitely hate this kind of society and thus as an aftermath, a selfish, criminal whose hatred is directed towards society will be born. This goes on to say that Lombroso was right up to a certain extent as he identified the symptoms and not the cause of how criminals are born. Some may say that we sympathise with such differently-abled people and show compassion towards them but perhaps that’s not what they need. What they actually need is acceptance and love. Now here are some questions I would like to pose for a modern global citizen and if you can honestly answer them with a yes then you have not only saved a person’s soul but have rid the society of a criminal even before he was born. These questions may also change your definition of people with unusual features.

• Would you fall in love with a person with a squint or who is a pygmy and marry him?
• Would you introduce that fattest person in your class as your best friend to your friend of the other sex?
• Would you take a seat beside an effeminate person while travelling?
• Have you ever chatted with that leper about his life or your life while you dropped that big note in his vessel?
• You might have helped many people with crutches to cross the road but have you ever walked along with them at the same speed with which they walk, not helping them but just chatting and making them feel normal? Have you ever done this when the person with crutches and you were going in the same direction?
•  Have you ever invited that aloof studious person in your class to your birthday bash?

A drop of kindness can transform a devil into an angel but we as people tend to forget that a drop of hatred can change a person into a devil too. When a priest loved, cared and trusted a considerable amount of money to be delivered to a monastery, to a person despite that person being a habitual gambler and a vagabond; he was transformed and became a caretaker of the sick and in turn formed an organisation entirely dedicated to the service of sick, he became a saint and is known as Saint Camillus de Lellis. At the same time when a small girl was subjected to rape and was not supported by her maternal family and when her own cousin got her falsely arrested with a charge of dacoity. She was transformed and the innocent Phoolan Devi became the Bandit Queen.  If Phoolan Devi’s family and villagers had shown love and care to that innocent girl, would she have become a dacoit? 

Within us resides both good and evil. We as members of this society by our acts influence the acts of other members of the society. I feel seriously hurt when I see ourselves creating our own enemies and tyrants. I believe that each communal clash does not propagate any religion but creates more hardliners among the victims who will again initiate a new clash this process is endless so better not to start it at all; do not let a new villain awake in an innocent heart by an act of yours because when a villain is born he makes no difference between the innocent and the guilty, he just seeks destruction and will continue it till the time he is brought down. In the meantime, a new villain will be born from his victims.

 Not My Church!

To my beloved Bhartiya family,

मेरी दिली इच्छा थी कि मैं यह लेख हिंदी में लिखूं, लेकिन मेरी लिखी हिंदी थोड़ी कमजोर है इसलिए मुझे अंग्रेजी में लिखना पड़ा। भविष्य में किसी समय मैं इस विषय पर एक हिंदी वीडियो बनाना चाहूंगा।   

I request my English-speaking family to kindly spread the message among all those who find it difficult to understand English. This article is primarily not meant for Christians but for all Indians. So if you are Christian reading this please spread the message.

I apologise for the length of this article, but I sincerely hope you will read it to the end. In fact, I request you to read it till the end. However, if it is not possible, I have highlighted important paragraphs please read those. 

I have made special efforts to quote neutral sources and have only referred to religious texts where they are extremely specific. I am open to comments and criticism, but just as I have quoted neutral sources who are not opinionated or biased, I expect you to adhere to this standard; otherwise, it would lead to a never-ending debate. 

• Introduction

As a Christian born and living in this country for more than 25 years, I am a proud Indian, i.e. Bhartiya. I have received nothing but love from my motherland. However, in recent times, Christianity has been defined by videos of funny pastors, "mere yeshu mere yeshu" funny reels, and churches being targeted based on fake conversion stories. I just wanted to say This is not my church! This is not what church is about; this is not something I believe in.

I talked with qualified people; it was hurtful to hear, but I realised that there were so many misconceptions about Christians, so much hidden pain and unsaid fears.

This article is my small attempt to clear some misconceptions. 

I. Not my Church: Things which look like Christianity but as we say in PK's language "यह wrong number है"

II. Why did Christianity spread?

III. Conclusion

I. Not my Church

Jesus answered them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray"

-Matthew 24:4‭-‬5 NRSV

Below are instances of what the church represents and what it does not represent:

1. Saint (संत) Culture and Humility: Every Christian who lives according to the will of God can be called a saint [further Study]. The problem is this title comes with a really heavy responsibility, and who am I, or for that matter, anyone else to judge whether a person has lived a Christ-like life or not? In the Catholic branch of Christianity, we go a step further and do not call a living person a saint. So if you have led a good life you will be in heaven (स्वर्ग) and hence only when there is some evidence that a person's soul is in heaven do we refer to him/her as a Saint [further study]. We need to look at who is giving out these titles like, "Prophets" "Angel" "Father's Son" "Saint" etc. If the preachers are doing it themselves then they are committing the mortal sin of Vanity/ Pride. If someone else is giving these titles, then ask yourself why would somebody else do it? What is their intention behind it? How are they benefitting from it? If you see anything like this then he/she is definitely the wrong number.
2. Dynasty (परिवारवाद): There is no place for a dynasty in preaching the word of God. Just because my father or my husband was a preacher does not give me the right to continue the legacy of making preaching a family business; this is wrong. It is clearly displayed in the life of Jesus himself he maintained his chastity, did not marry, and did not have kids to continue his legacy. The next preacher will be a student. The relationship between a preacher and a future preacher is more along the lines of गुरु शिष्य  [Further reading] [Further Reading]
3. Lifestyle and Humility: If you look at all the preachers in the entire Bible, there are two common features: First is humility, and Second is sacrifice. Look at the disciples, look at Jesus they left their sources of income, they left their families and lived humble lives as travelling preachers.  If preaching is the only source of income for a preacher and he/she is roaming in a Mercedes, if their children are studying abroad, if for every function they are sitting on a सिंहासन, if they are arriving on a helicopter if they are attached to material goods, then where is the sacrifice? where is the humility? They are still attached सांसारिक मोह माया. This is not what Christianity stands for, and THIS IS NOT MY CHURCH!
4. Miracles: Miracles do happen, but the question is whom do I attribute (श्रेय) them? With these miracles where do I lead the people? If a preacher says God has blessed me, "I have the power to perform miracles, come to my शिबिर" then he is attracting people to him and not to God. I will say these miracles are fake and need to be thoroughly investigated. THIS IS NOT MY CHURCH. Jesus speaks about such people in Matthew 24:4‭-‬5. A true disciple would never ask people to come to him. He would never attract attention. He would direct people to God, ask them to praise and worship him, and not take any credit for the same. An example of this is the humility and obedience displayed by Saint Padre Pio [Further Reading].
5. Rice bag Christians and on Conversion: The bible does not say to go and change the religion of people. As per my understanding of the Bible, all Christians are called to talk about Jesus, introduce him to people, do charity and lead exemplary lives. If by our life and testimony, someone is inspired to become a follower of Christ it is their free will. For more on this read Catechism of Catholic Church Part 3, Ch 2, Article 1, II (Conversion and Society) from 1886 to 1896. Christians indeed perform charitable acts like distributing food, running charitable institutions, etc. Someone might look at it and be impressed and follow Christ, but it is never a transaction where I will give you food and you should convert. If anyone offers anything/any service in exchange for conversion, it is wrong, condemnable and NOT MY CHURCH! 
6. For a deeper understanding of conversion click on these links: Man's capacity for self transcendence on conversion in Bernard Lonergan's method in theology, Evangelii Gaudium, Ad Gentes, Lumen Gentium, Redemptoris missio.
7. For a Christian, the easiest way to bring about a change in the life of people is to live by the motto "Wherever I am, however I am, let me be a reflection of Christ to the World". If you understand Marathi, check out this song   
     

II. Why did Christianity spread?

1. Origin of Christianity in India: Christianity is an invader's religion! The British used it to spread their empire! Christianity is an agenda of colonisers! sounds extremely good to spread hatred, but the reality is quite different: Christianity in India dates back to Saint Thomas one of Jesus' 12 chosen disciples came down to India after Jesus' resurrection in 52 AD. [Check out this detailed Video]. Saint Francis Xavier landed on Indian shores on May 6, 1542. The first Britishers landed on Indian shores in Surat on August 24, 1608. Please understand that " All Britishers are Christians, but not all Christians are Britishers". Even Raavan came for Sita's haran in the form of a Saadhu, so would you call all Saadhus evil? Then why question the integrity of Indian Christians? People like Nityananda, Raavan, Afzal Khan [Hindi Video], Osama Bin Laden, Matthew Hopkins, and certain crusaders [The positives, negatives and intention of crusade deserve an article of its own, that is not for today, but I stand firm in my opinion that all Crusades were not evil], and certain pastors have used religion for their selfish goals. They have done brutal cruelty in the name of religion but no religion teaches cruelty. "Evil people use religion to fulfil their agenda, but no religion asks you to kill others or destroy their places of worship". 
2. Caste-based conversions: While one side of the story is that victims of caste discrimination found solace in the teachings of Christ, it is partially true. But caste discrimination, being a social disease, thrived despite their conversion, and they are the greatest victims today because by following Christianit,y they lose out on all the social benefit schemes and yet continue to be looked down upon. So the question is what gives them the strength to pursue Christianity?      The other part of this story is it even influential Brahmins and other prominent people adopted Christianity. We take pride in Bhagini Nivedita, but how can we forget the missionary works of Pandita Ramabai Saraswati, Narayan Waman Tilak (A relative of Bal Gangadhar Tilak), Krishna Mohan Banerjee, Sister Nirmala Joshi, and Krishna Pal? The truth is, over the centuries, the life of Christ has attracted so many noble souls that it cannot be just dismissed by saying that people turn to Christianity just to escape caste discrimination. There have even been queens like Queen Helena, and politicians like Bobby Jindal [Read this article by Quint], Barack Obama [Read this article by Reuters], and renowned writer Rabi Maharaj, who have not only accepted Christianity but have propagated it in their own way.[Do not get back to me with a list of people who have left Christianity. The names I have mentioned are not merely people who have adopted Christianity, but have actively promoted it throughout their lives.
3. Blood of Martyrs: Every religion talks about sacrificing our lives for our faith but the difference lies in the methodology. Every major religion talks about defence and has its own version of zionists, but currently, Christianity and Catholics in particular have none. The core of the Christian belief system i.e. "39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well" - Matthew 5:39-‬41 NRSV laid the foundation for the concept of Satyagraha. It is these selfless and forgiving sacrifices made without taking up arms that keep the Christian flame burning and keep attracting new devotees. Below are examples of some of these people: Gonzalo Garcia: Born in Vasai and selflessly gave up his life in Japan, Sister Rani Maria: Her family pardoned the killers who stabbed her to death, Maria Goretti; An innocent 11-year-old girl, stabbed to death for resisting rape, forgave her sinner at the deathbed. Sir Thomas More: Author, High Chancellor, and Ambassador, gave the English language the word "Utopia". Happily martyred for his faith. His last words were "The king’s good servant and God’s first". Last but not least, José Sánchez del Río; a 14-year-old, refused to denounce his faith brutally killed by the Mexican Government. 

III. Conclusion

1. No religion teaches you to hate others 
2. The people who exchange freebies and ask you to convert do not represent the church but are either power-hungry pastors or misdirected people who don't understand the church. This is very different from charitable organisations, which give out help and expect nothing.
3. Miracles are an exception and not the norm, and to add to this, "Vanity is the Devil's favourite sin" If a person is taking credit for miracles, then he is definitely not a follower of Christ. 
4. It is a lie to say that all people who adopted Christianity did so to escape caste discrimination. People for generations have been inspired by the life and message of Jesus and Christians and have become devotees.  

Yours with love,

Prajval Albuquerque 

The Guided Love: Story of Tobias and Sarah

The Guided Love: Story of Tobias and Sarah*

   Image by Filippino Lippi - National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C., online collection, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45723195

Tobias’ Story*

Act I - Introduction

 

While Israel was in exile,

The fate of two faithful would unite,

Tobit of Nineveh and Sarah of Ectabana[1]’s

misery would end.

Through a common thread of

Tobit’s son “Tobias”

And a tale of;

Son’s love for father,

Spouse’s love for Spouse,

And God’s love for mankind,

Shall forever be told.

 

Act II - Tobit’s Prayer: 

 

“You brought me out of my father’s land,

I never left your way,

Even on the persecution day,

To every brother I lent my hand,

 

On that day,

I just buried,

My brethren murdered, whose corpse on street unattended lay,

After my duty, unclean and tired under a tree I lie,

But the sparrow’s droppings fall in my eye,

Gone is my sight,

No longer the priest, prophet and king am I,

Oh lord, here my body day after day rust,

Oh lord, in your wisdom and justice,

Take me now! Take me now,

And turn me to dust.

 

Act III - Sarah’s Prayer:

 

“This life was your gift,

But today I wish it all to end,

I, the apple of my father’s eye,

Oh lord! Call me today and let me die,

Why lord? Why

My seven suitors all found dead?

I can’t bear this shame,

Take me, and take me now,

To the place where all miseries end.   

 

Act IV - The divine intervention:

 

Before his throne no prayer is unanswered,

Every unsaid word is heard,

But his ways are mysterious,

The thread was about to unwind,

For he can stop every east wind.[2]

A thought he put in Tobit’s mind;

Of an old debt he did remind.

Then to his son “Tobias” he did command:

“Go find a man among our own,

 To guide you to the city of Rages[3],

To collect my debt,

Before I lie on my death bed”

 

Unknown to Tobias he brought home an angel,       

Unknown to father and son,

To Tobit’s only son the guide,

would be Raphael.[4]

With a tear in his eye,

He bid goodbye to the apple of his eye.

 

Act V - Fishy Tale:

 

The journey was long,

 In the evening by Tigris[5] two weary travelers stopped,

On Raphael’s command,

From Tigris Tobias pulled out a fish long,

They ate the flesh,

But on Raphael’s command;

Of the fish he kept the liver, heart and gall.

 

Act VI - Blind Faith:

 

As they entered Ectabana,

The angel did instruct:

“Here lives, Sarah a maiden fare,

Marred by fate,

Yet from eternity destined to be your perfect mate.

Her father Raguel belongs to your clan,

And you have every right, to ask for her hand.”

 

Tobias replied:

“You my companion, you my guide,

You know seven suitors of have died,

It would bring my father’s end,

If I would enter the realm of dead”

 

The angel replied:

“Those men of flesh,

Those men of lust,

By their intention they were turned to dust.

And dragged to hell,

By Sarah’s pursuer Asmodeus devil.

But with you all shall be well,

Coz amidst you shall the holy one dwell,

Burn the fish’s heart, burn the liver,

And from it’s smell,

The devil shall flee.”

 

He had blind faith,

And obeyed his guide’s command.

Raguel pitied the young lad’s fate,

But to Tobias he gave Sarah in marriage,

That night, Tobias burned on incense the (fish’s) heart and liver,

And for God’s mercy they did pray,

Before their marriage they consummate.

 

Raguel lacked faith,

He had asked a grave for the young man be dug,

But when he came to know,

The couple were sleeping in in each other’s hug.

The grave was quickly covered,

And a feast was arranged.

Indeed, Raguel realized his daughter was indeed blessed,

And he praised, he praised God like never before.

 

While Tobias was at the feast,

The guide collected the debt.

 

 Act VII - Held by the thread:

 

As Tobias, his spouse, and his guide,

Neared his father’s home,

His guide and he rushed ahead,

To prepare his house,

For his spouse.

 

He applied the (fish) gall on his father’s eye,

And peeled of the layer,

Restored was Tobit’s sight.

 

Tobit’s joy knew no bound,

His misery no longer did him hound.

So he declared;

“Whatever from Ectabana and Rages,

You have got,

Half of it from you must part,

Give it to your guide,

For without him you would not have been equally yoked,

And in my misery, I would have died.”

 

It was then that the angel Raphael revealed his true form,

And as the household praised God,

The angel left for his heavenly abode.

 

Tobias was the thread,

Angel Raphael was the medium,

Through these God had worked two miracles,

And united two lives.

 

Act VIII - Coz his love never ends

 

I don’t know what would be my fate,

I don’t whether there is love at first sight,

I don’t know whether the marriage,

would be of love or arranged,

 

But I am blessed with faith,

And my father knows what is right.

Our mutual love might end,

But my father’s love will never end.

 

-          Prajval Albuquerque

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* The poem is a work inspired by the book of Tobit, the poet does not claim that the poem is historically or literarily accurate. The poet while exercising creative liberty has made a sincere effort so as to protect the intent and content of the book any inconsistency or inaccuracy is highly regretted for. The readers are encouraged to go and read the book of Tobit, coz the poet with mighty interest in classical literature has never  read a better historical account of love than as documented in this book.

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[1] Nineveh and Ectabana: Ancient Assyrian cities.

[2] East wind: The east wind of the Bible is also a fierce wind (Isaiah 27:8, Job 38:24), it can destroy ships on the high seas (Psalm 48:7, Ezekiel 27:26), it can scatter and sweep out people (Job 15:2, 27:21, Jonah 4:8, Jeremiah 18:17).

[3] Rages: Ancient Assyrian City

[4] Raphael:  Raphael is an archangel responsible for healing

[5] Tigris: River Tigris