Sangai: The Dancing Deer.

To the natives of Manipur
known as Sangai
marked as an endangered
subspecies of Eldi's deer.
Habitat of the only floating
National Park in the world
"Keibul Lamjao National park."

My anxious search for you
led me to the park one October dawn
the sun was still behind the hills
at the Eastern horizon,
Autumn leaves fluttered
while the birds started singing
in their soulful tunes
and flew in search of food
you were ever illusive
as your nickname.

Oh dear deer Sangai
once declared extinct,
but you defied,
now protected by the local people
and the government,
you are the proud habitat of the wetland,
You can now
dance in glory on that marshy land;
I shall watch someday your rhythm of dance
to confirm your existence
The Dancing Deer of Manipur.

My book "Land of the Dancing Deer"

I have just published my book of poetry: Land of the Dancing Deer. It is part my reflections of life in general and part my memoir. The title is dedicated to the deer locally known as SANGAI also known as Dancing Deer of Manipur. "Keibul Lamjao National Park" which is on the fringes of Loktak Lake of Manipur the largest fresh water lake in this part of the country. This national park is the only floating park in the world.
SANGAI is known as Manipur Brow-antlered Deer. Its scientific name is Cervus eldi eldi McClelland,and lives on marshy wetland of Keibul Lamjao.It was once considered extinct but survived. It is the state animal of Manipur and protected by local clubs and the governmental organisations.
My book "Land of the Dancing Deer" is now available at www.lulu.com and also at www.amazon.com by March.