Pirs of Multan

The Pirs of Multan felt
their livelihood at stake
Guru Nanak was expected
who may share the cake

and on hearing the news
of the Guru’s arrival
the Pirs got together
and discussed survival

they met the Guru
with a loaded message
the Pirs had decided
on the rules of passage

they greeted the Guru
carrying a bowl of milk
the milk was brimful
and was about to spill

to the great Guru
the message came clear
The Guru and Mardana
weren’t wanted there

Guru Nanak smiled
requested a jasmine flower
he placed it on the milk
it floated up there

the bird of wisdom
as it alighted
the sages understood
felt rather slighted

Nanak was made welcome
by the Pirs of Multan
as the Pirs went through
a moral transformation

by Jaswinder Singh Chadha
London