Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat

by Perumal Murugan

None of the sheep had their neck and forelegs bound together with a rope. That was only done to the proud goats, who were forced to look at the ground as they walked. Goats always tried to break free of their shackles. Sheep had none, so they didn’t need to make the effort. If it was in your nature to bow down, why would anyone shackle you? And yet, they were fortunate, these sheep. They had no inkling that to bow was to be shackled.

Once he was released, Kaduvayan entered the herd and stood rubbing himself against the doe’s body. He never turned to look at his own herd again. His mother cried out to him. He didn’t look back. Peethan cried. He didn’t respond. Porumi cried out. He didn’t look back for her sake, either. Seeing someone who belonged with them going away, Poonachi too gave a feeble cry. He never turned. The doe’s call outweighed all their cries.