The Stranglers

The path winded through the jungle their tread was cautious slow Walk they must still a long way till the sun goes down below They carried with them precious merchandise monies earned from trade What dangers lay on their way what would befall them they were afraid. They walked ceaseless in worried face their words broke the silence The shadows lengthened it bothered them still long was the distance As luck would have it there came along a retinue of tradesmen They too were heading the same way carrying with them trade's gain. Thank god we have met you for we carry with us good treasure The way is not safe we have heard dangers lurk in immense measure We would be secure if we travelled together in large number's strength For our wealth we must safe keep till we reach the journey's length. As was proposed so was done they befriended and resumed their way Warmly chatting sharing anecdotes not knowing when passed the day When came evening they halted at a place set up camps there for the night Unburdened themselves for rest and gossip enveloped in glow of moonlight. They discussed business profits bargains the many losses and gains in deals Smoking hookahs chewing betel leaves passing time till served their meals When dinner was over they sat together shrouded in smoke and night's song Basking in friendship not once doubting tomorrow would never come along. Behind each man sat another one a silent sign game was on play Eyes roamed on eyes death in disguise waited to fall on its prey Then came one call ominous and small a voice said let's take break In one clean swift sweep fastened handkerchiefs strangled the unaware necks. In less than a minute stopped each heartbeat with such precision was it made Bodies lay still the hunters got their kill without much struggle and bloodshed. They buried each corpse leaving no trace the two groups became one In the name of Kali they had used the noose got the booty for a job well done.