The Night of the Scorpion

"The Night of the Scorpion" is a poem by Nissim Ezekiel that depicts a rural Indian village's experience when a mother is stung by a scorpion. Despite the danger, neighbors band together to care for her, offering prayers and hopes for her recovery. The poem explores themes of communal life, superstition, and resilience, highlighting how society reacts to adversity. Through vivid imagery and a conversational tone, the poet emphasizes the complex mixture of fear, faith, and collective effort that characterizes rural community responses to crises.