In Jainism and Hinduism, Saraswati is revered as the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, art, music and speech, while Laxmi is revered as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune, love, joy and beauty.

In my musings, I imagined what if these two goddesses would have a conversation in contemporary times.

Saraswati :
I pity humankind.
They have eyes, but
still they are blind.

Laxmi :
Are you jealous,
because towards you
they are generally callous?

Saraswati (laughingly) :
I am not Shakespeare’s Othello,
who unnecessarily indulged in some
stupid wallow.

Laxmi (surprisingly) :
What does your heart bleed for then?
Is it that people worship me more
than your paper and pen?

Saraswati :
I don’t mind that they prefer
to house you and not me.
But, in doing so, they have
multiplied their enemy.

Laxmi (irritatedly) :
Do you mean that
I bring discord and division?
Is it me who is responsible
for destructive collision?

Saraswati (calmly) :
Sister, you may not have
any ill-intentions.
But it is them who
lack foresight and gumption.

Laxmi :
Elaborate for me a little,
to have some conclusions vital.

Saraswati (with poise) :
Without honest endeavors,
people want to enjoy quick monetary perks.
For money,
relationships are questioned in the court;
Claques are invited to cwtch and vote.
Wouldn’t it be a benison if
the world contest for knowledge,
and save itself from
intractable carnage?

Laxmi :
There’s wisdom in your words.
Fighting for money,
they have turned me into some
undesirable curse.
Why don’t they understand that
if they seek your blessing,
eventually, I will be there for them
to cling.
Pursuit of knowledge should be their
priority,
consequently, they will gain me
if they have any ability.

Saraswati :
Well said, dear sister.
We need to save the world
from becoming materialistically sinister.
My existence, once again, I need to establish,
and tell the world that without me
you will simply perish.
In your abode, Laxmi will dwell
only if you have some knowledge
to handle her respectfully well.

Laxmi :
I pity humankind.
With eyes, they are still blind.