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SCREENING ITS FACE AMONGST LOTUS STALKS

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This Poem is posted by kind permission of the Poetry Chaikhana

website.

 

Screening its face amongst lotus stalks

 

By Mahendranath Battacharya

(1843 - 1908)

 

English version by Rachel Fell McDermott

 

 

 

Screening its face amongst lotus stalks

the golden bird

contented

limbs listless with love

eyes open

sleeps on the flower with v, s, s, and s

emblazoned on its petals.

 

In a flower bud above

reigns the mantra " ram. "

Repeat " ram! ram! "

and fan the flames red;

surround the swan with heat.

Let no obstacle stand in your way;

get to work --

you are young and fresh.

Break this fake sleep and snap out of your dreams;

then the storms of this world won't concern you.

 

Oh soul, whip up the wind; let the bird fly

flower to flower

towards Her mate in the sahasrara.

When that happens the five elements in you

earth, water, fire, wind, and ether

will dissolve, and you'll be free

to merge in the Supreme.

 

 

 

-- from Singing to the Goddess: Poems to Kali and Uma from Bengal,

Translated by Rachel Fell McDermott

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