Listen, O Syama,

[Guest guest]

Listen, O Syama!,

listen, O Mother!

seated upon the dead, and let

me tell you all my mind's desire.

 

At my last hour, O Mother, may

this tongue cry, 'Kali, Kali.'

 

When they dip me in the

water, then, Mother, arise within my heart.

 

Then in my thoughts I will gather red hibiscus from the groves. I will

smear them with the sandal-paste of devotion, and present them a

flowery offering at your feet.

 

Half of my body will be in Ganges stream, half will be on the land.

Some one will write upon my brow all the names of Kali.

 

Some one will call aloud into my ear. Some one will cry,'Hari, Hari,'

and clap his hands to keep time with his shouts.

 

--Kamalakanta Bhattacharya.