Light

A play of stars across the night sky, While in the snake-charmer’s humble corner, Picasso wanders in a dream. Until the breeze drifts through the kadamba blossoms, Groups of boys splash joyfully in the water, Their laughter scattering beauty and grace. A profound abundance, heavy with wisdom, And deep beneath the abyss A mermaid appears, searching for an excuse to be found. Upon unreachable feet falls a white covering; Into the elbow of a dead tree A finger has been driven. Gods, demons, and ogresses— All stand witness. From the sound of water-hyacinth flowers Emerges a distilled touch; The edge of a drenched sari Has woven itself into a tomb. Death is an inevitable thing, Yet beauty returns once more to the lap of life. The bewildered cry aloud: “Endure all the colors that remain— Only call upon them.” A white lotus has hanged itself around its own neck, And at the roots of the taro plant There is now nothing but scattered mud. A servant arrives and says: “Master, forgive me; I may err, yet never willingly.” The day moves onward. Why do you continue To evade death? The paired causes, The unwelcome traits of an accomplished woman, Will be known to all when dawn arrives. Rust has gathered upon the dead branch, The lineage struggles toward salvation. My beloved has torn apart the veil; Through divine knowledge, The wind has found its release. I shall mock and taunt, I shall shake the world with laughter, Within the fivefold cadence Of a piercing bullet.