Poems by Daya Bai

 

1.

From dhupa grass

 

Walking on the non-metalled 

dusty road 

I was stopped suddenly 

by a shrieking voice 

 

I bent down to see 

what it was 

Moved I was at the sight 

of the tiny dhupa grass below my feet!

 

There were many of these

Sprinklings of green 

When I listened to their stories 

My eyes were moist 

 

Pecked by chickens 

Thrashed and dug up by horses

Crushed under the cart wheels 

Smashed by booted legs

 

I fixed my gaze on them 

With disbelief perhaps 

But with my head hanging 

In shame and guilt

 

Yes these tiny grasses put me to shame for once

See the freshness and life in them

After all this thrashing! 

 

I hold hands with you Dhupa

Let's be friends henceforth 

Every hit and each bang discharges

New life, new energy 

Yes, this is living, I admit 

This is the art of living

 

2.

Meeting and parting 

 

Each time I meet you

I know it's only to part

Because we have a very short time together 

 

Each time we part

A part of me dies

Because I feel to the core

The pain of parting

Our friend death 

Is hanging around 

To separate us from each other 

Have no grudge against me

For saying this

Remember, it's the truth

It's our destiny 

 

Cut not the umbilical cord 

Oh please cut not 

It might drain me of my life 

Cut not the umbilical cord 

 

Cut not the umbilical cord 

Oh please cut not

My existence severed from you

Is unthinkable for any time

 

I've an umbilical cord--

Relationship with the Mother god

It's only this unsevered relationship 

That keeps me going 

 

Yes the telephone connection with the Oopervali (The Higher One)

Is the secret of this cord

Oh do not disconnect 

 

At times it's just a "Hello"

Other times it's a stream of tears

Sometimes it's falling at the feet

In desperation, and remaining in hope

 

Many a time it's just remaining

In this eternal presence 

Imbibing life and energy 

While going on normally

 

3.

Beyond the small things

 

When I look up to the sky

I see the tiny stars scattered all over 

On the seashore or on a riverside 

I notice the tiny grains of sand

Which hardly anyone cares for 

 

Look at the little wild pink beauty

See the little blue flower 

With just two leaves below it

And the sunflower that 

Decorates the meadow 

 

Can you help noticing 

The tiny beautiful insects and worms

They break the monotony 

Of the green meadow 

They are the finishing touches of 

The Great Artist