People,
Dreaming of turning
The living ones lifeless;
Continue living around them
And becoming the guards of the lifeless
Turn into their devotees
I could not dream of turning the men lifeless
Nor of living with the stone,
Seeking its verdict.
I loved the trees affectionately,
Surrendered to soil resting my head on it;
Put the mark of soil on my forehead, and
Conversing with the birds, animals kept the home
living.
After all, I went on joining the humans!
Never could I join my hands before idol,
Never had a round around temple,
Never even stared at line of lamps
As one sees the sky with attention.
I stared at human,
Just to apprehend human countenance.
After all, I could do this much only
For my journey from human to human!
- Ajay Kandar
(Translated from Marathi by Anil Farakate)
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