Satyakāma

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Satyakāma

Poem-Part 1

Back in the years in the days of yore
In land of Bhāratha of mystic lore
Was a lad brightened by eleven years,
Venerating the sun and its trailing seasons.
On a fateful day resting by a banyan tree
A subtle thread connecting all he did see;
Earth wombed the seed and held the root
For plant and tree and creeper yielding fruit.
Sky and wandering cloud travelling watered
Valley and glade, hearth and hermitage nurtured.
Birthed in him then a germ of a query
Taunting his sleep with a quest fiery.
He wondered, ‘O what lurks in all these,
In easy air, the soft grass and lofty trees.
What thinks the bee in its buzzing flight
Searching for honey in a flower bright?
I have skill to forage for burning wood
Can scour the forests for daily food.
I can sustain this frame by my labour
Earn my wage without any low favour.
But this germ that lives in me taunting
Appears some new possibility daunting.
What lies behind all that breathes and lives
Is there a seer behind all that sees?
Lurks a mind in seed and bird
That knows the way and destined end?
This I must know my heart to soothe
In all that come-pass is there a Truth?
Who shall know this that eyes see not
Too subtle for minds of common thought?
A Guru I must seek, an illuminer of mind
Even by far venturings him I must find. 
But now I must venture to maternal feet
And seek her sanction for this my quest. 
Lo, I see her there engaged in her chores
By our dwelling shaped by common mores.’

Continued…

Satyakāma- Part 2