1. Like a parrot that imitatively recites
Without inner throbbing of calm delight
I chant thy sacred name with rhythmic voice;
No surging feeling except loud noise;
I wave around oil lamps before thy image
No figure divine reflects in this fleshy cage
My worship turned a mere daily routine
I know not what true prayer means.
2 Like a humming gnat hidden from light
A weird monotony far from Thy sight
A cracked bell, not responsive to Thy call;
How can I cut through this ignorant iron wall?
My soul deaf to Thy melodious charm
My soul blind to Thy dazzling form;
How to move on this rugged path so long?
How to cross this self-made barrier so strong?
3. No signs of devotion I did feel
No gushing streams of swelling zeal;
No thrill of entering spiritual spheres
Forgetting worldly worries and fears;
No vibrant feeling flowing through my veins;
No placid contemplation serene;
Have my feelings dried up with growing age?
What is the use of reading many a page?
4. What visions and dreams those wise
men had!
How they felt elated and extremely glad!
Forgetting this world how happily they sang
With spontaneous bliss as temple bells rang;
What immortal lyrics they wrote thrillingly divine!
Drunk deep with devotion’s ambrosial wine.
Transcending poverty and worldly woes
How they prayed earnest with no splendid show!
5. Never to such sublime level do I
aspire
A tiny touch of grace, oh Lord! I desire;
A few moments of devotion I need
To soothe my soul, Oh Lord! my prayer heed;
What use mere rituals and reciting hymns?
What use mere reading bulky volumes grim?
Lift my soul unruffled in meditation calm;
Fill my soul with Thy peace-giving gracious form.
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18th December, 2023 Somaseshu Gutala
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