Leave the flames alone

 

                  

         

            For heavens’ sake do not put out the flame

            Don't  Drive it away from innocent dwellings

            Don't fear it sears and scorches our near and dear;

            Don’t argue that these fires are unnecessary;

            If the spark just goes out, it will be a disaster;

            There won’t be any light left;

            We shall lose all fervor and

             Life will come to a standstill;

            Darkness will freeze our souls

            The heart will turn into a stone;

            Winter will gnaw at the bones and

            The throat will turn dry as a biscuit

            Fretting and fuming for no reason;

            Why are you quenching the burning heart

            With indolent tears?

            Don’t lie like corpses----

            You are not statues

            Leave them alone—let those fires burn.

                    ***********************

            Original Telugu: A.Surya Prakash;

            Translated by: Somaseshu Gutala  

                                     14th December, 2024.

             Note: The flames represent man's aspirations.