Love likes privacy, and so abides in our hearts
But when the beloved is a priceless beauty
Love permeates the soul,
Then feelings all, suddenly go beyond control.
What is this special feeling, for a child
Or for a woman whom I saw in her parent’s lap
Why do we cherish it for so long?
This feeling is precious and secure for ever
It is forever so strong, so strong!
Swanti, in the moonlight plaza of your forehead
I saw the roses blooming and the petals all shone
When you asked me to write the ivory letters ‘Philo’
I tried to cheer you up with all that is best in my breastbone.
Your body vibrates like a harp, when I played on the wires
It suddenly had opened like the hyacinth petals,
Creamy tuberoses or shells are not as smooth as your skin was,
Or, in the moonlight brilliantly shining, crystals.
On the Karwa Chauth night, you woke up long
When you talked about your love for your husband
I galloped, (don’t know why) on the best of roadways
On a mare of nacre, without stirrups, without bridle
I felt I met a lady who carries a lamp of love always.
May the Sindoor, testify your Prayers, for your husband’s long life.
The Mangal Sutra reminds you of the Promise that binds you.
And the color of Mehndi prove the depth of your Love.
I cannot believe the little girl who in the lap of her parents
Looked so innocent, so vacant in her angelic gaze
But you grew up fast, beautiful like a rose tree
Life is so great, so mysterious a maze!
In her father’s lap, she was vibrant as a fountain
She didn’t know which way to flow
She opened up like the blades of the lilies
She bloomed into flowers, but it was very slow.
The shadow of magnolia settled on her eyes
Like a humming bird of love, she cries and cries
Was she a fairy, was she an elf?
She cries all night silently ,
She wants to live not seeing self.
The little Swanti you are missing now
Except in your smiles,
Like the river you flow
To meet the sea with the unchartered isles.
