Poetic RenderingThe pot shudders at the serpent’s bite;I tremble at the venom of my own tongue.I fear the sticky sweetness of home’s affections,and the snares of comfort that bind unseen.But…

Poetic RenderingWhen the living Linga dwells on your body,you cannot bow to lifeless gods of stone.Would one leave his own man for a stranger?If, with the Lord in your palm,…

Poetic RenderingThe snake-charmer’s own noseless wifeholds the serpent daily in her handsyet when seeking a bride for her son,she runs to another charmer to read their fate!Even as she stares…

Poetic RenderingLike the frog caught in the serpent’s jaws,yet still stretching toward a passing flysuch is our folly.Like the man condemned to the gallows,dreaming of savoring milk and gheehow long…

Poetic RenderingDoes the elephant fear the mahout’s goad?No though mighty, it bears him lightlyand obeys without trembling.But before the lion, it quakes.So too, O Kudalasangamadeva:I do not fear the king,nor…

Poetic RenderingLike one who scratches his cheekwith the poisoned fang of a serpent,like one who tries to loosen tangled hairusing a glowing ember,like the fool who reaches for the living…