Naidu - Poems (2012)

Classic Poetry Series
Sarojini Naidu
- poems -
Publication Date:
2012
Publisher:
PoemHunter.Com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
Sarojini Naidu (13 February 1879 - 2 March 1949)

SarojiNaidualsoknownbythesobriquetTheNightingaleofIndia,wasa
childprodigy,Indianindependenceactivistandpoet.Naiduwasthefirst
IndianwomantobecomethePresidentoftheIndianNationalCongressand
thefirstwomantobecometheGovernorofUttarPradeshstate.wasagreat
patriot,politician,oratorandadministrator.ofallthefamouswomenof
India,Mrs.SarojinideviNaidu'snameisatthetop.Notonlythat,butshe
wastrulyoneofthejewelsoftheworld.Beingoneofthemostfamous
heroinesofthe20thcentury,herbirthdayiscelebratedas"Women'sDay"
EarlyLife
ShewasborninHyderabad.SarojiniChattopadhyay,laterNaidubelongedto
aBengalifamilyofKulinBrahmins.Butherfather,Agorenath
Chattopadhyay,afterreceivingadoctorofsciencedegreefromEdinburgh
University,settledinHyderabadState,wherehefoundedandadministered
theHyderabadCollege,whichlaterbecametheNizam'sCollegein
Hyderabad.SarojiniNaidu'smotherBaradaSundariDeviwasapoetessbaji
andusedtowritepoetryinBengali.SarojiniNaiduwastheeldestamongthe
eightsiblings.OneofherbrothersBirendranathwasarevolutionaryandher
otherbrotherHarindranathwasapoet,dramatist,andactor.
SarojiniNaiduwasabrilliantstudent.ShewasproficientinUrdu,Telugu,
English,Bengali,andPersian.Attheageoftwelve,SarojiniNaiduattained
nationalfamewhenshetoppedthematriculationexaminationatMadras
University.Herfatherwantedhertobecomeamathematicianorscientistbut
SarojiniNaiduwasinterestedinpoetry.Onceshewasworkingonanalgebra
problem,andwhenshecouldn'tfindthesolutionshedecidedtotakea
break,andinthesamebookshewroteherfirstinspiredpoetry.Shegotso
enthusedbythisthatshewrote"TheLadyoftheLake",apoem1300lines
long.Whenherfathersawthatshewasmoreinterestedinpoetrythan
mathematicsorscience,hedecidedtoencourageher.Withherfather's
support,shewrotetheplay"MaherMuneer"inthePersianlanguage.Dr.
Chattopadhyayadistributedsomecopiesamonghisfriendsandsentone
copytotheNawabofHyderabad.Readingabeautifulplaywrittenbya
younggirl,theNizamwasveryimpressed.Thecollegegavehera
scholarshiptostudyabroad.Attheageof16shegotadmittedtoKing's
CollegeofEngland.
England
Attheageof16,shetraveledtoEnglandtostudyfirstatKing'sCollege
LondonandlateratGirtonCollege,Cambridge.Thereshemetfamous
laureatesofhertimesuchasArthurSymonsandEdmondGosse.Itwas
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
GossewhoconvincedSarojinitosticktoIndianthemes-India'sgreat
mountains,rivers,temples,socialmilieu,toexpressherpoetry.Shedepicted
contemporaryIndianlifeandevents.Hercollections"Thegoldenthreshold
(1905)","Thebirdoftime(1912)",and"Thebrokenwing(1912)"attracted
hugeIndianandEnglishreadership.
LoveandMarry
DuringherstayinEngland,SarojinimetDr.GovindarajuluNaidu,a
non-Brahminandadoctorbyprofession,andfellinlovewithhim.After
finishingherstudiesattheageof19,shegotmarriedtohimduringthetime
wheninter-castemarriageswerenotallowed.Herfatherwasaprogressive
thinkingperson,andhedidnotcarewhatotherssaid.Hermarriagewasa
veryhappyone.
Works
Hermajorcontributionwasalsointhefieldofpoetry.Herpoetryhad
beautifulwordsthatcouldalsobesung.Soonshegotrecognitionasthe"Bul
BuleHind"whenhercollectionofpoemswaspublishedin1905underthe
titleGoldenThreshold.Afterthat,shepublishedtwoothercollectionsof
poems--TheBirdofTimeandTheBrokenWings.In1918,FeastofYouthwas
published.Later,TheMagicTree,TheWizardMaskandATreasuryofPoems
werepublished.MahashreeArvind,RabindranathTagoreandJawaharlal
Nehruwereamongthethousandsofadmirersofherwork.Herpoemshad
Englishwords,butanIndiansoul.
Politics
OnedayshemetShreeGopalKrishnaGokhale.Hesaidtohertouseher
poetryandherbeautifulwordstorejuvenatethespiritofIndependencein
theheartsofvillagers.HeaskedhertousehertalenttofreeMotherIndia.
Thenin1916,shemetMahatmaGandhi,andshetotallydirectedherenergy
tothefightforfreedom.Shewouldroamaroundthecountrylikeageneral
ofthearmyandpourenthusiasmamongtheheartsofIndians.The
independenceofIndiabecametheheartandsoulofherwork.
ShewasresponsibleforawakeningthewomenofIndia.Shebroughtthem
outofthekitchen.Shetraveledfromstatetostate,cityaftercityandasked
fortherightsofthewomen.Shere-establishedself-esteemwithinthe
womenofIndia.
In1925,shechairedthesummitofCongressinKanpur.In1928,shecame
totheUSAwiththemessageofthenon-violencemovementfromGandhiji.
Whenin1930,Gandhijiwasarrestedforaprotest,shetookthehelmsofhis
movement.In1931,sheparticipatedintheRoundTableSummit,alongwith
GandhijiandPunditMalaviyaji.In1942,shewasarrestedduringthe"Quit
India"protestandstayedinjailfor21monthswithGandhiji.
AfterindependenceshebecametheGovernorofUttarPradesh.Shewasthe
firstwomangovernorinIndia.
Works:
TheGoldenThreshold,publishedintheUnitedKingdom,1905
TheBirdofTime:SongsofLife,Death&theSpring,publishedinLondon,
1912
TheBrokenWing:SongsofLove,DeathandtheSpring,including"TheGift
ofIndia"(firstreadinpublicin1915),1917
MuhammadJinnah:AnAmbassadorofUnity,1916
TheSceptredFlute:SongsofIndia,Allahabad:Kitabistan,posthumously
published,1943
TheFeatheroftheDawn,posthumouslypublished,editedbyherdaughter,
PadmajaNaidu,1961
A Love Song from the North

Tellmenomoreofthylove,papeeha,
Wouldstthourecalltomyheart,papeeha,
Dreamsofdelightthataregone,
Whenswifttomysidecamethefeetofmylover
Withstarsoftheduskandthedawn?
Iseethesoftwingsofthecloudsontheriver,
Andjewelledwithraindropsthemango-leavesquiver,
Andtenderboughsflowerontheplain.....
Butwhatistheirbeautytome,papeeha,
Beautyofblossomandshower,papeeha,
Thatbringsnotmyloveragain?
Tellmenomoreofthylove,papeeha,
Wouldstthoureviveinmyheart,papeeha
Griefforthejoythatisgone?
Ihearthebrightpeacockinglimmeringwoodlands
Crytoitsmateinthedawn;
Iheartheblackkoel'sslow,tremulouswooing,
Andsweetinthegardensthecallingandcooing
Ofpassionatebulbulanddove....
Butwhatistheirmusictome,papeeha
Songsoftheirlaughterandlove,papeeha,
Tome,forsakenoflove?
SarojiniNaidu
A Rajput Love Song

(Parvatiatherlattice)
OLove!wereyouabasil-wreathtotwine
amongmytresses,
Ajewelledclaspofshininggoldtobindaroundmysleeve,
OLove!wereyouthekeora'ssoulthathaunts
mysilkenraiment,
Abright,vermiliontasselinthegirdlesthatIweave;
OLove!wereyouthescentedfan
thatliesuponmypillow,
Asandallute,orsilverlampthatburnsbeforemyshrine,
WhyshouldIfearthejealousdawn
thatspreadswithcruellaughter,
Sadveilsofseparationbetweenyourfaceandmine?
Haste,Owild-beehours,tothegardensofthesunset!
Fly,wild-parrotday,totheorchardsofthewest!
Come,Otendernight,withyoursweet,
consolingdarkness,
AndbringmemyBelovedtotheshelterofmybreast!
(AmarSinghinthesaddle)
OLove!wereyouthehoodedhawkuponmyhand
thatflutters,
Itscollar-bandofgleamingbellsatinkleasIride,
OLove!wereyouaturban-sprayor
floatingheron-feather,
Theradiant,swift,unconqueredsword
thatswingethatmyside;
OLove!wereyouashieldagainstthe
arrowsofmyfoemen,
Anamuletofjadeagainsttheperilsoftheway,
Howshouldthedrum-beatsofthedawn
dividemefromyourbosom,
Ortheunionofthemidnightbeendedwiththeday?
Haste,Owild-deerhours,tothemeadowsofthesunset!
Fly,wildstallionday,tothepasturesofthewest!
Come,Otranquilnight,withyoursoft,
consentingdarkness,
AndbearmetothefragranceofmyBeloved'sbreast!
SarojiniNaidu
Alabaster
LIKEthisalabasterboxwhoseart
Isfrailasacassia-flower,ismyheart,
Carvenwithdelicatedreamsandwrought
Withmanyasubtleandexquisitethought.
ThereinItreasurethespiceandscent
Ofrichandpassionatememoriesblent
Likeodoursofcinnamon,sandalandclove,
Ofsongandsorrowandlifeandlove.
SarojiniNaidu
An Indian Love Song

He
Liftuptheveilsthatdarkenthedelicatemoon
ofthygloryandgrace,
Withholdnot,Olove,fromthenight
ofmylongingthejoyofthyluminousface,
Givemeaspearofthescentedkeora
guardingthypinionedcurls,
Orasilkenthreadfromthefringes
thattroublethedreamofthyglimmeringpearls;
Faintgrowsmysoulwiththytresses'perfume
andthesongofthyanklets'caprice,
Reviveme,Ipray,withthemagicalnectar
thatdwellsintheflowerofthykiss.
She
HowshallIyieldtothevoiceofthypleading,
howshallIgrantthyprayer,
Orgivetheearose-redsilkentassel,
ascentedleaffrommyhair?
Orflingintheflameofthyheart'sdesiretheveilsthatcovermyface,
Profanethelawofmyfather'screedforafoe
ofmyfather'srace?
Thykinsmenhavebrokenoursacredaltarsandslaughteredoursacredkine,
Thefeudofoldfaithsandthebloodofoldbattlesseverthypeopleandmine.
He
Whatarethesinsofmyrace,Beloved,
whataremypeopletothee?
Andwhatarethyshrines,andkineandkindred,
whatarethygodstome?
Loverecksnotoffeudsandbitterfollies,
ofstranger,comradeorkin,
Alikeinhisearsoundthetemplebells
andthecryofthemuezzin.
ForLoveshallcanceltheancientwrong
andconquertheancientrage,
Redeemwithhistearsthememoriedsorrow
thatsulliedabygoneage.
SarojiniNaidu
Autumn Song
Likeajoyontheheartofasorrow,
Thesunsethangsonacloud;
Agoldenstormofglitteringsheaves,
Offairandfrailandflutteringleaves,
Thewildwindblowsinacloud.
Harktoavoicethatiscalling
Tomyheartinthevoiceofthewind:
Myheartiswearyandsadandalone,
Foritsdreamsliketheflutteringleaveshavegone,
AndwhyshouldIstaybehind?
SarojiniNaidu
Corn Grinders
Olittlemouse,whydostthoucry
Whilemerrystarslaughinthesky?
Alas!alas!mylordisdead!
Ah,whowilleasemybitterpain?
Hewenttoseekamillet-grain
Intherichfarmer'sgranaryshed;
Theycaughthiminabaitedsnare,
Andslewmyloverunaware:
Alas!alas!mylordisdead.
Olittledeer,whydostthoumoan,
Hidinthyforest-boweralone?
Ah!whowillquietmylament?
Atfallofeventidehewent
Todrinkbesidetheriver-head;
Awaitinghunterthrewhisdart,
Andstruckmyloverthroughtheheart.
Olittlebride,whydostthouweep
Withallthehappyworldasleep?
Ah,whowillstaythesehungrytears,
Orstillthewantoffamishedyears,
Andcrownwithlovemymarriage-bed?
Mysoulburnswiththequenchlessfire
Thatlitmylover'sfuneralpyre:
SarojiniNaidu
Coromandel Fishers
Rise,brothers,rise;thewakeningskiespraytothemorninglight,
Thewindliesasleepinthearmsofthedawnlikeachildthathascriedallnight.
Come,letusgatherournetsfromtheshoreandsetourcatamaransfree,
Tocapturetheleapingwealthofthetide,forwearethekingsofthesea!
Nolongerdelay,letushastenawayinthetrackoftheseagull'scall,
Theseaisourmother,thecloudisourbrother,thewavesareourcomradesall.
Whatthoughwetossatthefallofthesunwherethehandofthesea-goddrives?
Hewhoholdsthestormbythehair,willhideinhisbreastourlives.
Sweetistheshadeofthecocoanutglade,andthescentofthemangogrove,
Andsweetarethesandsatthefullo'themoonwiththesoundofthevoiceswelove;
Butsweeter,Obrothers,thekissofthesprayandthedanceofthewildfoam'sglee;
Row,brothers,rowtotheedgeoftheverge,wherethelowskymateswiththesea.
SarojiniNaidu
10
Cradle Song
FROMgrovesofspice,
O'erfieldsofrice,
Athwartthelotus-stream,
Ibringforyou,
Aglintwithdew
Alittlelovelydream.
Sweet,shutyoureyes,
Thewildfire-fiies
Dancethroughthefairyneem;
Fromthepoppy-bole
ForyouIstole
Alittlelovelydream.
Deareyes,good-night,
Ingoldenlight
Thestarsaroundyougleam;
OnyouIpress
Withsoftcaress
Alittlelovelydream.
SarojiniNaidu
11
Damayante To Nala In The Hour Of Exile

SHALTthoubeconqueredofahumanfate
Myliege,mylover,whoseimperialhead
Hathneverbentinsorrowofdefeat?
Shaltthoubevanquished,whoseimperialfeet
Haveshatteredarmiesandstampedempiresdead?
Whoshallunkingthee,husbandofaqueen?
Wearthouthymajestyinviolate.
Earth'sgloriesfleeofhumaneyesunseen,
Earth'skingdomsfadetoaremembereddream,
Butthinehenceforthshallbeapowersupreme,
Dazzlingcommandandrichdominion,
Thewindsthyheraldsandthyvassalsall
Thesilver-beltedplanetsandthesun.
Where'ertheradianceofthycomingfall,
Shalldawnfortheehersaffronfootclothsspread,
Sunsetherpurplecanopiesandred,
Inserriedsplendour,andthenightunfold
Hervelvetdarknesswroughtwithstarrygold
Forkinglyraiment,softascygnet-down.
Myhairshallbraidthytempleslikeacrown
Ofsapphires,andmykissuponthybrows
Likeithar-musiclulltheetorepose,
Tillthesunyieldtheehomageofhislight.
Oking,thykingdomwhofromtheecanwrest?
Whatfateshalldareuncrowntheefromthisbreast,
Ogod-bornlover,whommylovedothgird
Andarmourwithimpregnabledelight
OfHope'striumphantkeenflame-carvensword?
SarojiniNaidu
12
Ecstasy
Covermineeyes,OmyLove!
Mineeyesthatarewearyofbliss
Asoflightthatispoignantandstrong
Osilencemylipswithakiss,
Mylipsthatarewearyofsong!
Sheltermysoul,Omylove!
Mysoulisbentlowwiththepain
Andtheburdenoflove,likethegrace
Ofaflowerthatissmittenwithrain:
Osheltermysoulfromthyface!
SarojiniNaidu
13
Harvest Hymn
MensVoices:
LORDofthelotus,lordoftheharvest,
Brightandmunificentlordofthemorn!
Thineisthebountythatprosperedoursowing,
Thineisthebountythatnurturedourcorn.
Webringtheeoursongsandourgarlandsfortribute,
Thegoldofourfieldsandthegoldofourfruit;
Ogiverofmellowingradiance,wehailthee,
Wepraisethee,OSurya,withcymbalandflute.
Lordoftherainbow,lordoftheharvest,
Greatandbeneficentlordofthemain!
Thineisthemercythatcherishedourfurrows,
Thineisthemercythatfosteredourgrain.
Webringtheeourthanksandourgarlandsfortribute,
Thewealthofourvalleys,new-garneredandripe;
Osenderofrainandthedewfall,wehailthee,
Wepraisethee,Varuna,withcymbalandpipe.
WomensVoices:
Queenofthegourd-flower,queenofthehar-vest,
Sweetandomnipotentmother,OEarth!
Thineistheplentifulbosomthatfeedsus,
Thineisthewombwhereourricheshavebirth.
Webringtheeourloveandourgarlandsfortribute,
Withgiftsofthyopulentgivingwecome;
Osourceofourmanifoldgladness,wehailthee,
Wepraisethee,OPrithvi,withcymbalanddrum.
AllVoices:
LordoftheUniverse,Lordofourbeing,
Fathereternal,ineffableOm!
ThouarttheSeedandtheScytheofourharvests,
ThouartourHandsandourHeartandourHome.
Webringtheeourlivesandourlaboursfortribute,
Grantusthysuccour,thycounsel,thycare.
OLifeofalllifeandallblessing,wehailthee,
Wepraisethee,OBramha,withcymbalandprayer
SarojiniNaidu
14
Humayun To Zobeida (From the Urdu)

Youflauntyourbeautyintherose,yourgloryinthedawn,
Yoursweetnessinthenightingale,yourwhite-nessintheswan.
Youhauntmywakinglikeadream,myslumberlikeamoon,
Pervademelikeamuskyscent,possessmelikeatune.
Yet,whenIcraveofyou,mysweet,onetendermoment'sgrace,
Youcry,"Isitbehindtheveil,Icannotshowmyface."
Shallanyfoolishveildividemylongingfrommybliss?
Shallanyfragilecurtainhideyourbeautyfrommykiss?
WhatwaristhisofTheeandMe?Giveo'erthewantonstrife,
Youaretheheartwithinmyheart,thelifewithinmylife.
SarojiniNaidu
15
In Praise Of Henna
AKOKILAcalledfromahenna-spray:
Lira!liree!Lira!liree!
Hasten,maidens,hastenaway
Togathertheleavesofthehenna-tree.
Sendyourpitchersafloatonthetide,
Gathertheleaveserethedawnbeold,
Grindtheminmortarsofamberandgold,
Thefreshgreenleavesofthehenna-tree.
Akokilacalledfromahenna-spray:
Lira!liree!Lira!liree!
Hastenmaidens,hastenaway
Togathertheleavesofthehenna-tree.
Thetilka'sredforthebrowofabride,
Andbetel-nut'sredforlipsthataresweet;
But,forlily-likefingersandfeet,
Thered,theredofthehenna-tree.
SarojiniNaidu
16
In Salutation to the Eternal Peace

Mensaytheworldisfulloffearandhate,
Andalllife'sripeningharvest-fieldsawait
Therestlesssickleofrelentlessfate.
ButI,sweetSoul,rejoicethatIwasborn,
Whenfromtheclimbingterracesofcorn
IwatchthegoldenoriolesofThymorn.
WhatcareIfortheworld'sdesireandpride,
Whoknowthesilverwingsthatgleamandglide,
ThehomingpigeonsofThineeventide?
WhatcareIfortheworld'sloudweariness,
WhodreamintwilightgranariesThoudostbless
Withdelicatesheavesofmellowsilences?
Say,shallIheeddullpresagesofdoom,
Ordreadtherumouredlonelinessandgloom,
Themuteandmythicterrorofthetomb?
FormygladheartisdrunkanddrenchedwithThee,
Oinmostwindoflivingecstasy!
Ointimateessenceofeternity!
SarojiniNaidu
17
In The Bazaars of Hyderabad

WhatdoyousellOyemerchants?
Richlyyourwaresaredisplayed.
Turbansofcrimsonandsilver,
Tunicsofpurplebrocade,
Mirrorswithpanelsofamber,
Daggerswithhandlesofjade.
Whatdoyouweigh,Oyevendors?
Saffronandlentilandrice.
Whatdoyougrind,Oyemaidens?
Sandalwood,henna,andspice.
Whatdoyoucall,Oyepedlars?
Chessmenandivorydice.
Whatdoyoumake,Oyegoldsmiths?
Wristletandankletandring,
Bellsforthefeetofbluepigeons
Frailasadragon-flyswing,
Girdlesofgoldfordancers,
Scabbardsofgoldfortheking.
Whatdoyoucry,Oyefruitmen?
Citron,pomegranate,andplum.
Whatdoyouplay,Omusicians?
Cithar,sarangianddrum.
whatdoyouchant,Omagicians?
Spellsforaeonstocome.
Whatdoyouweave,Oyeflower-girls
Withtasselsofazureandred?
Crownsforthebrowofabridegroom,
Chapletstogarlandhisbed.
Sheetsofwhiteblossomsnew-garnered
Toperfumethesleepofthedead.
SarojiniNaidu
18
In The Forest
HERE,Omyheart,letusburnthedeardreamsthataredead,
Hereinthiswoodletusfashionafuneralpyre
Offallenwhitepetalsandleavesthataremellowandred,
Hereletusburntheminnoon'sflamingtorchesoffire.
Weareweary,myheart,weareweary,solongwehaveborne
Theheavylovedburdenofdreamsthataredead,letusrest,
Letusscattertheirashesaway,forawhileletusmourn;
Wewillrest,Omyheart,tilltheshadowsaregrayinthewest.
Butsoonwemustrise,Omyheart,wemustwanderagain
Intothewaroftheworldandthestrifeofthethrong;
Letusrise,Omyheart,letusgatherthedreamsthatremain,
Wewillconquerthesorrowoflifewiththesorrowofsong.
SarojiniNaidu
19
Indian Dancer
EYESravishedwithrapture,celestiallypanting,whatpassionatebosomsaflamingwith
fire
Drinkdeepofthehushofthehyacinthheavensthatglimmeraroundtheminfountains
oflight;
Owildandentrancingthestrainofkeenmusicthatcleaveththestarslikeawailof
desire,
Andbeautifuldancerswithhouri-likefacesbewitchthevoluptuouswatchesofnight.
Thescentsofredrosesandsandalwoodflutteranddieinthemazeoftheir
gem-tangledhair,
Andsmilesareentwininglikemagicalserpentsthepoppiesoflipsthatare
opiate-sweet;
Theirglitteringgarmentsofpurpleareburningliketremulousdawnsinthequivering
air,
Andexquisite,subtleandslowarethetinkleandtreadoftheirrhythmical,
slumber-softfeet.
Nowsilent,nowsingingandswayingandswinging,likeblossomsthatbendtothe
breezesorshowers,
Nowwantonlywinding,theyflash,nowtheyfalter,and,lingering,languishinradiant
choir;
Theirjewel-girtarmsandwarm,wavering,lily-longfingersenchantthroughmelodious
hours,
Eyesravishedwithrapture,celestiallypanting,whatpassionatebosomsaflamingwith
fire!
SarojiniNaidu
20
Indian Love Song

She
LIKEaserpenttothecallingvoiceofflutes,
Glidesmyheartintothyfingers,OmyLove!
Wherethenight-wind,likealover,leansabove
Hisjasmine-gardensandsirisha-bowers;
Andonripeboughsofmany-colouredfruits
Brightparrotsclusterlikevermilionflowers.
He
Liketheperfumeinthepetalsofarose,
Hidesthyheartwithinmybosom,Omylove!
Likeagarland,likeajewel,likeadove
Thathangsitsnestintheasoka-tree.
Liestill,Olove,untilthemorningsows
Hertentsofgoldonfieldsofivory.
SarojiniNaidu
21
Indian Weavers
WEAVERS,weavingatbreakofday,
Whydoyouweaveagarmentsogay?...
Blueasthewingofahalcyonwild,
Weweavetherobesofanew-bornchild.
Weavers,weavingatfallofnight,
Whydoyouweaveagarmentsobright?...
Liketheplumesofapeacock,purpleandgreen,
Weweavethemarriage-veilsofaqueen.
Weavers,weavingsolemnandstill,
Whatdoyouweaveinthemoonlightchill?...
Whiteasafeatherandwhiteasacloud,
Weweaveadeadman'sfuneralshroud.
SarojiniNaidu
22
Leili
Theserpentsareasleepamongthepoppies,
Thefireflieslightthesoundlesspanther'sway
Totangledpathswhereshygazellesarestraying,
Andparrot-plumesoutshinethedyingday.
Osoft!thelotus-budsuponthestream
Arestirringlikesweetmaidenswhentheydream.
Acaste-markontheazurebrowsofHeaven,
Thegoldenmoonburnssacred,solemn,bright
Thewindsaredancingintheforest-temple,
AndswooningattheholyfeetofNight.
Hush!inthesilencemysticvoicessing
Andmakethegodstheirincense-offering.
SarojiniNaidu
23
Life
CHILDREN,yehavenotlived,toyouitseems
Lifeisalovelystalactiteofdreams,
Orcarnivalofcarelessjoysthatleap
Aboutyourheartslikebillowsonthedeep
Inflamesofamberandofamethyst.
Children,yehavenotlived,yebutexist
Tillsomeresistlesshourshallriseandmove
Yourheartstowakeandhungerafterlove,
Andthirstwithpassionatelongingforthethings
Thatburnyourbrowswithblood-redsufferings.
Tillyehavebattledwithgreatgriefandfears,
Andbornetheconflictofdream-shatteringyears,
Woundedwithfiercedesireandwornwithstrife,
Children,yehavenotlived:forthisislife.
SarojiniNaidu
24
My Dead Dream
HAVEYOUfoundme,atlast,OmyDream?Seveneonsago
YoudiedandIburiedyoudeepunderforestsofsnow.
Whyhaveyoucomehither?Whobadeyouawakefromyoursleep
Andtrackmebeyondtheceruleanfoamofthedeep?
Wouldyoutearfrommylintelsthesesacredgreengarlandsofleaves?
Wouldyouscarethewhite,nested,wildpigeonsofjoyfrommyeaves?
Wouldyoutouchanddefilewithdeadfingerstherobesofmypriest?
Wouldyouweaveyourdimmoanwiththechantingsofloveatmyfeast?
Gobacktoyourgrave,OmyDream,underforestsofsnow,
Whereaheart-rivenchildhidyouonce,seveneonsago.
Whobadeyouarisefromyourdarkness?Ibidyoudepart!
ProfanenottheshrinesIhaveraisedinthecleftsofmyheart.
SarojiniNaidu
25
Nightfall In The City Of Hyderabad

SEEhowthespeckledskyburnslikeapigeon'sthroat,
Jewelledwithembersofopalandperidote.
Seethewhiteriverthatflashesandscintillates,
Curvedlikeatuskfromthemouthofthecity-gates.
Hark,fromtheminaret,howthemuezzin'scall
Floatslikeabattle-flagoverthecitywall.
Fromtrellisedbalconies,languidandluminous
Facesgleam,veiledinasplendourvoluminous.
Leisurelyelephantswindthroughthewindinglanes,
Swingingtheirsilverbellshungfromtheirsilverchains.
RoundthehighCharMinarsoundsofgaycavalcades
Blendwiththemusicofcymbalsandserenades.
OverthecitybridgeNightcomesmajestical,
Bornelikeaqueentoasumptuousfestival.
SarojiniNaidu
26
Ode to H.H. The Nizam Of Hyderabad

DEIGN,Prince,mytributetoreceive,
Thislyricofferingtoyourname,
Whoroundyourjewelledscepterbind
Theliliesofapoet'sfame;
Beneathwhoseswayconcordantdwell
Thepeopleswhomyourlawsembrace,
Inbrotherhoodofdiversecreeds,
Andharmonyofdiverserace:
ThevotariesoftheProphet'sfaith,
Ofwhomyouarethecrownandchief
Andthey,whobearonVedicbrows
Theirmysticsymbolsofbelief;
Andthey,whoworshippingthesun,
Fledo'ertheoldIraniansea;
Andthey,whobowtoHimwhotrod
ThemidnightwavesofGalilee.
Sweet,sumptuousfablesofBaghdad
Thesplendoursofyourcourtrecall,
ThetorchesofaThousandNights
Blazethroughasinglefestival;
AndSaki-singersdownthestreets,
Pourforus,inastreamdivine,
Fromgobletsofyourlove-ghazals
TheraptureofyourSufiwine.
Prince,whereyourradiantcitiessmile,
Grimhillstheirsombrevigilskeep,
Yourancientforestshoardandhold
Thelegendsoftheircenturiedsleep;
Yourbirdsofpeacewhite-pinionedfloat
O'erruinedfortandstoriedplain,
Yourfaithfulstewardssleeplessguard
Theharvestsofyourgoldandgrain.
Godgiveyoujoy,Godgiveyougrace
Toshieldthetruthandsmitethewrong,
TohonourVirtue,Valour,Worth.
Tocherishfaithandfostersong.
Somaythelustreofyourdays
OutshinethedeedsFirdusisung,
Yournamewithinanation'sprayer,
Yourmusiconanation'stongue.
SarojiniNaidu
27
Palanquin Bearers
Lightly,Olightlywebearheralong,
Sheswayslikeaflowerinthewindofoursong;
Sheskimslikeabirdonthefoamofastream,
Shefloatslikealaughfromthelipsofadream.
Gaily,Ogailyweglideandwesing,
Webearheralonglikeapearlonastring.
Softly,Osoftlywebearheralong,
Shehangslikeastarinthedewofoursong;
Shespringslikeabeamonthebrowofthetide,
Shefallslikeatearfromtheeyesofabride.
Lightly,Olightlyweglideandwesing,
Webearheralonglikeapearlonastring.
SarojiniNaidu
28
Past and Future

Thenewhathcomeandnowtheoldretires:
Andsothepastbecomesamountain-cell,
Wherelone,apart,oldhermit-memoriesdwell
Inconsecratedcalm,forgottenyet
Ofthekeenheartthathastenstoforget
Oldlongingsinfulfillingnewdesires.
AndnowtheSoulstandsinavague,intense
Expectancyandanguishofsuspense,
Onthedimchamber-threshold...lo!hesees
Likeastrange,fatedbrideasyetunknown,
Histimidfutureshrinkingtherealone,
Beneathhermarriage-veilofmysteries.
SarojiniNaidu
29
Song Of A Dream
ONCEinthedreamofanightIstood
Loneinthelightofamagicalwood,
Soul-deepinvisionsthatpoppy-likesprang;
AndspiritsofTruthwerethebirdsthatsang,
AndspiritsofLovewerethestarsthatglowed,
AndspiritsofPeacewerethestreamsthatflowed
Inthatmagicalwoodinthelandofsleep.
Loneinthelightofthatmagicalgrove,
IfeltthestarsofthespiritsofLove
Gatherandgleamroundmydelicateyouth,
AndIheardthesongofthespiritsofTruth;
ToquenchmylongingIbentmelow
BythestreamsofthespiritsofPeacethatflow
Inthatmagicalwoodinthelandofsleep.
SarojiniNaidu
30
Street Cries
WHENdawn'sfirstcymbalsbeatuponthesky,
Rousingtheworldtolabour'svariouscry,
Totendtheflock,tobindthemellowinggrain,
Fromardenttoiltoforgealittlegain,
Andfastingmengoforthonhurryingfeet,
Buybread,buybread,ringsdowntheeagerstreet.
Whentheearthfaltersandthewatersswoon
Withtheimplacableradianceofnoon,
Andindimshelterskolshushtheirnotes,
Andthefaint,thirstingbloodinlanguidthroats
Cravesliquidsuccourfromthecruelheat,
Buyfruit,buyfruit,stealsdownthepantingstreet.
Whentwilighttwinklingo'erthegaybazaars,
Unfurlsasuddencanopyofstars,
Whenlutesarestrungandfragranttorcheslit
Onwhiteroof-terraceswhereloverssit
Drinkingtogetheroflife'spoignantsweet,
Buyflowers,buyflowers,floatsdownthesingingstreet.
SarojiniNaidu
31
Suttee
LAMPofmylife,thelipsofDeath
Hathblowntheeoutwiththeirsuddenbreath;
Naughtshallrevivethyvanishedspark...
Love,mustIdwellinthelivingdark?
Treeofmylife,Death'scruelfoot
Hathcrushedtheedowntothyhiddenroot;
Noughtshallrestorethygloryfled...
Shalltheblossomlivewhenthetreeisdead?
Lifeofmylife,Death'sbittersword
Hathsevereduslikeabrokenword,
Rentusintwainwhoarebutone..
Shallthefleshsurvivewhenthesoulisgone?
SarojiniNaidu
32
The Bangle Sellers

Banglesellersarewewhobear
Ourshiningloadstothetemplefair...
Whowillbuythesedelicate,bright
Rainbow-tintedcirclesoflight?
Lustroustokensofradiantlives,
Forhappydaughtersandhappywives.
Somearemeetforamaiden'swrist,
Silverandblueasthemountainmist,
Someareflushedlikethebudsthatdream
Onthetranquilbrowofawoodlandstream,
Someareaglowwththebloomthatcleaves
Tothelimpidgloryofnewbornleaves
Somearelikefieldsofsunlitcorn,
Meetforabrideonherbridalmorn,
Some,liketheflameofhermarriagefire,
Or,richwiththehueofherheart'sdesire,
Tinkling,luminous,tender,andclear,
Likeherbridallaughterandbridaltear.
Somearepurpleandgoldfleckedgrey
Forshewhohasjourneyedthroughlifemidway,
Whosehandshavecherished,whoselovehasblest,
Andcradledfairsonsonherfaithfulbreast,
Andservesherhouseholdinfruitfulpride,
Andworshipsthegodsatherhusband'sside.
SarojiniNaidu
33
The Coromandel Fishers

Rise,brothers,rise;thewakeningskiespraytothemorninglight,
Thewindliesasleepinthearmsofthedawnlikeachildthathascriedallnight.
Come,letusgatherournetsfromtheshoreandsetourcatamaransfree,
Tocapturetheleapingwealthofthetide,forwearethekingsofthesea!
Nolongerdelay,letushastenawayinthetrackoftheseagull'scall,
Theseaisourmother,thecloudisourbrother,thewavesareourcomradesall.
Whatthoughwetossatthefallofthesunwherethehandofthesea-goddrives?
Hewhoholdsthestormbythehair,willhideinhisbreastourlives.
Sweetistheshadeofthecocoanutglade,andthescentofthemangogrove,
Andsweetarethesandsatthefullo'themoonwiththesoundofthevoiceswelove;
Butsweeter,Obrothers,thekissofthesprayandthedanceofthewildfoam'sglee;
Row,brothers,rowtotheedgeoftheverge,wherethelowskymateswiththesea.
SarojiniNaidu
34
The Illusion of Love

Beloved,youmaybeasallmensay
Onlyatransientspark
Offlickeringflamesetinloamofclay
Icarenotsinceyoukindleallmydark
Withtheimmortallustresoftheday.
Andasallmendeem,dearest,youmaybe
Onlyacommonshell
Chance-winnowedbythesea-windsfromthesea
Thesubtlemurmursofeternity.
Andthoyouare,likemenormortalrace,
Onlyahaplessthing
ThatDeathmaymaranddestinyefface
Icarenotsinceuntomyheartyoubring
TheveryvisionofGodsdwelling-place.
SarojiniNaidu
35
The Indian Gipsy

Intatteredrobesthathoardaglitteringtrace
Ofbygonecolours,broideredtotheknee,
Beholdher,daughterofawanderingrace,
Tameless,withtheboldfalcon'sagilegrace,
Andthelithetiger'ssinuousmajesty.
Withfrugalskillhersimplewantsshetends,
Shefoldshertawnyheifersandhersheep
Onlonelymeadowswhenthedaylightends,
Erethequicknightuponherflockdescends
Likeablackpantherfromthecavesofsleep.
Time'sriverwindsinfoamingcenturies
Itschanging,swift,irrevocablecourse
Tofaroffandincalculableseas;
Sheistwin-bornwithprimalmysteries,
AnddrinksoflifeatTime'sforgottensource
SarojiniNaidu
36
The Pardah Nashin

HERlifeisarevolvingdream
Oflanguidandsequesteredease;
Hergirdlesandherfilletsgleam
Likechangingfiresonsunsetseas;
Herraimentislikemorningmist,
Shotopal,goldandamethyst.
Fromthievinglightofeyesimpure,
Fromcovetingsunorwind'scaress,
Herdaysareguardedandsecure
Behindhercarvenlattices,
Likejewelsinaturbanedcrest,
Likesecretsinalover'sbreast.
Butthoughnohandunsanctioneddares
Unveilthemysteriesofhergrace,
Timeliftsthecurtainunawares,
AndSorrowlooksintoherface...
Whoshallpreventthesubtleyears,
Orshieldawoman'seyesfromtears?
SarojiniNaidu
37
The Poet To Death

TARRYawhile,ODeath,Icannotdie
Whileyetmysweetlifeburgeonswithitsspring;
Fairismyyouth,andrichtheechoingboughs
Wheredhadikulassing.
Tarryawhile,ODeath,Icannotdie
Withallmyblossominghopesunharvested,
Myjoysungarnered,allmysongsunsung,
Andallmytearsunshed.
Tarryawhile,tillIamsatisfied
Ofloveandgrief,ofearthandalteringsky;
Tillallmyhumanhungersarefulfilled,
ODeath,Icannotdie!
SarojiniNaidu
38
The Poet's Love-Song

Innoon-tidehours,OLove,secureandstrong,
Ineedtheenot;maddreamsareminetobind
Theworldtomydesire,andholdthewind
Avoicelesscaptivetomyconqueringsong.
Ineedtheenot,Iamcontentwiththese:
Keepsilenceinthysoul,beyondtheseas!
Butinthedesolatehourofmidnight,when
Anectasyofstarrysilencesleeps
Andmysoulhungersforthyvoice,Othen,
Love,likethemagicofwildmelodies,
Letthysoulanswermineacrosstheseas.
SarojiniNaidu
39
The Queen's Rival

QUEENGULNAARsatonherivorybed,
Aroundhercountlesstreasureswerespread;
Herchamberwallswererichlyinlaid
Withagate,porphory,onyxandjade;
Thetissuesthatveiledherdelicatebreast,
Glowedwiththehuesofalapwing'screst;
Butstillshegazedinhermirrorandsighed
"OKing,myheartisunsatisfied."
KingFerozbentfromhisebonyseat:
"Isthyleastdesireunfulfilled,OSweet?
"Letthymouthspeakandmylifebespent
Tocleartheskyofthydiscontent."
"Itireofmybeauty,Itireofthis
Emptysplendourandshadowlessbliss;
"Withnonetoenvyandnonegainsay,
Nosavourorsalthathmydreamorday."
QueenGulnaarsighedlikeamurmuringrose:
"Givemearival,OKingFeroz."
II
KingFerozspoketohisChiefVizier:
"Lo!ereto-morrow'sdawnbehere,
"Sendforthmymessengersoverthesea,
Toseeksevenbeautifulbridesforme;
"Radiantoffeatureandregalofmien,
SevenhandmaidsmeetforthePersianQueen."
.....
SevennewmoontidesattheVespercall,
KingFerozledtoQueenGulnaar'shall
Ayoungqueeneyedlikethemorningstar:
"Ibringtheearival,OQueenGulnaar."
Butstillshegazedinhermirrorandsighed:
Sevenqueensshoneroundherivorybed,
Likesevensoftgemsonasilkenthread,
Likesevenfairlampsinaroyaltower,
40
LikesevenbrightpetalsofBeauty'sflower
QueenGulnaarsighedlikeamurmuringrose
"Whereismyrival,OKingFeroz?"
III
Whenspringwindswakenedthemountainfloods,
Andkindledtheflameofthetulipbuds,
Whenbeesgrewloudandthedaysgrewlong,
Andthepeachgrovesthrilledtotheoriole'ssong,
QueenGulnaarsatonherivorybed,
Deckingwithjewelsherexquisitehead;
Andstillshegazedinhermirrorandsighed:
QueenGulnsar'sdaughtertwospringtimesold,
Inbluerobesborderedwithtasselsofgold,
Rantoherkneelikeawildwoodfay,
Andpluckedfromherhandthemirroraway.
Quicklyshesetonherownlightcurls
Hermother'sfilletwithfringesofpearls;
Quicklysheturnedwithachild'scaprice
Andpressedonthemirroraswift,gladkiss.
QueenGulnaarlaughedlikeatremulousrose:
"Hereismyrival,OKingFeroz."
SarojiniNaidu
41
The Royal Tombs Of Golconda

IMUSEamongthesesilentfanes
Whosespaciousdarknessguardsyourdust;
Aroundmesleepthehoaryplains
Thatholdyourancientwarsintrust.
Ipause,mydreamingspirithears,
Acrossthewind'sunquiettides,
Theglimmeringmusicofyourspears,
Thelaughterofyourroyalbrides.
Invain,OKings,dothtimeaspire
Tomakeyournamesoblivion'ssport,
Whileyonderhillwearslikeatier
Theruinedgrandeurofyourfort.
Thoughcenturiesfalteranddecline,
Yourprovenstrongholdsshallremain
Embodiedmemoriesofyourline,
Incarnatelegendsofyourreign.
OQueens,invainoldFatedecreed
Yourflower-likebodiestothetomb;
Deathisintruththevitalseed
Ofyourimperishablebloom
Eachnew-bornyearthebulbulssing
Theirsongsofyourrenascentloves;
Yourbeautywakenswiththespring
Tokindlethesepomegranategroves.
SarojiniNaidu
42
The Snake Charmer

WHITHERdostthouhidefromthemagicofmyflute-call?
Inwhatmoonlight-tangledmeshesofperfume,
Wheretheclusteringkeovasguardthesquirrel'sslumber,
Wherethedeepwoodsglimmerwiththejasmine'sbloom?
I'llfeedthee,Obeloved,onmilkandwildredhoney,
I'llbeartheeinabasketofrushes,greenandwhite,
Toapalace-bowerwheregolden-vestedmaidens
Threadwithmellowlaughterthepetalsofdelight.
Whitherdostthouloiter,bywhatmurmuringhollows,
Whereoleandersscattertheirambrosialfire?
Come,thousubtlebrideofmymellifluouswooing,
Come,thousilver-breastedmoonbeamofde-sire!
SarojiniNaidu
43
The Song Of Princess Zeb-Un-Nissa In Praise Of Her Own Beauty

WHENfrommycheekIliftmyveil,
Therosesturnwithenvypale,
Andfromtheirpiercedhearts,richwithpain,
Sendforththeirfragrancelikeawail.
Orifperchanceoneperfumedtress
Beloweredtothewind'scaress,
Thehoneyedhyacinthscomplain,
Andlanguishinasweetdistress.
And,whenIpause,stillgrovesamong,
(Suchlovelinessismine)athrong
Ofnightingalesawakeandstrain
Theirsoulsintoaquiveringsong.
SarojiniNaidu
44
The Soul's Prayer

Inchildhood'sprideIsaidtoThee:
'OThou,whomad'stmeofThybreath,
Speak,Master,andrevealtome
Thineinmostlawsoflifeanddeath.
'Givemetodrinkeachjoyandpain
WhichThineeternalhandcanmete,
Formyinsatiatesoulcandrain
Earth'sutmostbitter,utmostsweet.
'Sparemenobliss,nopangofstrife,
WithholdnogiftorgriefIcrave,
Theintricateloreofloveandlife
Andmysticknowledgeofthegrave.'
Lord,Thoudidstanswersternandlow:
'Child,Iwillhearkentothyprayer,
Andthyunconqueredsoulshallknow
Allpassionateraptureanddespair.
'Thoushaltdrinkdeepofjoyandfame,
Andloveshallburntheelikeafire,
Andpainshallcleansetheelikeaflame,
Topurgethedrossfromthydesire.
'Soshallthychastenedspirityearn
Toseekfromitsblindprayerrelease,
Andspentandpardoned,suetolearn
ThesimplesecretofMypeace.
I,bendingfrommysevenfoldheight,
WillteachtheeofMyquickeninggrace,
LifeisaprismofMylight,
AndDeaththeshadowofMyface.'
SarojiniNaidu
45
To A Buddha Seated On A Lotus

LORDBUDDHA,onthyLotus-throne,
Withprayingeyesandhandselate,
Whatmysticrapturedostthouown,
Immutableandultimate?
Whatpeace,unravishedofourken,
Annihilatefromtheworldofmen?
Thewindofchangeforeverblows
Acrossthetumultofourway,
To-morrow'sunborngriefsdepose
Thesorrowsofouryesterday.
Dreamyieldstodream,strifefollowsstrife,
AndDeathunweavesthewebsofLife.
Forusthetravailandtheheat,
Thebrokensecretsofourpride,
Thestrenuouslessonsofdefeat,
Theflowerdeferred,thefruitdenied;
Butnotthepeace,supremelywon,
LordBuddha,ofthyLotus-throne.
Withfutilehandsweseektogain
Ourinaccessibledesire,
Divinersummitstoattain,
Withfaiththatsinksandfeetthattire;
Butnoughtshallconquerorcontrol
Theheavenwardhungerofoursoul.
Theend,elusiveandafar,
Stillluresuswithitsbeckoningflight,
Andallourmortalmomentsare
AsessionoftheInfinite.
Howshallwereachthegreat,unknown
NirvanaofthyLotus-throne?
SarojiniNaidu
46
To India
OYOUNGthroughallthyimmemorialyears!
Rise,Mother,rise,regeneratefromthygloom,
And,likeabridehigh-matedwiththespheres,
Begetnewgloriesfromthineagelesswomb!
Thenationsthatinfettereddarknessweep
Cravetheetoleadthemwheregreatmorningsbreak....
Mother,OMother,whereforedostthousleep?
Ariseandanswerforthychildren'ssake!
ThyFuturecallstheewithamanifoldsound
Tocrescenthonours,splendours,victoriesvast;
Waken,OslumberingMotherandbecrowned,
WhooncewertempressofthesovereignPast.
SarojiniNaidu
47
To My Children
JayaSurya
GOLDENsunofvictory,born
Inmylife'suncloudedmorn,
Inmylambentskyoflove,
Mayyourgrowinggloryprove
Sacredtoyourconsecration,
Tomyheartandtomynation.
Sunofvictory,mayyoube
Sunofsongandliberty.
Padmaja
Lotus-maiden,youwhoclaim
Allthesweetnessofyourname,
Lakshmi,fortune'squeen,defendyou,
Lotus-bornlikeyou,andsendyou
Balmymoonsoflovetoblessyou,
Gentlejoy-windstocaressyou.
Lotus-maiden,mayyoube
Fragrantofallecstasy.
Ranadheera
Littlelordofbattle,hail
Inyournewly-temperedmail!
Learntoconquer,learntofight
Intheforemostflanksofright,
LikeValmiki'sheroesbold,
Rubiesgirtinepicgold.
Lordofbattle,mayyoube,
Lordofloveandchivalry.
Lilamani
Limpidjewelofdelight
Severedfromthetendernight
Ofyourshelteringmother-mine,
Leapandsparkle,danceandshine,
Blithelyandsecurelyset
Inlove'smagiccoronet.
Livingjewel,mayyoube
Laughter-boundandsorrow-free.
SarojiniNaidu
48
To My Fairy Fancies
NAY,nolongerImayholdyou,
Inmyspirit'ssoftcaresses,
Norlikelotus-leavesenfoldyou
Inthetanglesofmytresses.
Fairyfancies,flyaway
Tothewhitecloud-wildernesses,
Flyaway!
Nay,nolongeryemaylinger
Withyourlaughter-lightedfaces,
NowIamathought-wornsinger
Inlife'shighandlonelyplaces.
Fairyfancies,flyaway,
Tobrightwind-inwovenspaces,
Flyaway!
SarojiniNaidu
49
To The God of Pain

UNWILLINGpriestessinthycruelfane,
Longhastthouheldme,pitilessgodofPain,
Boundtothyworshipbyreluctantvows,
Mytiredbreastgirtwithsuffering,andmybrows
Anointedwithperpetualweariness.
LonghaveIbornethyservice,throughthestress
Ofrigorousyears,saddaysandslumberlessnights,
Performingthineinexorablerites.
Forthydarkaltars,balmnormilknorrice,
Butmineownsoulthou'stta'enforsacrifice:
Alltherichhoneyofmyyouth'sdesire,
Andallthesweetoilsfrommycrushedlifedrawn,
Andallmyflower-likedreamsandgem-likefire
Ofhopesup-leapinglikethelightofdawn.
Ihavenomoretogive,allthatwasmine
Islaid,awrestedtribute,atthyshrine;
Letmedepart,formywholesouliswrung,
Andallmycheerlessorisonsaresung;
Letmedepart,withfaintlimbsletmecreep
Tosomedimshadeandsinkmedowntosleep.
SarojiniNaidu
50
To Youth
OYOUTH,sweetcomradeYouth,wouldstthoubegone?
Longhavewedwelttogether,thouandI;
Togetherdrunkofmanyanaliendawn,
Andpluckedthefruitofmanyanaliensky.
Ah,ficklefriend,mustI,whoyesterday
Dreamedforwardstolong,undimmedecstasy,
Henceforwarddream,becausethouwiltnotstay,
Backwardtotransientpleasureandtothee?
Igivetheebackthyfalse,ephemeralvow;
But,Obelovedcomrade,erewepart,
Uponmymournfuleyelidsandmybrow
Kissmewhoholdthineimageinmyheart.
SarojiniNaidu
51
Transcience
Nay,donotgrievetho'lifebefullofsadness,
Dawnwillnotveilherspleandorforyourgrief,
Norspringdenytheirbright,appointedbeauty
Tolotusblossomandashokaleaf.
Nay,donotpine,tho'lifebedarkwithtrouble,
Timewillnotpauseortarryonhisway;
To-daythatseemssolong,sostrange,sobitter,
Willsoonbesomeforgottenyesterday.
Nay,donotweep;newhopes,newdreams,newfaces,
Theunspentjoyofalltheunbornyears,
Willproveyourheartatraitortoitssorrow,
Andmakeyoureyesunfaithfultotheirtears.
SarojiniNaidu
52
Village Song
HONEY,child,honey,child,whitherareyougoing?
Wouldyoucastyourjewelsalltothebreezesblowing?
Wouldyouleavethemotherwhoongoldengrainhasfedyou?
Wouldyougrievetheloverwhoisridingforthtowedyou?
Mothermine,tothewildforestIamgoing,
Whereuponthechampaboughsthechampabudsareblowing;
Tothekil-hauntedriver-isleswherelotusliliesglisten,
Thevoicesofthefairyfolkarecallingme:Olisten!
Honey,child,honey,child,theworldisfullofpleasure,
Ofbridal-songsandcradle-songsandsandal-scentedleisure.
Yourbridalrobesareintheloom,silverandsaffronglowing,
Yourbridalcakesareonthehearth:Owhitherareyougoing?
Thebridal-songsandcradle-songshavecadencesofsorrow,
Thelaughterofthesunto-day,thewindofdeathto-morrow.
Farsweetersoundtheforest-noteswhereforest-streamsarefalling;
Omothermine,Icannotstay,thefairy-folkarecalling.
SarojiniNaidu
53
Wandering Singers
WHEREthevoiceofthewindcallsourwanderingfeet,
Throughechoingforestandechoingstreet,
Withlutesinourhandsever-singingweroam,
Allmenareourkindred,theworldisourhome.
Ourlaysareofcitieswhoselustreisshed,
Thelaughterandbeautyofwomenlongdead;
Theswordofoldbattles,thecrownofoldkings,
Andhappyandsimpleandsorrowfulthings.
Whathopeshallwegather,whatdreamsshallwesow?
Wherethewindcallsourwanderingfootstepswego.
Nolovebidsustarry,nojoybidsuswait:
Thevoiceofthewindisthevoiceofourfate.
SarojiniNaidu
54

Naidu - Poems (2012)

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Naidu - Poems (2012)

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Classic Poetry Series

Sarojini Naidu (13 February 1879 - 2 March 1949)

A Love Song from the North

A Rajput Love Song

An Indian Love Song

Damayante To Nala In The Hour Of Exile

Humayun To Zobeida (From the Urdu)

In Salutation to the Eternal Peace

In The Bazaars of Hyderabad

Indian Love Song

Nightfall In The City Of Hyderabad

Ode to H.H. The Nizam Of Hyderabad

Past and Future

The Bangle Sellers

The Coromandel Fishers

The Illusion of Love

The Indian Gipsy

The Pardah Nashin

The Poet To Death

The Poet's Love-Song

The Queen's Rival

The Royal Tombs Of Golconda

The Snake Charmer

The Song Of Princess Zeb-Un-Nissa In Praise Of Her Own Beauty

The Soul's Prayer

To A Buddha Seated On A Lotus

To The God of Pain

Вам также может понравиться