Devotion
There is devotion
And then there is devotion
Not for me any cymbals
Neither any elaborate ritual
You reside in me always
And I abide by only you in my ways
I cannot mouth empty words
When backed not by my convictions
I cannot offer sops as consolations
As I know every end is a new beginning
I may appear hard hearted and unfeeling
Daily living in simplicity is my only dealing
You have slowly denuded my veils
Now my sole wail is for you in my travails
I care not if all forsake me as the odd one
You my Lord kindly do not let go of my arm
I am full of frailties and often err
Please forgive my trespasses as I know You care
Am I lazy Lord this I know not
I have implicit faith in you of that I have no doubt
You have guided me this far my Lord
Help me win finally my game of life’s chessboard Infinite is you and endless is me your creation
Illusion of limits is wrought by shortsighted vision
There is constant unity as there is only You and I We are One but Maya deluded we think we are two not one
In your divine comedy you have made us thus feel It is up to us to realize the truth with inner vision see
The seeker will reach you in his journey to you if he be true You constantly beckon all to come and seek You from You
Shortsighted seek boons that bestow short term happiness I seek only YOU from You and rest I’ve long eschewed
There is devotion
And then there is devotion
Not for me any cymbals
Neither any elaborate ritual
You reside in me always
And I abide by only you in my ways
*** *** *** ****
(these days I am watching serial Meerabai and above poem is thus inspired)
Meera Bai (1498 – 1547) was a devout follower of Lord Krishna. Meera Bai was one of the foremost exponents of the Prema Bhakti (Divine Love) and an inspired poetess.
She sang in vraja-bhasha, sometimes mixed with rajasthani, in praise of Giridhara Gopala (Shri Krishna), her lord for whom she developed in her heart the most intense love and devotion.
The story of Meera Bai is not based on historical documents but comes from oral storytelling. Each storyteller embellishes or distorts the story, or puts a different interpretation on it as time passes.
Originally Published: January 8, 2010
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What are your thoughts on this poem?Filed Under: Collection of Poems, Contemplative, Life, Spiritual
