Shalini By Changampuzha Krishna Pillai; Translated By Sambhu Ramachandran Poem by Sambhu Ramachandran

Shalini


Nothing more I crave from you than my memory
Kept forever alive in your mind's eye.
Never should your smile that enthralled my heart
Dwell from those tenderest of lips apart.

Drain the last droplet of my lifeblood too,
My dear, if it has the vigour to exalt you.
Never shall I try with dithering doubt
The unalloyed purity of your love to flout.

Though there be a thousand alluring maids
To surround your grace, I'll not let envy's blades
Scar my mind; nor do I need any proof or sign
That your song-intoxicated soul is mine.

When others mix the tints of their fancy
In unequal parts with their jealousy
To paint you hideously, their portrayal,
though gaudy, do not stick once to my soul.

There are men whose tongues against you prevail
Like the six blind men of the ancient tale,
Each for whom the elephant was a slippery shape.
How can I, who know you, their judgement ape?

‘Tis not for mundane grief that I left behind
The sacred offering of my innocent mind
With love flowing sweetly over the brim,
But to fuel the fire of your lofty whim.

No profit do I seek from my investment
Save the sight of your face with smiles radiant!