I The Absolute
by Radha Raghunathan
May 5, 2024; 11.42 am; Chennai – 600 041
(1)
I
The Absolute
Remain
Here
Still
Silent
Witness
Always
(2)
When the last dewdrop
rolls down from the petal
to oblivion
When the last petal
of the soft rose falls
to hard ground
When the last leaf
of the big banyan dries
to dusty brown
When that large banyan
of the rainforest smoulders
to dark cinders
When the forest
on the green hills turns
barren land
When the last droplet
of water in the ocean
evaporates to air
When the thin veil
of the cloud in the sky
floats no more
When the vast space
endlessly spreads and
sees its own end
When your dreams
in sleep fold deep
into fathomless ignorance
I
The Absolute
Remain
Here
Still
Silent
Witness
Always
(3)
When from sleep
you wake up
to the greeting sun
When the breeze
gently caresses
the endless space
When the fluffy clouds
gracefully sail
in the blue sky
When the dancing waves
frolic and spray
the warm sea
When the empty fields
turn lush with blooms
after the summer rains
When the old banyan
in the forest affirms
with anchor roots
When the first leaf
peeks out curiously
from the tender shoot
When the closed bud
pops out a smile
on opening its petals
When the ripe fruits
glow heavy with morning
dew on their sides
When the earth rejoices
once again with fresh air,
rain and mirth
I
The Absolute
still
Remain
Here
Still
Silent
Witness
Always