I The Absolute

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