Venice masks

Friday 10 October 2014

In praise of Shiva - Manikkavachakar

I wear a cassia garland
and cling to Shiva's round shoulders,
locked in his embrace. I swoon
and then we quarrel like lovers.
His red lips make me giddy with longing,
my heart melting, I search everywhere
and fix my thoughts on his feet.
I wither
then I blossom once more.

Let's sing about the red feet of the lord
who dances...
flame in hand.

Manikkavachakar (9th century) India

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