Karayal-XXVII
(The Swan)
I

1

The root of Lotus flower fair
in deepest waters grows-
High soars the humble-bee, but fate
their in most wishesknows.
Through love, fulfilment it bestows,
and makes the lovers meet.

2

The swan that shunned the cormorants
now spreads its wings, to fly
To heavens high! so to descry
fountains where his love dewells.

3

Now from the height, the deepest depth
his eye doth pierce, to find
The things to which he is inclined,
the tiny shining bits.

II

4

Why not you enter depths and dive
For bits, rejoicing there
My swan, why for the banks you care;
no use have banks for thee.

5

These waters by the cormorants
polluted, soiled they were-
Swans are ashamed to enter there
and never venture near.

7

O foolish swan! with cormorants
do not keep company;
But change the dirty waters, seek
the clean ones speedily...
Or else you'll drink one day...may be
with herons of the swamps.

8

Why do you hang about the banks
or by the roadside hide?
To meadows broad of 'Oneness' go,
plan no escape, abide,
And find the lake of love, to float
in its refreshing tide-
Of secrets hum, of Reality-
With fellow swans reside;
With recognition true your heart
cleanse, and be purified-
Inspired by the guide, pick grains,
and sing, by nought defied;
So that you never on this side
bird-hunter may behold.

9

O swan! come to clear waters, where
you are remembered still-
The hunters here are out to kill
and they are after you!

10

the swans divine are those who pick
the pearls from waters pure;
They never soil their beaks with mud;
some fishes to secure;
In crowds of cormorants, obscure
They are...world knows them not.

III

11

The lakes are same, but different birds
now in their waters lave...
Ah... those with graceful necks, who gave
sweet songs, flew far away.

12

The lovely peacocks all are dead,
and not one swan I see...
Instead the crafty snipes...ah me
have here their homeland made.
____________________

__________________
"The strongest man in this world is the one who stands most alone"