Lady

 

A lady used to sit by the temple where I lived. The footpath was her residence, and a cloth bag her only possession. Occasionally, whenever I passed by, I used to give her some money. She was poor but never asked for it. I never saw her speaking to anyone nor anyone speaking to her. She would wash her face, and comb her hair neatly. And ate whatever anyone gave her to eat. After many years I shifted my residence and settled into a new area nearby. After couple of months I spotted her sitting on a footpath near where I lived. And for the first time she looked straight into my eyes and said - you never told me you shifted. - I was taken aback. I replied - I never knew you could speak- I saw her smile for the first time. I gave her some money as usual. But this time she said - give me little more please. I’m seeing you after so long. - I gave little more and walked back to my house. She put it the same cloth bag and settled on her new footpath.

The Wise

 

I would like to see no evil around

but alas! cannot close these eager eyes. 

And how could I ever be honour bound

for the truth that glitters is disguised lies. 

I have closed my ears to the evil sound

but the blares of the devil are so loud. 

I try to be deaf but their echoes hound,

and they are but the laments of the crowd. 

I wish no evil from my tongue should roll

for there is much to be said and cautioned. 

But my words lay silently in the soul,

and the ills roam unscathed, unquestioned. 

So blame me not in this life of disguise- 

help me decipher the wise from the vice. 

The Strength

 

To the poor grieving tongues her ear she lends. 

With an armour of spice and sweet to blend. 

A romantic soul and a vagabond-

she is my strength from the beginning to end.