The Song
M. RAMAKRISHNA RAO
Why does the koel sing?
That sweet complaining clarion
That rhapsodic ringing refrain
Just its nature
Like a mere routine?
No–
Far from that.
It’s like a poet forlorn
Seeking solace unknown
In a resounding loneliness.
Where is the response
Where is the awareness
What a disheartening dearth
Apathetical, abysmal,
Absolutely mundane.
Be warned
Be awakened.
The angels love the earth
Poor preoccupied earth
For a pause
A petition
A meloncholy
An eerie ecstasy
An enchanting silence
Be warned
Be awakened.