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Sacred Poetry from Around the World

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Sufi / Muslim

Yoga / Hindu : Shakta (Goddess-oriented)

20th Century

About Najrul Islam

Timeline (1899 - 1976)

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English version by
Rachel Fell McDermott

Original Language
Bengali

Syama wakes on the cremation grounds

Themes

Bliss

Death

Fire

Lover and Beloved

Smile

Recommended Books

	Singing to the Goddess: Poems to Kali and Uma from Bengal, Translated by Rachel Fell McDermott

Syama wakes on the cremation grounds
to take Her child
at the final hour
to Her lap.
The peaceful Mother sits on the pyre
in fire hidden by Her sari of love.
     To hold him on Her lap
     She left the Kailasa of Her joy, and
     with blessings and fearlessness in Her hands
     made the cremation grounds Her home.
Why fear this place
when you'll sleep peacefully at the Mother's feet?
     Who dies ignited by the flames of this world,
     to him the Mother calls:
     "Come to My lap, come to My lap."
     To lull you to sleep, Oh Wearied by Life,
          Ma takes you to Her lap
          disguised as death.

-- from Singing to the Goddess: Poems to Kali and Uma from Bengal, Translated by Rachel Fell McDermott

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About Najrul Islam

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World