He bartered my heart

by Akka Mahadevi

English version by A. K. Ramanujan
Original Language Kannada

He bartered my heart
     looted my flesh,
     claimed as tribute
     my pleasure,
     took over
     all of me.

I'm the woman of love
for my lord, white as jasmine.

-- from Speaking of Siva, by A K Ramanujan

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Recommended Books: Akka Mahadevi

The Longing in Between: Sacred Poetry from Around the World (A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology) Speaking of Siva The Shambhala Anthology of Women's Spiritual Poetry Women Writing in India: 600 BC to the Present: Volume 1 Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Voices Through the Ages



He bartered my heart