My dark one

by Nammalvar

English version by A. K. Ramanujan
Original Language Tamil

My dark one
stands there as if nothing's changed
after taking entire
into his maw
all three worlds
the gods
and the good kings
who hold their lands
as a mother would
a child in her womb--

and I
by his leave
have taken him entire

and I have him in my belly
for keeps.

-- from Hymns for the Drowning: Poems for Vishnu by Nammalvar, Translated by A. K. Ramanujan

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Recommended Books: Nammalvar

Hymns for the Drowning: Poems for Vishnu by Nammalvar Nammalvar: (Makers of Indian Literature)



My dark one