Poetry at Sangam
Poetry at Sangam showcases poetry in English and translations as well as essays on poetics and news of new releases.
Lugu Buru is a hill – in Santali, buru means hill – in Bokaro district of Jharkhand and is a sacred site of the Santals where the pure stream of Sita Nala flows. The poet rues the fall in values among the Santals of this disom – this country where Santals live – and wishes to carry the Lugu Buru on his back and bring it home so that he may be able to worship the Lugu Buru day and night.
Every now and then I feel like carrying
The Lugu Buru on my back and bringing it home
People of the disom may hate me for this
But it will not end my devotion for Lugu Buru
Santals are losing touch with their roots
Turning stagnant like algae, mixing poison in their blood
I do not know where I can escape
Violence and killings
Are growing each day
Juices of mistrust and corruption
Are being squeezed entirely
How can one survive these days?
Discussions are held on the rocks at Lugu Buru
Where the waters of Sita Nala flow freely
Where trees are verdant with lac and silk
The stones of Lugu Buru hold our faith
That is why I feel all the time
That I should carry Lugu Buru
On my back and bring it home
Place Lugu Buru on my clean courtyard
And pray before it dawn and dusk