Poetry at Sangam
Poetry at Sangam showcases poetry in English and translations as well as essays on poetics and news of new releases.
Kasi Baha are the white flowers of Kasi grass (Saccharum spontaneum) which the poet deeply loves. Among the Santals, the Sal tree is considered sacred and is part of most worship, like Baha, Karam, etc. After every enactment of worship, male devotees tuck the Sal flowers behind their ears while female devotees tuck it in their hair as a blessing. The poet wants to tuck Kasi flowers behind their ears. This shows their deep love for Kasi flowers, even treating as one would treat the sacred Sal flowers.
Do not hurt me, my love
For ever my life is yours
We spoke, laughed, came closer
Laden with flowers, for me you grow
They’ve left me mesmerized
Your dancing, white flowers
Word about your merry appearance
Echoes around sky and earth
I can’t grab you in my arms
You escape ahead, you’re free
You sway in your freedom
As you’re touched by the gentle breeze
In the midst of all the green
Your liveliness seems quite apart
I cannot help but stare at you
I miss you, anxious grows my heart
You slip through my fingers
So freely you fly
I hurt my feet running after you
So that I may hold you close by
Youmake me restless
I cannot sleep thinking of you
I’m filled by your mere sight
That I’m not hungry for food
Pledging my life and body to you
I stand in the field, waiting
You could turn around and look
Acknowledge my presence, waving
Your love is all I seek
I’ve knotted myself entirely to you
My love slips like a water drop on a leaf
Roaming in circles, looking for you
Kasi Baha, I’d met you once
And wanted to tuck you behind my ear
But my love is nothing before you
That’s why you deceive me, it’s clear
Like water sprinkled on the ground
Your words to me are meager
It’s true that you’ve drifted away
Your sacredness is all I seek to gather
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