‘Kavisamraat’
VISWANATHA SATYANARAYANA
I: Oh! Actor! What is your idea of
salvation?
And, what is your
stronghold?
Actor: The whole world dances on my face
My expressions are my stronghold.
I: Oh! Painter! What are your thoughts?
And, what is your
stronghold?
Painter: The hearty
form which emerges from the brush
held between my fingertips is my stronghold.’
I: Oh! Musician! What is your big idea?
And, what is your stronghold?
Musician: If sweet
Bharati identifies herself
with
my throat, that is my salvation.
I: I put this question to you also Oh!
Poet!
What do you think
about salvation?
Poet: I am a Yogi. Leave me alone.
Why do you disturb my tranquillity
with
your questions?
–Translated from Telugu by Dr. Sankara Sreerama Rao