SIMPLE DESIRES
English translation of Gurram Joshwa’s Poem in Telugu
B. Theodore
Crave I not for more to acquire
Than for a cosy house to live in;
Stray I will not from my path and trespass
To amass wealth for my spouse and children;
Preach I cannot to others percepts
Which I myself fail to practise;
Desire I never a single paise
More than I barely need for my family;
Affiliate I do not with caste and creed
Nor blind myself with man-made traditions;
Whatever may all others say of me,
I say, a citizen of the world I am!