ANNAMAACHAARYA
Translated from Telugu
by Dr. B. Rajanikanta Rao
Either from without, or from within,
When there is no vacuum,
Why do you search for air so often
Both within and without?
The air which is life for the lustrous glory of
the moon,
The air which has laid roots on the overflowing
lake,
The air which is as tall as the fragrance of
jasmines,
Why is this air unreachable like the elusive
mirage? Either from without
The air which holds court in the heart of the
tender mango thicket,
The air which sips honey out of the bowl of lotus
petals,
The air which is the storehouse of coolness and
happiness,
The air which pours out everywhere, potfuls of
silver-shower. Either from without ....
The air which is standing still on the holy
Venkata hill,
The air which throws people into ecstasy at the
end of their union,
The air which peeps into the displaced robes of
dames engaged in game
Please don’t harrass, O air, those who suffer from separation! Either from without ....