The Coming of ‘Ashadha’

(A beautiful description from his drama – the Nartanasala)

Kalaprapurna

VISVANATHA SATYANARAYANA

Through clustering clouds the Lightning-Damsel doth peep to find,

If the Kadimi has blossomed quite or merely put forth leaf;

The lovely Mandara blooms and chants its welcome to the advancing bee;

Down the crested rocks, the lotus-eyed amorous stream runs swift

Into the arms of her Ocean-Lord;

The shyness of the ecstatic Earth-Maiden thrills

Through meadows of emerald-green;

Behold! the lofty music of the stringed clouds,

The peacock's joyous dance;

Verily, this festive grove is like unto the Dance-Academy

Of the Master of Dance!

–Translated from Telugu by M. VISVESVARA RAO.

Reprinted from Triveni, May – June, 1929

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