I forgot

I forgot you!

Even in this birth as a human.

Like a rat in a mountain hole

I dug a deep hole to make my tiny home.

In the cosiness of that home

I forgot the mountain – tall and bright –

That held me up.

 

Wasted my days in forgetful sleep

Hid in fear of the dark clouds gathering.

Wandered around dense forests

Chased by swirling currents

And roaring waterfalls

I ran, paled with fear.

 

At the tip of that darkness, tender rays of the sun

Pierced through the bewildered film of clouds.

The red sun bristled up his shiny rays

The fine peacock carried your beautiful form.

Was it my prior thavam I was blessed

With this vision of unique beauty?

 

Weighed down by sins, I retreated to the hole

To wallow in darkness, repenting.

I planned to gather wealth, abode and food

I believed my strength knew no boundaries.

The elated king of rats

The boastful leader of the frothing seas.

 

The mountain suffered an earthslide

Hurled many rocks that came rolling down.

A small stone fell on my head!

The snapped tip of my tail lay by my side.

I fell, I screamed, I wept.

Did the sky slide down to earth?

 

Inside the hole

Sand scattered left and right.

I worried I had no home.

Heaps of nuts blocked my escape

I hurried outside

To look for safety on earth.

 

Dazzling daylight defined shapes

I marvelled at the glorious mountain.

From the cloud-capped hill, Muruha!

Your brilliance spreads beauty around the universe.

Why would I need any sweet or fruit?

You are enshrined in my heart.

 

Touched to the core I melt,

I felt complete.

I have no complaints. I sang out, ‘Muruha!’

In that instant,

I forgot myself!

 

A yearning devotee thinks Muruha –

Muruha alone.