the way
i love the lotus
the sun can’t,
for i can’t make them
bloom

the  way
i slide down
through the foliage
the maiden raindrops can’t,
for i can’t make them
sprout

the way
i stay waiting
for the vishu1 6 bird
the kanikonna1 7 can’t,
for i can’t make them
sing

the way
i caress the ripe paddy fields
the wind can’t,
for i can’t
ripen them

the way
i weep lying on the shore
the ripples of the river can’t,
for i can’t wash the sandgrains
into stars

the way
i blaze when torched
the mango timber1 8 can’t,
for i am not the shadow
that follows you only
in light