our Lord Chinmoy - a poem
I finished writing this little poem, "our Lord Chinmoy" a few days ago. I started composing it on 11 November 2007, after a very vivid image came to me: a gray world, bereft of colours but blessed with deep memories, and a colour-full heaven, celebrating Guru's long awaited return.
Sri Chinmoy always spoke of Mother Mahasaraswati as the strongest connection we have to the the world of Poetry. If anything is good in this poem, I know it is only because of her grace and compassion.
our Lord Chinmoy The colour of all things soared with you The day you went home into your high blue. Back they have you, at last, their Lord Chinmoy, All cosmic gods drunken with never-ending joy. And tears as smiles will blossom, (we'll try, try and try) Of colours now empty on memories never shy, Young earth ever enamoured with your Footprint-kiss, At your Feet forever dreaming, their sweet dust, bliss.
[I believe all poetry should be read aloud, so I also recorded my reading of the poem -- apologies for the italian accent]
0:49 minutes (762.9 KB)
| Attachment | Size |
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| our Lord Chinmoy-poem.pdf | 13.17 KB |
Some notes about the text
With the verse on memories never shy I tried to convey the image of memories that are not slow or reluctant to come to the fore. I meant something like "Our smiles may be in a place devoid of colours, for now, since those soared away with Guru, but our smiles are riding memories that are not hesitant or pale, on the contrary they jump at the opportunity to manifest their treasures."
Back they have you, at last sounds a little strange, but I could not find a better way to express the relief felt by heaven's denizens.
Regarding the manuscript, a friend asked why did I rewrite it by hand dozens of times (I lost count after 24), while I could have edited it so much more easily and quickly on a computer?
I feel the quality one can achieve through hand-writing can never be equalled by writing through a computer keyboard (perhaps only a mechanical typewriter could come close). True, a computer is a good tool for speed writing, but for quality I feel handwriting is the only way.
I started hand-writing again after years of computer addiction a few months ago. I don't think I could go back to the keyboard, except for the final version of course.
Your poem
Yesterday I was reciting poems in our meditation centre. After the first two words I found myself in a completely blank state if mind. I was standing there realising that half of me was connected with a higher world and half of it was standing on firm rock-bottom on the ground of the ignorance-ocean. Then finally came the words: "If today you withdraw one dollar form your inner bank account, then the next day without fail you should be sure to deposit five dollars in its place. This will be all your own wealth. Nobody else can claim it." (unofficial quote by Sri Chinmoy)
This little anecdote is my own way of appreciating your excellent poem. It shows your rich inner WEALTH. Bravissimo.
Nirmala
Poem
Priyadarshan, your poem is a treasure. It is so deeply moving and profound. Thank you.
Thank you
for this poem and expressing what we all feel.
Priyadarshan's Poem
Priyadarshan,
What a beautiful poem, and read so movingly and so soulfully.
I am so happy that today I had the chance to hear it.
With admiration always,
Your Mahiruha
our Lord Chinmoy
Priyadarshan, you rank among the rare, great and good English poets who have enhanced the language itself through their love for it. Your poetry is word-sculpture in its purest form. Thank you...
our Lord Chinmoy- A Poem
Dear Priyadarshan, I can feel your heart's gratitude-tears through your beautiful poem.
Thank you, thank you thank you!
Kamalakanta
A poem supreme
It is a master-piece, a poem supreme, a staircase to go up and down, an exact prototype of the cosmic lila... so comforting (for here) and there.
Kedar & Nirmala
Thanks alot
Thanks for a very thoughtful poem. I feel it comes from the depths of the heart - such sincerity and devotion.
Needless to say, there is no need to apologise for the Italian accent.
~
Tejvan
Kavi
Dear Priyadarshan, thank you for sharing this beautiful poem. I really like the way you are entering into the heart of poetry, gently and carefully at first, but with tremendous power of emotion. It seems like all your reading and contemplation on the subject of imagination, poetry and art is coming together for you now. I'm sure this is only the first of many, many poems from you that we shall cherish!
In my fanciful way, I like to say that when Guru left his dream-boat on earth, he also left many things inside for us to discover. For you, he undoubtedly left the gift to become a true Kavi, a true poet-seer.
Affectionately,
Michael