Sanskrit and I
Everyone sings praises of you, oh, Sanskrit!
Everyone sings praises of you, oh, Sanskrit!
And I do, too, and love you endlessly.
So where do I stand vis-a-vis you, Saraswati's tongue?
Musing thus, I go to the shore. The vast ocean.
Endless, eternal billowing waves,
Blue, all glitter and shimmer till the yonder horizon.
Some come, walk on the soft and wet sand, collecting shells.
These are those that cherish your sounds in the temple.
Savouring Sanskrit names, sampling the oceanic glow.
Some others hang around the shore,selling snacks and trinkets.
Holding degrees, making a living in Sanskrit. Or
Dipping their feet in lapping waves, Kovidas turning back at nightfall.
There are those who make a fishing expedition, rising early,
Working hard, intent on catching big fish that nurture their lives.
They are the pundits who live off Sanskrit.
Then come those who go in big boats, diving deep, and
Gathering pearls. These scholars dedicate their lives to Sanskrit.
Some lucky to reap medals and titles.
Some go so far as to build cruise ships. Attracting
Those willing to invest time and money on long journeys.
To these Sanskrit Vyomas go those like me, old but willing.
Finally a Magellan or a Marco Polo spans the world.
Vyasa, Valmiki, Panini, Patanjali, Kalidasa and such.
Saraswati's children whose names inspire us always.
