when grandfather spoke of Brahman,
wisdom dropped like finest, draped dhoti
wrapping me with silken syllables,
passing through growing legs
and back around again,
covering whole with sunrise-colored
dreams
expressions fell upon eager ears
in hushed illumination,
defiantly concentrated--
as if ancient, masked Kshatriyas
were roaring above his gentle, strengthened word,
their bloody swords erected
to execute vile-tongued,
blasphemy
but his holy whispers,
undaunted,
fell to me like rain
upon Taj Mahal’s ivory dome--
beating down
upon that overturned, feverish cup
(refusing heaven’s dripping),
and reaching up again into rising mist
in one great circle of rebirth
reminding me,
in guarded secret,
I must not remain
untouchable
Author notes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India
The Vedas are considered Sruti (that which is heard, signifying the oral tradition). They are not man-made, but are revealed truths of eternal validity or relevance--the primary source of Brahman tradition.
Traditional caste system: The Brahmans (priests), the Kshatriyas (warriors), the Vaisyas (merchants),the Sudras (laborers) and the untouchables
Dhoti: traditional Indian dress made from long, unstitched cloth. It is often woven through the legs(for men), wrapped around the body in various forms, and tucked in back.
In a list
A contest entry
- Take Me There Part III: India (Any Time Period) 900 Points! by Everwind Rising.
900 points, ended August 9, 2007, 9 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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This is a stunning entry, wonderful imagery and metaphor, excellent phrasing, but the emotion is the best, very captivating and compelling work. Loved it
Bunny
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I liked this very much. I liked the reflection of a person listening to a grandfather. The language used is lovely and flowing. The imagery is outstanding. Wonderful similes.
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