Shyamasri’s poem captures the ethereal, blurred essence of Radha and Krishna’s divine love within a vibrant, autumnal Vrindavan setting, exclusively for Different Truths.
In Kartik’s full-moon shiny shower
when they meet
in dew-covered Vrindavan bower
Who is Radha? Who is Krishna?
I cannot see or say either
Circled by gopis in a melodious ring
on a vibrantly decked floral swing
as they exchange fragrant glances,
and as the young chill
in aging autumn’s air dances,
I witness an entrancing lore of yore—
of censured love, pious and pure,
rejoicing and realising
in the carnival of dalliance
a delight of divine bliss
Note:
Raasleela is a festival celebrating the folk-dance of Radhika and the gopis (milkmaids) with Lord Krishna in Hindu culture. Raas is observed on a full-moon night.
Kartik: a month (October-November) in the Indian calendar.
Picture from Mahbubani Artwork
Shyamasri Maji writes poems, short stories and literary articles. Her debut collection, ‘Forgive Me Dear Papa and Other Poems’, was published in December 2023.
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