Mopuru’s evocative poem uncovers ancient secrets, silent witness to monarchs, battles, and quietude – stones question if we can hear nature’s harmony, exclusively for Different Truths.

The stone, which has been practicing silence for years together,
One day I will sing a song.
The stone, which is evidence for the human history of ancient times,
If it breaks the silence, strikes the stony lips,
And sings the true tune, many secrets will be unveiled.
The stone is crushed under the heavy feet of the ruthless monarchs.
The stone became a saint, with the touch of the selfless soul’s divine feet.
Many tears are turned into marble with that stone.
The stone is turned into a ruby when it is drenched in blood.
It turns into a pure pearl when it is laved in sunlight.
Glitters like Chandrakanthamani when they are consumed by moonlight.
With its heavy eyes, the stone has seen many dreadful wars.
With its soothing ears, the stone heard the songs of peace.
The stone, which is resting in the graveyard of silent penance,
For these many years, I will someday sing a song.
Do we have the ears to listen to it?

Translated from Telugu by Jyothsnaphanija

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Mopuru Penchula Narasimham

Mopuru Penchula Narasimham is a Telugu poet, short story writer, and novelist from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. He is a poet of courage and clarity. He never took his visual impairment as an onset to his literary career. He hosts several literary events and is honoured with many literary awards, such as Kavita Praveena, the Ranjani Kundhurthi Poetry Prize, the Vishalakshi Poetry Prize, the North American Telugu Association’s poetry prize, and others.