I am God’s Madcap

Covid and Dengue are on the rise again. Arindam’s evocative verse, inspired by Baul, celebrates love, life and longevity – an exclusive for Different Truths.

Lashed by the winds, I am God’s madcap,
Strumming and singing of love and loss –
In the flute of the Bansidhar, Yamuna
Danced with glee; little did it know that
 
He reigned in and silenced the storms,
To hear the chimes of Radhika’s
Payal; the swish of her billowing
Ghagra and her suppressed giggles.
 
Like a playful child, I snatched and tore
A handful of stars from the sky,
And painted your twilight –
With cotton clouds and chirping birds,
 
In their beaks were the blushing
Sun, a silent prayer
For the hospitalised, gasping Earthlings
To heal and smile and sing songs.
 
I am a dancing Baul, God’s madcap,
Singing of love and loss, a boatman,
Haggling Krishna for the gold of his ear
For ferrying Radhika across.

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths