My Beloved Boatman

A poignant poem in the Baul-Sufi tradition, a call to the Divine by Shalini – exclusively for Different Truths.

O Beloved Boatman, 
rudderless was I 
tied with bindings
of my creations
caught in whirlpools
of mirages 
tossed about by the sails 
of my relentless ego! 
 
O Beloved Boatman,
the vast skies held
Your timeless truth.
The Sun poured
Your nectarine warm,
compassionate gaze.
The oceans murmured 
Your song, celestial.
The breeze breathed
Your fragrant touch
of countless blessings. 
Every atom drenched 
in Your love is supreme!
But oblivious was I 
of Your divine melody
All my senses lulled,
my sensibilities dead!
 
You waited silently... 
The flute played on
With such sweetness 
With such tender yearning…
 
O Beloved Boatman
I hear the strains
Of Your mystic music now 
As I wait 
patiently, prayerfully
for dawn’s awakening 
deep within, 
where You guide me 
towards an undefined glow, 
A soft glimmer of light 
Soothing, gentle, serene. 
A blissful warmth 
spreads all over! 
 
The skies bathed 
in tints of gold and orange
Your saffron robe unfurled 
I can feel the fragrance 
Of Your divine presence...
You hold my hand.
tiny shoots sprout, buds unfold - 
Spring touches
my mind’s wasteland
A symphony of blossoms
A haze of violet light!  
Wherein all fears dissolve 
All separateness vanishes. 
 
I see the silhouette now,
the boat, unwavering
mirrored in the placid waters
I know you have held it
for eternity
Unheeded
Unknown to me.
 
O Merciful Boatman
You ignite these eyes
with Your loving spark. 
The mist melts
I see the solitary boat
moored, silently waiting,
beckoning gently
eager to ferry me
across this ocean 
of worldly existence.

Picture design by Anumita Roy