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Showing posts from July, 2017

Saluva Timma, Mahamandaleshwara

Saluva Timma, Mahamandaleshwara Shall I tell the story of how you came to be Blind beggar at the shrine of Venkateshwara? When your dying king bid you blind his young brother You deceived him with goat's eyes, what vile treachery! Saluva Timma, Mahamandaleshwara! You who crowned Krishnadevaraya emperor With all the Coromandel as your demesne Blind beggar at the shrine of Venkateshwara! The king's son was poisoned; he charged you for murder. He put out your eyes and granted you no mercy - Saluva Timma, Mahamandaleshwara! The truth was discovered, you regained your honour He sought to atone and restore you to glory - Blind beggar at the shrine of Venkateshwara. Beware a kings' whims and all his behaviour: Let that be what we learn from this tragic story. Saluva Timma, Mahamandaleshwara Blind beggar at the shrine of Venkateshwara. Published in Indian Periodical, 16 July 2017

War is Necessary

Yes, war is necessary. But let my wife not be widowed, Nor my children orphaned. Nor let my mother and father Spend life’s last lap looking At the photograph of me Saluting at my passing out parade Trying desperately to stifle a tear. War, however, is necessary. But my career is also necessary. That US visa, that VP designation And that Thailand… Well, whatever happens in Thailand. And that 5-crore sea facing flat. It’s necessary, war is necessary. I am aware that the men in uniform Fighting the blizzards of Siachen Or sudden fire on the Line of Control Or fearlessly facing militants Martyr themselves for the Nation, But I fulfill my responsibilities too And have never failed to offer Koti koti shraddhanjali On Facebook and Twitter. War, however, is necessary. But it is not in my fate that I, Clutching a mug of cold tea at 3 AM, Fight a jihad against sleep; nor, Wearing body armour (If I get any) Depart for a crusade against The searing heat of the