War a hearts ravage-8
English Translation: P. Jayalakshmi & Bhargavi Rao
Telugu Original : “Yuddham oka Gunde Kotha” by Seela Subhadra Devi
Religion that has to teach humanity
running amuck as wild elephant?
That which has to bring people together
apply paste of sandalwood to tired hearts
give comforting relief,
why is it gilding grisly ghastliness to minds?
Raising senselessness in
heart’s garden all over,
sedating sense with dope
why unleash upon the world, the blood thirsty?
In truth, mistake is not of religion.
Indeed it’s not religions
battling for dominion and domination
wavered and bewildered.
That one tranquilizing humanity
with religion for pelf, he is blamable.
Censured should he be who for his wants
re-interprets sacred texts
to write death warrants.
He who promised to kindle the soul,
bringing life to completion,
as poisonous fume is setting afire green lives.
Failing to lead blind to see light
religion itself is straying.
Two ends of life’s thread —
birth and death, joy and sorrow,
sensations and raptures—
as flower garland strung together of colours bright ,
adhering to order and discipline,
lead to purposeful end,
that is true religion.
Means lead man to goals
lay paths to smoothen life’s walk.
That which teaches man ethics
is religion.
Which religion teaches man to become a beast?
From which religion’s pile sharpened weapons,
sharpened weapons to slay fellowmen ruthlessly?
A striking serpent became a victim
even before a black ant was dismissed
as insignificant and ignoble.
History remembers to repeat itself.
Small wren, targets recently
of brutal Brahmastras !
Heard of pigeons trapped
with nets and bird lime.
Lying in ambush, ensnare corpses
with grains, is present practice.
Whence this reversal?
Predating, we boast of our piety.
Cannibalizing, wearing bones for garlands
claim to be demigods!
How odd!
Odd, savaging, we boast of our refinement.
Those considered liliputans-–
with eyes unabashed, unafraid are meeting eyes.
Scanning through magnifying glass even
no ray of compassion reflects from eye corners.
No humane smile sparkles from sealed lip corners.
We are staking lives for an invisible God
whose very existence we are doubtful of,
with hope of heaven doors opening
dream and chant of a welcome entry.
Lives flourishing as green meadows,
why are they reduced to sooty cinders?
Why doesn’t man fondly recall mother
balmy as butter to burning heart?
Why like daggers
sprigs of love-thoughts spontaneous
to the roots severed?
How have men forgotten
art of preserving life,
resolve intricate problems
without cause for hurt delicately?
Why are lives changed to storm-torn boats?
Why is heart’s restlessness
as a needle-end coursing,
causing spasms of pain?
The horizon, a blue of terror
sun and moon seem to burn alike.
Intermittently, destructive debris
star-like showered shimmering.
Co-mingling earth and vaulted sky
fiery fluid flash as lightning,
rained fire on cities.
*****
(To be continued-)
జన్మస్థలం విజయనగరం.రచయిత,కవి, చిత్ర కారుడు ఐనా శీలా వీర్రాజు గారి తో వివాహానంతరం హైదరాబాద్ లో నివాసం.1970 లో కథారచన తో సాహిత్య రంగంలో అడుగు పెట్టి తొమ్మిది కవితా సంపుటాలు, మూడు కథా సంపుటాలు,ఒక నవలిక వెలువరించారు. వంద మంది కవయిత్రుల కవితల సంకలనం ” ముద్ర” కు డా.పి.భార్గవీరావు తో కలిసి సహసంపాదకత్వం వహించారు.ప్రధానోపాధ్యాయినిగా పదవీవిరమణ చేసారు.