Man’s Vision

Only the gods cannot die

The rest can end everything

In death’s embrace.

Taman Shud

The fearful drug

With its painless dreamless sleep.

*

In my loves bed I must lie

A sun supreme in the sky

The only god

Mazda

The jealous lord

Who burns all stars to cinders.

*

If that love I cannot be

My love brings me only pain

Come death’s embrace

Taman Shud

You with a shrug

May go, seek love of a million stars.

*

Only the brave dare and die

So I will lie down and cry.

J J Puthucheary, 7 February 1959