Tempest of time (poems)

Tempest of time (poems)

-Kondapalli Niharini

Translated by Elanaaga

39. Sankranthi Time

Smiles are Rangolis that carry virtue,
they’re symbols of righteousness;
reflect in sacrifices, invite plenitude.
The sun enters one zodiac sign every each month
with gradually varyingsplendour.
Man is agog with hope during these changes
Defining the period of Uttarayana,
throwing you into introspection,
the sun changes hemisphere every six months;
crosses Margashiram, enters Pushyam.
Cold winds on one side, heaps of ice on the other;
physical exertion gives heat to the body.
Five zodiac signs dole out enthusiasm.
The advent of warm sun
fulfilsthe needs of humanity;
brings home piles of grain.
Farmers worship cows, feel the festivity;
the gaiety extends for three days.
It’s a festival of elders, Rangolis;
begins with Bhogi, joins Sankranthi,
Kanumu, ushers in unlimited joys.
Burn laziness in Bhogi flames
and become a stimulus for new stories.
Sun’s form doesn’t change.
Zizyphus fruits, rice grains, coins,
and petals of flowers, all join inBhogi droppings.
You become a festoon of marigolds
amid turmeric and kumkum.
Eat sesame balls, talk cheerfully;
let sweetness flash in your speech.
Boil milk, make pleasure your treasure.
The song of haridasu disapproves
of differences among ourselves;
bull’s play signifies the dance of pramadhas.
Acting artistes enhance the village’s charm.
Oggu, Budabukkala, and other artistes
bring magnificence to our culture.
Kites’ hubbub explains life’s meaning
If a chariot appears as Rangoli in the front yard,
if one rope joins the other,
you assumethe avatar ofsolidarity.
If Sakinalu, Ariseluare munched,
and puddings are distributed
you become a sweet thought.
Shine like the dots of Rangolis too
when earth becomes a symbol of the sky.
The dots give static energy,
strength to move incessantly as well.
Become an example offond existence
amid Rangolis adorned with flour and grass.
This festival even worships cow dung!
How strange indeed?
Sankranthi comes on
the fourteenth January every year.
Many other changes may occur though.
This revolution is
the source of Gregorian calendars.
Like the sun entering a good sign
From a bad one, you go into probity.
Only that is the splendour of
your heart’s Sankranthi.

Satyam News, Kavisamayam, 13th January 2021

*****

(To be continued-)