Tempest of time (poems)

Tempest of time (poems)

-Kondapalli Niharini

Translated by Elanaaga

27. Balu Everywhere

When solitary birds suspend
their waiting glances from nests
hiding fruit bunches of pain behind smiles…
When someone wants to swim
in the sea of sense slipping into
deserts or jungles, then Balu,
the shower of your sweet notes gives solace.
In our youth, we hung from your songs,
swung holding the poetic thoughts.
You transmitted rasa-filled images,
sent some to the beauty of Kailasa peak,
others to the range of Thirupathi hills.
Rendered our hearts lutes to obtain
salvation, float on the steps of your songs.
Your ‘pacchanichilukalu’ song
is replete with sweetness; wherever we
opened our voices Balu, you became a song.
When we discerned your propriety
of language, we saluted theTV airing it.
You knew the nuances of language well;
you areour valuable treasury of music.
How can we go past the fences
that you planted in our hearts, eyes?
Having quit the silent ragas,
where have you gone Balu?
You burned our hearts with the fire of grief,
gave unbearable silence, said the song has life,
but why did you leave us?
This opulent land is awaiting you
like a cuckoo in the sky.
Also your Suvvee, suvvalammasong
like the farming feet of peasants.
This is not an affected accolade;
we know you are the emperor ofthe movies
for which you were the actual heart.
Kids, youths, elders… the whole world
of songs is saying music is replete withBalu!

Published in Moosi magazine, October 2020 issue

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(To be continued-)