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THE MERE FLASHEStc "THE MERE FLASHES"
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B. Indira Kumari

(Free Translation of Devulapalli Krishna Sastry’s Poem � ‘Chukkalu�)
So lovely were the flowers indeed
But them I, with disdain ever treated,
For the mere reason that they were to me nearer
And that, my call to disobey they never could dare.

But lured by the far off stars so bright
All my precious time did I spend waste.

Though not unaware was I that at them to get
Was only a foolishman’s useless attempt.

Ah! Disappeared the stars in the sky so soon
And became grey the sweet blossoms amine,

And what yet remained in my life so vain?
O! Nothing but the desires never to meet fruition.

For free soaring like a flying bird
In the blue expanse, I always longed,

But so much did I afterwards lament
For, of the fact “I am unwinged� was I ignorant

Oh! So soon became ripe in age, my life useless
Ere it had enjoyed a bit, its own sweetness

But just like an unflowering creeper does ever
It fell down to the ground all-unaware

Why intense longing for the flashing things
And desiring the things never to bear fruits?

Alas! Useless proves like mine every one’s life indeed
If spent neglecting that within one’s reach to be enjoyed.