Telugu: Deverakonda Balaganadhara Tilak

English: Dr. V. Kondal Rao

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MY POETRY

My poetry is not mere philosophy,
Neither it is my psychology, nor ideology,
Nor some confusion, age-bitten illusion.

Oceans of moonshine of glassy waves,
Lamps lit by jasmine scents,
Pillars inlaid with emeralds in enchanting worlds
Are the strange, the exotic, the exquisite objects
Of my aromatic, artistic, verse-abode.

Creatures of utter agony and anguish
Destined to unknown parts on arduous paths,
Nerves of steel of righteous heroes,
Effulgent love, ennobling sacrifice, emancipating gospel
Are the sheen and the swing of my poetic-sword.

My words are the doves of compassion
Drenched in a downpour of tears.
My words are “The Iravatas”
(The mythical elephants of celestial realms)
Mounted by the people’s powers.
My words are the beautiful belles
Pirouetting picturesque under the moonlight.