And Now, Hold My Hands O Mortal! Poem by Preeth Nambiar

And now, hold my hands O mortal, I will take you to the abode where every life meets death and death embraces the infinite. As you grasp the chill of my fingers, fear not but relish the sweet numbness of me; look at my eyes, upon the blue find yourself the mortal you diving deep. Across cliffs and shooting stars, I will pave you a way to the farthest beyond, hold me tight, fall not unto the drenches of unknown terror, for I am your beloved since your birth.

Where will you take this body with colours still upon the wrinkles, that would appeal nothing in the dark? Where will you carry the fragrance aberrant for it wouldn't feast the void? Abandon those silky cloths right here for it wouldn't make you royal in a kingdom where there are no classes to separate you! Forget those verses that you chanted for your language would spell ignorance in the silence. Follow me, O mortal, life beyond would shatter your presumptions!

Leave your name that you acquired from boundless lips, O nameless, for it has to decay with this flesh in your body. Leave these titles that decorate your name, O deluded, for there exists nothing to be adorned! The letters that represent your ephemeral musings would be washed clean by the mad floods and the pages you filled with earthly wisdom would be burnt by the wild fires. Seek the light of inner eyes, for the road ahead is of darkest moments.

How long will you carry this burden - the fame you earned by frivolous alms? Give it to him who owns the whole, the Lord of earth and the skies above. Feed your riches to those birds that fly high upon the barren lands for the lushness of your life is the adherence to Him who bequeaths his wealth to the lovely green. Bring with you the gratitude of a life that he blessed you with, in his splendid garden and follow me light, O destitute self!

There is no moon, nor sun not even the light of fireflies around. Call them not, your dearest ones, for the journey is lonely and you are a lone. From the thickest quilt of warmth, come out quick, though it is freezing winter - for the journey was scheduled right on your birth. When the world around appears deep asleep, follow me silent and fearless, at once. Timeless, perennial truth I am, death, your comrade since the very birth- hold my hands, O dear one!