Invocation Poem by Makarand Paranjape

Homage to Shiva-Shakti
The first and greatest of lovers,
Whose love bears the burden of cosmic mysteries;
Then obeisance to Ganesha, Lord of the masses,
Remover of obstacles, who loves dance, music, poetry,
And all the arts: vouchsafe the safe passage
Of this slender verse-offering at Love's shrine;
Look benignly on a beginner's faltering muse,
Which totters even as it commences
Not unlike a new-born heifer struggling to get on its feet,
Lowing in feeble and pitiful accents for its Mother;
Thus I humbly invoke your blessings:
Accord this venture a propitious starting,
And may the poetry please discerning audiences.

[From The Serene Flame]