Jayadeva's Geeta Govinda - A Love Song 10 Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon

The unhappy condition of the love-sick Radha, is reported to Krishna by the Sakhi.
Says Krishna to the Sakhi
"Speak sweet tender words to Radha and bring her near me"
Sakhi back with Radha again, speaks to her consolingly.

The mountain breeze impregnated
With sandalwood perfume,
Blossoming in its fullest splendour,
Only precipitates your state of disconsolateness.
Krishna adorned with myriad wild blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!

The moon- beams burn the body
To collapse or to die,
Cupid's arrows cause intense grief
Resulting in absurd mutterings!
Krishna adorned with myriad wild blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!

The buzzing bees make disturbing sounds,
Causing Krishna to close his ears!
Night after night,
The pain of suffering increases!
Krishna adorned with myriad blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!

Self banished from the comfort
Of his own home,
Krishna sleeps in the woods
On a bed of rough earth,
Calling out your name, again and again,
In sheer desperation!
Krishna adorned with myriad blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!

Nightingales sing sweetly in chorus,
Hearing them, he runs madly, here and there,
Looking at him, people laugh and ridicule,
Krishna bashfully denies and hides his love- sickness!
Krishna adorned with myriad blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!

The melodious music of the cuckoos
Brings back memories,
Of your sweet voice while you enjoyed
The amorous sport of love with him!
Krishna adorned with myriad blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!



The month that bears your name,
He repeats and meditates,
Forgetting all else,
Even to play with other cowherd maidens!
Krishna adorned with myriad blooms
Is cheerless at your gloomy state!

When Jayadeva sings
Of Radha and Krishna,
Of their love, longing and lamentation,
The devotees are bathed in divine experience,
Perceiving God in their mind's eye!