Relationship Poem by Kamala Das

Relationship

Rating: 3.8


This love older than I by myriad
Saddened centuries was once a prayer
In his bones that made them grow in years of
Adolescence to this favored height; yes,
It was my desire that made him male
And beautiful, so that when at last we
Met, to believe that once I knew not his
Form, his quiet touch, or the blind kindness
Of his lips was hard indeed. Betray me?
Yes, he can, but never physically
Only with words that curl their limbs at
Touch of air and die with metallic sighs.
Why care I for their quick sterile sting, while
My body's wisdom tells and tells again
That I shall find my rest, my sleep, my peace
And even death nowhere else but here in
My betrayer's arms...

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Dr Dillip K Swain 06 February 2019

Why care I for their quick sterile sting, while/My body's wisdom tells and tells again/That I shall find my rest, my sleep, my peace....sparkling expression! I have read almost all of your poems carrying great impact! I congratulate you the great Indian poetess!

5 1 Reply
Savita Tyagi 06 February 2019

A superb poem from a great Indian poetess. With a touch of philosophical thought it brought the union of Shiva and shakti to mind. Their desire the cause of creation carrying all the nuances of love.....in a beautiful poetic expression.

3 1 Reply
Bill Cantrell 06 February 2019

What a jewel of a poem both in uniqueness and something of a personal nature in between the lines, I see why you are ranked so high among the top poets, bravo! !

2 1 Reply
Kumarmani Mahakul 18 March 2020

My body's wisdom tells and tells again That I shall find my rest, my sleep, my peace And even death nowhere else but here in My betrayer's arms... touching expression with impresive theme. Beautiful poem.

2 0 Reply
Edward Kofi Louis 06 February 2019

Once i knew not his form! ! Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

1 1 Reply
Akshay Kumar 12 August 2022

Good

0 0 Reply
Bijay Kant Dubey 03 May 2022

The old lover, what can she expect from him? What will she from his intellect and intelligence? She wants it love from him and he lags it behind.

0 0 Reply
Bijay Kant Dubey 03 May 2022

What is her relationship with him? How long will it go on? When will she be free? Can she not live a life of her own?

0 0 Reply
Bijay Kant Dubey 03 May 2022

Whose prayer did it take the shape of and how did he come to know her to ask for? How the story of introduction? Who introduced whom? If the marriage came to be solemnized in heaven, why did it take a drastic change?

0 0 Reply
Bijay Kant Dubey 03 May 2022

Who the betrayer and who the betrayed? How to judge it? Who the lover, who the beloved? Who is true to love?

1 0 Reply
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Kamala Das

Kamala Das

Punnayurkulam, Thrissur District in Kerala
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