From The Soul Of Water

By GR Madhukar

From heaven’s heights I tumbled, wild and free,

In Bhagiratha’s wake, I graced the land,

through Shiva’s locks, restrained in destiny,

I carved out rivers with my flowing hand.

I fed your fields, I quenched your endless thirst,

gave life to forests, filled each sacred well,

but now I wither, burdened and accursed,

a silent mourner, where I used to swell.

Polluted, wasted, drained without a care,

I gasp for breath in drying lakes and streams,

O children of this earth, my soul lays bare,

revive me now, rekindle the ancient dreams.

Harvest the rain and cleanse me of despair,

for in my flow, future’s hope is there.

By GR Madhukar