Classic Poem

Mine is the lifter of mountains, the

cowherd, and none other.

O sadhus! there is no other--I have seen

the whole world.

I left brothers, I left kindred, I left

all I had.

Sitting near the sadhus, I lost worldly shame.

I looked at the devotees and I was one with

them; I looked at the world and wept.

With tears I watered love’s creeper

and it took root.

I churned the milk, drew out the ghee

and threw away the whey.

Rana sent a cup of poison; I drank it

and stayed ecstatic.

Mira’s attachment is strong--what was to

happen has happened.


O friend, I cannot live without the

delightgiver.

Mother-in-law fights, my sister-in-law

teases,

The Rana remains angry.

They have a watchman sitting at the door,

and a lock fastened on it.

Why should I give up my first love,

the love of my former life?

None else pleases me.