I BOW MY HEAD: A RAJASTHANI POEM BY MANISHA ARYA SONI: ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY RAJNI CHHABRA

I BOW MY HEAD

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I bow my head

In front of 

Entire species

Of Cactus

That is growing with pride

Without any support from anybody

Which is nor worshipped by anyone

Which is not watered by anyone

Is not associated with any auspicious 

Or inauspicious ceremonies

Neither it is granting any boon

Nor accomplishing any auspicious event

But

In scorching, fiery dunes

It nurtures water in form of juice

It has preserved it in inner cores of heart

Just as 

A poor female hides her youth

With her torn, tattered clothes

This Cactus reared it so much

That it turned into medicine

If you ever apply ' Alovera Gel' on your face

Then, remember how problematic it was

For the cactus to hold water within

For a noble cause

In fiery heat

It is *Kawad-Yatra of

This seemingly worthless thorny bush

It is outcome of severe self-mortification

Whenever you see dodging face 

Of a beautiful dame.

Then, just remember-------

Kawad-yatra : Journey of a devotee carrying pitchers of holy water in a sling on his shoulders to offer to God, with  utter care lest any drop falls.