Shirdi Sai Poem by AtreyaSarma Uppaluri

[A saint and mystic Sai Baba, so famous for his simplicity, miracles and help to the needy and the faithful lived in India in the 19th-20th century. A grand shrine came up in Shiridi, the centre of his life and activities, in Maharashtra state in India which attracts millions of devotees from all over the globe and throughout the year.]

A born ascetic but ageless
With a sway over the elements
A living mystery and a legend
A mystic with miracles manifold!

Living under the neem canopy
He fed on its bitter leaves
To sweeten the people’s lives!

Ever kept a fire
Sins and prejudices
To burn away.

Ever lit lamps
With oil or water
To give light
Everywhere, to everyone;
To show a way forward
To everyone wayward.

In appearance though seedy and weedy,
Sturdy was he in gifting love, patience steady
And timely succour to the grieving needy.

Holds out the Lord of Shirdi
To the careworn a sure remedy.
Simply Sai
Truly Joy.

Multitudes throng Shirdi on and on
To feel the ethereal peace of mind.

The spirit of Shirdi Sai
Has spread far and wide
Still casting its spell round and round.
A tiny village has indeed gone
Global in fame and reach.

[Jan 31,2009: : Hyderabad - 500 056]