The Puzzle Poem by Ravikumar C.P.

Kannada composition by Kanakadasa
Translated by C.P. Ravikumar


Lord, it puzzles me if you are part of magic
Or magic is part of you
It puzzles me if you are part of the body
Or the body is part of you.

Is space within the establishment
Or establishment a part of space?
Or perhaps neither is true -
They are both in the seeing eyes

Is seeing part of wisdom
Or wisdom is in seeing?
Or perhaps it is neither, Lord,
They are both in your being

Is the sweetness placed in sugar
Or sugar is in sweetness placed?
Or perhaps it is neither -
They are both in the sense of taste?

Is taste a sensation in the mind
Or the mind is in the sense?
Perhaps it is neither, Lord,
They are both part your expanse?

Is the flower the seat of fragrance
Or the fragrance is within the flower?
Or perhaps it is neither -
They are both in the sense of odor?

O Lord Keshava of Kaginele
To this revelation I have opened the doors
That my senses, my being, even these words,
Are not mine, but yours.