I trapped my breath in the bellows of my throat

by Lalla

English version by Ranjit Hoskote
Original Language Kashmiri

I trapped my breath in the bellows of my throat:
a lamp blazed up inside, showed me who I really was.
I crossed the darkness holding fast to that lamp,
scattering its light-seeds around me as I went.

-- from I Lalla: The Poems of Lal Ded, Translated by Ranjit Hoskote

<<Previous Poem | More Poems by Lalla | Next Poem >>


View All Poems by Lalla



Recommended Books: Lalla

The Longing in Between: Sacred Poetry from Around the World (A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology) This Dance of Bliss: Ecstatic Poetry from Around the World Women in Praise of the Sacred: 43 Centuries of Spiritual Poetry by Women Poetry for the Spirit: Poems of Universal Wisdom and Beauty Naked Song
More Books >>



I trapped my breath