Maa ka Khwab

One night I slept and saw a dream, and from it, my deep turmoil grew.

I saw myself go forth somewhere, in darkness, with no pathway there.

My every fiber shook with fear; from dread, I could not lift a step.

Finding some courage, I stepped near, and saw a line of boys appear.

In robes of emerald green arrayed, a burning lamp each hand displayed.

They moved in silence, one by one, God only knew where they were bound.

While lost in this thought, my own son I saw among them, moving on.

He was at the back, his pace was slow, and in his hand, no lamp did glow.

I knew him, and I cried, "My life! Where have you come, and left me all alone?

Your absence leaves me in deep turmoil; I string each day a garland of my tears.

You showed no care for me at all, and left. A fine devotion to recall!"

The child, who saw my state of pain, turned his face from me to explain:

"My absence makes you weep and cry, but in that, no good for me can lie."

He said this, and a silence fell, then showed the lamp, its tale to tell:

"Do you now see what has become of it? It is your tears that have extinguished it."