Two Poems Interpretted From Meer Bai

Meer Bai (1498-1546) was a Hindu mystic, musician, poet, and saint. She was born to a royal house, but gave up all privilege to live as a beggar, singing of her true love Krishna along the byways and in the marketplace. I have adapted two of her poems, striving as best I might to capture my sense of her person and persona. I. I want you to have all that I can provide: The beauty of my gaze upon you The grace of my mouth that praises you The splendor of my strength in your defense The glory of the scent of musk that is my body For do we not speak of divine love? We do. II. Never let it be forgotten, my love, That I will bring to you All the madness you require To unfurl yourself Across this universe.