Tales Of A Wayside Inn : The Theologian's Tale; The Legend Beautiful
'Hads't thou stayed, I must have fled!'
That is what the Vision said.
In his chamber all alone,
Kneeling on the floor of stone,
Prayed the Monk in deep contrition
For his sins of indecision,
Prayed for greater self-denial
In temptation and in trial;
It was noonday by the dial,
And the Monk was all alone.
Suddenly, as if it lightened,
An unwonted splendor brightened
All within him and without him
In that narrow cell of stone;
And he saw the Blessed Vision
Of our Lord, with light Elysian
Like a vesture wrapped about him,
Like a garment round him thrown.
Not as crucified and slain,
Not in agonies of pain,
Not with bleeding hands and feet,
Did the Monk his Master see;
But as in the village street,
In the house or harvest-field,
Halt and lame and blind he healed,
When he walked in Galilee.
In an attitude imploring,
Hands upon his bosom crossed,
Wondering, worshipping, adoring,
Knelt the Monk in rapture lost.
Lord, he thought, in heaven that reignest,
Who am I, that thus thou deignest
To reveal thyself to me?
Who am I, that from the centre
Of thy glory thou shouldst enter
This poor cell, my guest to be?
Then amid his exaltation,
Loud the convent bell appalling,
From its belfry calling, calling,
Rang through court and corridor
With persistent iteration
He had never heard before.
It was now the appointed hour
When alike in shine or shower,
Winter's cold or summer's heat,
To the convent portals came
All the blind and halt and lame,
All the beggars of the street,
For their daily dole of food
Dealt them by the brotherhood;
And their almoner was he
Who upon his bended knee,
Rapt in silent ecstasy
Of divinest self-surrender,
Saw the Vision and the Splendor.
Deep distress and hesitation
Mingled with his adoration;_
Should he go, or should he stay?
Should he leave the poor to wait
Hungry at the convent gate,
Till the Vision passed away?
Should he slight his radiant guest,
Slight this visitant celestial,
For a crowd of ragged, bestial
Beggars at the convent gate?
Would the Vision there remain?
Would the Vision come again?
Then a voice within his breast
Whispered, audible and clear
As if to the outward ear:
'Do thy duty; that is best;
Leave unto thy Lord the rest!'
Straightway to his feet he started,
And with longing look intent
On the Blessed Vision bent,
Slowly from his cell departed,
Slowly on his errand went.
At the gate the poor were waiting,
Looking through the iron grating,_
With that terror in the eye
That is only seen in those
Who amid their wants and woes
Hear the sound of doors that close,
And of feet that pass them by;
Grown familiar with disfavor,
Grown familiar with the savor
Of the bread by which men die!
But to-day, they knew not why,
Like the gate of Paradise
Seemed the convent sate to rise,
Like a sacrament divine
Seemed to them the bread and wine.
In his heart the Monk was praying,
Thinking of the homeless poor,
What they suffer and endure;
What we see not, what we see;
And the inward voice was saying:
'Whatsoever thing thou doest
To the least of mine and lowest,
That thou doest unto me!'
Unto me! but had the Vision
Come to him in beggar's clothing,
Come a mendicant imploring,
Would he then have knelt adoring,
Or have listened with derision,
And have turned away with loathing.
Thus his conscience put the question,
Full of troublesome suggestion,
As at length, with hurried pace,
Towards his cell he turned his face,
And beheld the convent bright
With a supernatural light,
Like a luminous cloud expanding
Over floor and wall and ceiling.
But he paused with awe-struck feeling
At the threshold of his door,
For the Vision still was standing
As he left it there before,
When the convent bell appalling,
From its belfry calling, calling,
Summoned him to feed the poor.
Through the long hour intervening
It had waited his return,
And he felt his bosom burn,
Comprehending all the meaning,
When the Blessed Vision said,
'Hadst thou stayed, I must have fled!'
poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Related quotes
Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my vision, oh lord of my heart
Nought be all else to me, save that thy art
Thou my best thought in the day and the night
Waking or sleeping, thou presence my light
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word
I ever with thee and thou with me lord
Thou my great father and I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with thee one
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight
Be thou my armour and be thou my might
Thou my soul shelter, and thy my high tower
Raise thou me heavenwards, oh power of my power
Riches I need not, nor mans empty praise
Thou mine inheritance through all of my days
Thou and thou only though first in my heart
High king of heaven my treasure thou art
Oh high king of heaven, when battle is done
Grant heavens joy to me, bright heaven sun
Christ of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, though ruler of all
Da, da, da, da, da, etc.
song performed by by Van Morrison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Perumaal 1-6
This Perumaal series is about the 108 shrines of Lord Vishnu
This is not a translated work of hymns but poetry mine with samples of mythological reference
Out of the 108 shrines,106 are earthly pilgrimage spots and the final two are heavenly abodes
which can be reached only by highly devout ascetics and celestial beings
Reference- '108 Vainava Divyadesa Sthala Varalaru ' by Dr.Vainava sudaraazhi A.EthirajanB.A-Karaikudi-Published by Sri Vainava Sidhanta Noorpadhippu Kazhagam
1 In rippling bliss where Thee recline
Where Thou feet blessed Kaveri washes
Where from Vibhishana stayed Thee on
Ranganayaki where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Srirangam
That holds Thine maxim of pasurams
Hey, Ranganatha, vision I surrender
2 Delighted where Thou feet lotuses illume red
Where the vedas in awe of Thee
Thou blessed Alwar Thiruppaanaar where born
Where with Kamalavalli Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thirukozhi(Urayur)
That Brigumuni where to Thou heavenly posit bows
Hey, Azhagiyamanavaala, vision I surrender
3 Beheading Brahmma swerved with curse Shiva
To Thou Poornavalli begged where for food
Alwar Thirumangai in praise Thou where sang
In ablution Thee where with flowers Nagalinga
To Thou abode that of Thirukarambanoor
That bears Brahma, shiva and Thee blissful
Hey Purushothama, vision, I surrender
4 White Thou fulgency where glows
Vedas reflecting Thine white where fulgent
At Thy feet Perialwar, Alwar Thirumangai where rest
Shanpakavalli where with Thee blessed Sibichakravarthy
To Thou abode that of Thiruvellarai
That bears mounted glow, Thine gracious Varaaha
Hey, Pundarikaksha, vision, I surrender
5 Of Thou shape where shaped up love
Blessed Manduka, Valmiki where in Thou bliss
Nectarous vantage where in Thine
Where with Azhagiyavalli Thee blesing
To Thou abode that of Thiruanbil
That bears boundless love Thine
Hey Vadivazhagiya Nambi, vision I surrender
6 Benevolence, benevolent Thou persona where art
Oblation Appam Thou mercy where propitiated
Amused Ubamanya where with Thine Appam
Indiradevi where with Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of Thiruper(Koiladi)
That cuddles child Ubamanya with Thou hands
Hey, Appakudathan, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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St.Gregory's Guest
A TALE for Roman guides to tell
To careless, sight-worn travellers still,
Who pause beside the narrow cell
Of Gregory on the Caelian Hill.
One day before the monk's door came
A beggar, stretching empty palms,
Fainting and fast-sick, in the name
Of the Most Holy asking alms.
And the monk answered, 'All I have
In this poor cell of mine I give,
The silver cup my mother gave;
In Christ's name take thou it, and live.'
Years passed; and, called at last to bear
The pastoral crook and keys of Rome,
The poor monk, in Saint Peter's chair,
Sat the crowned lord of Christendom.
'Prepare a feast,' Saint Gregory cried,
'And let twelve beggars sit thereat.'
The beggars came, and one beside,
An unknown stranger, with them sat.
'I asked thee not,' the Pontiff spake,
'O stranger; but if need be thine,
I bid thee welcome, for the sake
Of Him who is thy Lord and mine.'
A grave, calm face the stranger raised,
Like His who on Gennesaret trod,
Or His on whom the Chaldeans gazed,
Whose form was as the Son of God.
'Know'st thou,' he said, 'thy gift of old?'
And in the hand he lifted up
The Pontiff marvelled to behold
Once more his mother's silver cup.
'Thy prayers and alms have risen, and bloom
Sweetly among the flowers of heaven.
I am The Wonderful, through whom
Whate'er thou askest shall be given.'
He spake and vanished. Gregory fell
With his twelve guests in mute accord
Prone on their faces, knowing well
Their eyes of flesh had seen the Lord.
The old-time legend is not vain;
Nor vain thy art, Verona's Paul,
Telling it o'er and o'er again
On gray Vicenza's frescoed wall.
Still wheresoever pity shares
Its bread with sorrow, want, and sin,
And love the beggar's feast prepares,
The uninvited Guest comes in.
Unheard, because our ears are dull,
Unseen, because our eyes are dim,
He walks our earth, The Wonderful,
And all good deeds are done to Him.
poem by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Perumaal 25-30
25 Amid the surging ocean with sacred conch
Rescued Thee where Chandra from curse
Thence Thine crown where adorned the crescent
Where with Amrithavalli Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of ThalaichangaNaanmadhiyam(Thalaichangaadu)
That accolades Thou dazzling charisma Thirumangai
Hey Naanmadhiya Perumaal, vision, I surrender
26 Thee where granted Chandran his naming-wish
Thence Thou abode Indaloor after chandran known
Thirumangai where debated for Thou vision
ParimalaRanganayaki where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of ThiruIndaloor
That scents outspread with Thou fragrance
Hey ParimalaRanga, vision, I surrender
ThiruNangoor 27-37
Eleven abodes of Perumaal situated in and around ThiruNangoor
Ashed Dhakshayani, dancing Shiva whereon outraged
Furious Shiva Thee where tranquilized
His fury Shiva to end where Thee blessed
In and around Thou abode ThiruNangoor
Thine shrines eleven whereat Thee domiciled
To Thou eleven those of ThiruNangoor
Hey Perumaal, vision, I surrender
27 Conquering Indra whereafter Thee reposed
Parijata to SathyaBhama Thee where granted
Where from Dwaraka Thee with Rukmini endured
Madavaralmangai where with Thee bestowed Shiva
To Thou abode that of Thirukaavalmpaadi
That praises Thee Thirumangai in verses
Hey Gopalakrishna, Rajagopala, vision I surrender
28 Rebuked Brahma's pride Thee where blessed Romasa
The rishi then Thrivikrama where visioned
Versified Thirumangai where Sambandar's heart won
Where with Lokanayaki Thee blessed Shiva
To Thou abode that of KazhisriRamavinnagaram(Sirkazhi)
That sings Rama nearer in Thine chamber
Hey Thrivikrama, Thaadaala, vision, I surrender
29 Rishi Uthanga prayed where to Gopal
As GovardhanaHari where Thee blessed
Thirumangai on Kudamaadukoothan where sang
Amrithakadavalli where with Thee bestowed Shiva
To Thou abode that of Arimeyavinnagaram
That praise Hari Mangai's pasurams
Hey Kudamaadukoothan, visin I surrender
30 Who than Rama be humane of humans
August from Ayodhya where descended
To rid Shiva of rage Thou Purushothaman
Where with Purushothamanayaki Thee graced Shiva
To Thou abode that of ThiruvanPurushothamam
That versifies in pasuram Thirumangai
Hey, Purushothama, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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You Are In My Vision
Fade to screens of violence
Like a tv screen but silent
Where the victims are all paid by the hour
Staring at the ceiling
That she gyrates all around me
I am trying to forget shes done this all before
Far too many people
For a quiet night with myself
Oh I could be anyone tonight
Focus on a feeling
Ive detected while Im sleeping
Sing a chorus of on broadway and deny it all
You are in my vision
I cant turn my face
You are in my vision
I cant move my eyes
You are in my vision
I cant move at all
You are in my vision
Delicate bodies
That decay beneath their clothing
Play cards in an empty house in paris
The wreckage of a hero
Lies broken in a corner
And everyone pretends they like to live that way
You are in my vision
I cant turn my face
You are in my vision
I cant move my eyes
You are in my vision
I cant move at all
You are in my vision
song performed by by Gary Numan
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Higher Pantheism
The sun, the moon, the stars, the seas, the hills and the plains,-
Are not these, O Soul, the Vision of Him who reigns?
Is not the Vision He, tho' He be not that which He seems?
Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?
Earth, these solid stars, this weight of body and limb,
Are they not sign and symbol of thy division from Him?
Dark is the world to thee; thyself art the reason why,
For is He not all but thou, that hast power to feel "I am I"?
Glory about thee, without thee; and thou fulfillest thy doom,
Making Him broken gleams and a stifled splendour and gloom.
Speak to Him, thou, for He hears, and Spirit with Spirit can meet-
Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.
God is law, say the wise; O soul, and let us rejoice,
For if He thunder by law the thunder is yet His voice.
Law is God, say some; no God at all, says the fool,
For all we have power to see is a straight staff bent in a pool;
And the ear of man cannot hear, and the eye of man cannot see;
But if we could see and hear, this Vision-were it not He?
poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson
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Perumaal 73-78
73 Repented his heart, killing Karna unarmed
Arjuna to atone where penanced heartily
Him Parthasarathy blessed whereat Pamba-bank
Padmasini where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvaranvilai(Aarammulaa)
That penanced Brahma for Thine Vaamana presence
Hey Thirukuralappa, vision, I surrender
74 Cursed over a tiff Narada by Brahma
Where then penanced to learn cosmic truth
Thee whereon blessed him, his Naradiya purana
Where with Kamalavalli Nachiyar Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvanvandoor
That his staunch piety Nakula consecrated
Hey Pambanaiappa, vision.I surrender
75 Wherefrom Thulu land wished Divakara rishi
Divine play, Thine cherubic chit where blessed him
Then to grow huge then to the wished normal
SriHariLakshmi where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvananthapuram
That feeds Thee loral mango in coconut shell
Hey Anantapadmanaba, vision, I surrender
76 To Thretha yuga aeonian, where Vasishta long-stayed
Demons Kesa, Kesi where Thee slayed
There to ease Brahma whereat his yajna
Where with Maragathavalli Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of Thiruvattaru
That garland Thee Ganga and Thamiraparani
Hey Adikesava, vision, I surrender
77 Their piety where Saptharishis earnestly prayed
Shiva, Vishnu where as Thee blessed them
Treasured Thee where Mahalakshmi in Thine heart
Kamalavalli Nachiyar where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvenparicharam
That Vibhishana where revisioned Rama's coronation
Hey Thiruvaazhmarba, vision, I surrender
78 Huge Thine look Varaha where minified
To Piraati where storied Thee on Nambaduvan
Who saved a Brahmarakshas sharing his fasting-earning
Where with Kurunkudivalli Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thirukurunkudi
That salvaged Thirumangai to Thine feet
Hey Vadukanambi, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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The Lion Of Love
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
So much to say
So much to time and space
I said it load and clear
Plot and make my case
I put it into rhythm
Sculpt it into rhyme
Wrap my secrets in a melody
Fire it at the fortress of your mind
And if after all I sing
You dont believe a thing
Thats alright
We got all night
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Use my heart
Use my hands
Use me any way you can
Calling down the lion of love
So much trouble in the world
So much pain
Ive heard it all before
Ill hear it again
But Im trying to imagine
A world transformed by love
Open up my minds eye
And let the pictures flood
Imagine that its real
What does it look like, how does it feel
Hold the vision
Bring it down, spread it around
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Use my vision
Use my voice
Ive had a vision
And Ive made my choice
Calling down the lion of love
song performed by by Waterboys
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Lion Of Love
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
So much to say
So much to time and space
I said it load and clear
Plot and make my case
I put it into rhythm
Sculpt it into rhyme
Wrap my secrets in a melody
Fire it at the fortress of your mind
And if after all I sing
You dont believe a thing
Thats alright
We got all night
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Use my heart
Use my hands
Use me any way you can
Calling down the lion of love
So much trouble in the world
So much pain
Ive heard it all before
Ill hear it again
But Im trying to imagine
A world transformed by love
Open up my minds eye
And let the pictures flood
Imagine that its real
What does it look like, how does it feel
Hold the vision
Bring it down, spread it around
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Calling down the lion of love
Use me
Use my vision
Use my voice
Ive had a vision
And Ive made my choice
Calling down the lion of love
song performed by by Waterboys
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Perumaal 7-12
7 Curse relieved where Shiva in Thou domicile
Rid He where of the Brahmmakapalam
Thou presence where Agasthya visioned
Where with Kamalavalli Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thirukandiyur
That proclaims Thee in Alwar Thirumangai's heart
Hey Harasaapa Vimochana, vision, I surrender
8 Meaningful Thou incarnation where blessed Nandaka
All the Devas blessed where along with
Queen Mangamma where restituted Thou shrine
Padmasini where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thirukoodaloor
That glorifies Thee in Thirumangai's verses
Hey, Vaiyamkatha Perumal, vision I surrender
9 Conferred on where Anjaneya title 'Chiranjeevi'
Salvaged Gajendra where from crocodile
All Thou mercy where sang Alwar Thirumangai
Where with RamamaniThee blessing
To Thou abode that of Kapisthalam
That bears Thee bedded on Adisesha
Hey, Gajendravarada, vision, I surrender
10 Thou beneficence bound where to Jatayu
Cautioned to Thee who of abducted Seetha
Thou mercy where did Jatayu's last rites
Hemambhujavalli where with Thee served
To Thou abode that of Pullam Bhoothangudi
That streams with Thee in Thirumanga's heart
Hey, ValvilRama, vision, I surrender
11Swarding paddy stealthy where Thou art
Accounting where with talipot and stylus our actions
Rewarding the worthy where with justified measure
Where with Ranganayaki Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of Thiruadanoor
That amounts Thine mercy and marakkal
Hey Aandalakkum Iyya, vision, I surrender
12Nectar-pot of creation rescued where from deluge
Flown Amrith formed where the tanks and Kumbeshwar
Pasurams compiled blessed Nadamuni where by Aravamudan
Thee wedded where Komalavalli as Sarangapani
To Thou abode that of Thirukudanthai
That sings in Alwars pasurams Thou Sarangam
Hey Sarangapani, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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The Brother Of Mercy
Piero Luca, known of all the town
As the gray porter by the Pitti wall
Where the noon shadows of the gardens fall,
Sick and in dolor, waited to lay down
His last sad burden, and beside his mat
The barefoot monk of La Certosa sat.
Unseen, in square and blossoming garden drifted,
Soft sunset lights through green Val d'Arno sifted;
Unheard, below the living shuttles shifted
Backward and forth, and wove, in love or strife,
In mirth or pain, the mottled web of life
But when at last came upward from the street
Tinkle of bell and tread of measured feet,
The sick man started, strove to rise in vain,
Sinking back heavily with a moan of pain.
And the monk said, ''T is but the Brotherhood
Of Mercy going on some errand good
Their black masks by the palace-wall I see.'
Piero answered faintly, 'Woe is me!
This day for the first time in forty years
In vain the bell hath sounded in my ears,
Calling me with my brethren of the mask,
Beggar and prince alike, to some new task
Of love or pity,--haply from the street
To bear a wretch plague-stricken, or, with feet
Hushed to the quickened ear and feverish brain,
To tread the crowded lazaretto's floors,
Down the long twilight of the corridors,
Midst tossing arms and faces full of pain.
I loved the work: it was its own reward.
I never counted on it to offset
My sins, which are many, or make less my debt
To the free grace and mercy of our Lord;
But somehow, father, it has come to be
In these long years so much a part of me,
I should not know myself, if lacking it,
But with the work the worker too would die,
And in my place some other self would sit
Joyful or sad,--what matters, if not I?
And now all's over. Woe is me!'--'My son,'
The monk said soothingly, 'thy work is done;
And no more as a servant, but the guest
Of God thou enterest thy eternal rest.
No toil, no tears, no sorrow for the lost,
Shall mar thy perfect bliss. Thou shalt sit down
Clad in white robes, and wear a golden crown
Forever and forever.'--Piero tossed
On his sick-pillow: 'Miserable me!
I am too poor for such grand company;
The crown would be too heavy for this gray
Old head; and God forgive me if I say
It would be hard to sit there night and day,
Like an image in the Tribune, doing naught
With these hard hands, that all my life have wrought,
Not for bread only, but for pity's sake.
I'm dull at prayers: I could not keep awake,
Counting my beads. Mine's but a crazy head,
Scarce worth the saving, if all else be dead.
And if one goes to heaven without a heart,
God knows he leaves behind his better part.
I love my fellow-men: the worst I know
I would do good to. Will death change me so
That I shall sit among the lazy saints,
Turning a deaf ear to the sore complaints
Of souls that suffer? Why, I never yet
Left a poor dog in the strada hard beset,
Or ass o'erladen! Must I rate man less
Than dog or ass, in holy selfishness?
Methinks (Lord, pardon, if the thought be sin!)
The world of pain were better, if therein
One's heart might still be human, and desires
Of natural pity drop upon its fires
Some cooling tears.'
Thereat the pale monk crossed
His brow, and, muttering, 'Madman! thou art lost!'
Took up his pyx and fled; and, left alone,
The sick man closed his eyes with a great groan
That sank into a prayer, 'Thy will be done!'
Then was he made aware, by soul or ear,
Of somewhat pure and holy bending o'er him,
And of a voice like that of her who bore him,
Tender and most compassionate: 'Never fear!
For heaven is love, as God himself is love;
Thy work below shall be thy work above.'
And when he looked, lo! in the stern monk's place
He saw the shining of an angel's face!
. . . . .
The Traveller broke the pause. 'I've seen
The Brothers down the long street steal,
Black, silent, masked, the crowd between,
And felt to doff my hat and kneel
With heart, if not with knee, in prayer,
For blessings on their pious care.'
Reader wiped his glasses: 'Friends of mine,
I'll try our home-brewed next, instead of foreign wine.'
poem by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Perumaal 37-42
37 Where from Kanchi descended Thee
Thou abode where Thine shrine bell shaped
As VaradaRaja where Shiva visioned Thee
Thirumagal where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thirumanikoodam
That in pasurans praises Thee Thirumangai
Hey GajendraVarada, VaradaRaja, vision, I surrender
38 Blessed Swethan where Thee with immortality
'Annaa' to Thiruvenkatam where Thirumangai greets
Kumudavalli where consorted with Thirumangai
Where with Alarmelmangai Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvellakulam
That stands causal for its pristine tank
Hey Annan Perumaal, vision, I surrender
39 Varuna relieved where of a curse
Blessed Thee Arjuna where for water
Thirumangai heightens where Thee as Thaamaraial Kelvan
ThaamaraiNayaki where with Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of ThiruPaarthanpalli
That holds in from warfield Thine Paarthasarathy
Hey LakshmiRanga, vision I surrender
40 Where on Brahma's plea Thee judged
Siva-Paarvathi dance at Thine Chitrakootam
Boarded where then Thee at Thillaivanam
Where with PundareekavalliThee favouring
To Thou abode that of Chidambaram
That demon-daughters chilli, Thilli where keep vigil
Hey GovindaRaja, vision, I surrender
41 Indran where Thee blessed with vajrayudha
Adisesha seismic where for Thee dredged up water
Garuda where for Thee brought in river Vaikunta-Viraja
Bhargavi where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvahindrapuram
That at Aushadagiri bears Thine Hayagreeva
Hey DeivaNayaka, vision, I surrender
42 Yugas earlier where Thine Gopal dwelt
Vaamana, Thrivikrama where Thee blessed Mahabali
Vaamana, Thrivikrama where Thee blessed Mrikandu Muni
Where with PushpavalliThee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thirukkovaloor
That extole Thine Vaamana, Thrivikrama, Mudal Alwars
Hey Thrivikrama, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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Perumaal 67-72
67 Third foot Thine where measured Maavali's head
In haste where Maavali prayed for a boon
Moment then Thee granted where Maavali's wish
Perumselvanayaki where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thirukaatkarai
That festively accolades Maavali in Aavani-Thiruvonam
Hey Kaatkaraiappa, vision, I surrender
68 Haritha rishi penanced where for humans
Unto Thy feet sooner to salvage
And Thee thereby where preached Srisooktham
Where with MathuraveniThee favouring
To Thou abode that of Thirumoozhikkalam
That worshipped Thee where Lakshman and Bharata
Hey Srisookthanatha, vision, I surrender
69 A woman virtuous accustomed where to almsgiving
Every dvadasi-day whereon Tholakasuran troubled her
Her worship Thee where killed the asura
Vaatsalyadevi where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvallavazh
That decrees Thine guise of a brahmmachari
Hey Srivallaba, vision, I surrender
70 Devas where stole flowers on earth
Caught arrested wherethen they unable to return
His Ekadasi Punya where Rukmangathan helped Devas return
Where with Karpakavalli Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thirukkadithaanam
That helps salvage Thine herd in a kadikai
Hey AdbhuthaNarayana, vision, I surrender
71 Their habit to descend often on earth
Devas whereso penanced with zeal
Thee blessed where with fatherly ilk
Senkamalavalli where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thiruchenkundroor(Thiruchitraaru)
That Dharmar consecrated to atone
Hey Imayavarappa, vision.I surrender
72 Sibi's angry yajna wherefrom emerged ruinous Devatha
To be ruined whereby Indra Vishnu-sent
Thereon Thine Mayapiran blessed where Saptha rishis
Where with Porkodinaachiyar Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of Thirupulioor
That heartily Pandavas consecrated
Hey Mayapiraan, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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Emily Bronte
'Du hast Diamanten'
Thou hadst all Passion's splendor,
Thou hadst abounding store
Of heaven's eternal jewels,
Beloved; what wouldst thou more?
Thine was the frolic freedom
Of creatures coy and wild,
The melancholy of wisdom,
The innocence of a child,
The maiPd will of the warrior,
That buckled in thy breast
Humility as of Francis,
The Self-surrender of Christ;
And of God's cup thou drankest
The unmingled wine of Love,
Which makes poor mortals giddy
When they but sip thereof.
What was't to thee thy pathway
So rugged mean and hard,
Whereon when Death surprised thee
Thou gavest him no regard?
What was't to thee, enamour'd
As a red rose of the sun,
If of thy myriad lovers
Thou never sawest one?
Nor if of all thy lovers
That are and were to be
None ever had their vision,
O my belov'd, of thee,
Until thy silent glory
Went forth from earth alone,
Where like a star thou gleamest
From thine immortal throne.
poem by Robert Seymour Bridges
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Perumaal 49-54
49 Enraged Shiva where disuaded Parvathi's penance
Burnt Her mango tree, sent the wrecking Ganga,
Done away but by Thee where all obstructions
NerOruvarillaValli where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of ThiruNilaThingalThundam
That united Shiva-Parvathi Thou moonlit charm
Hey Chandrachuda, vision, I surrender
50 Head stamped down by Thine feet under earth
Mahabali where wished for Thine Thrivikrama
And Thee where blessed him as Thrivikrama
Where with Amudavalli Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of ThiruOoragam
That by Thirumangai sings Thine names Empiratti
Hey Ulagalanda Perumaal.vision, I surrender
51 Rampant Vegavathy where obstructed Brahma's yajna
Bridged Thyself laid where then Saraswathi(Vegavathy) receded
Adisesha's hood where rolled, spread for Thirumazhisai, KaniKannan
Komalavalli where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvekka
That sings Thee lotus-born Poikaialwar
Hey Yadothakari, vision, I surrender
52 Penanced where Kaarha Rishi for Thee
Thou immense beneficence where blessed him
And wherefrom Thou effulging mercy enlightening
Where with Padmamani Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of Thirukkaaragam
That dwells in the abode of Ulagalandan
Hey Karunakara, vision, I surrender
53 Mercy Thine where on par with heavenly Maayavan
Maayavan Thine whereat heavenly merciful
Descended so wherefrom providence Maayavan Thee
Thaamaraiaal where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thirukkaarvaanam
That praises Thou benevolent heart Thirumangai
Hey Kalva, vision, I surrender
54 Kamakshi whereat mercified by Thou mercy
Overheard whereat Thee Kamakshi-Lakshmi's talks
Kamakshi whereso accosted Thee 'Kalva'
Where with Anjilaivalli Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thirukkalvanoor
That sings Thee nomenclatural Thirumangai
Hey Adivaraha Perumaal, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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The Beggar
Encouraged by thy word
Of promise to the poor;
Behold, a beggar, Lord,
Waits at thy mercy's door!
No hand, no heart, O Lord, but thine,
Can help or pity wants like mine.
The beggar's usual plea
Relief from men to gain,
If offered unto thee,
I know thou would'st disdain:
And pleas which move thy gracious ear,
Are such as men would scorn to hear.
I have no right to say
That though I now am poor,
Yet once there was a day
When I possessed more:
Thou know'st that from my very birth,
I've been the poorest wretch on earth.
Nor can I dare profess,
As beggars often do,
Though great is my distress,
My wants have been but few:
If thou shouldst leave my soul to starve,
It would be what I well deserve.
'Twere folly to pretend
I never begged before;
Or if thou now befriend,
I'll trouble thee no more:
Thou often hast relieved my pain,
And often I must come again.
Though crumbs are much too good
For such a dog as I;
No less than children's food
My soul can satisfy:
O do not frown and bid me go,
I must have all thou canst bestow.
poem by John Newton
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Perumaal 31-36
31Vanquishing Ravana Rama wished whereafter to atone
A golden cow whereon offered to a brahmin
Thou abode where of gold, brahmin built
Allimaamalar where with Manavalan favouring Shiva
To Thou abode that of ThirusemponseyKoil
That in pasurams Thirumangai versifies
Hey HemaRanga, vision, I surrender
32 Lamping Thou luminance eternal in'Nanda Vilakku'
Thou abode amid where mansioned beauty
Narayana where from Badrika descended
Where with Pundarikavalli Thee bestowing Shiva
To Thou abode that of ThirumanimadaKoil
That illumes in verses Thirumangai
Hey Narayana, Nanda, vision, I surrender
33 Thou persona where like Thine at Vaikunta
Descended where fulgent surpassing crored suns
Armed four armoured where with weapons
Vaikuntavalli where with Thee blessing Shiva
To Thou abode that of Thiruvaikuntavinnagaram
That praises Thee in Thirumangai's heart
Hey Vaikuntanatha, vision, I surrender
34 Mien Thou presence where as LakshmiNarasimha
Poornavalli where with Thee in proximity
Thou embracing whereat with Amrithavalli
Preached Thee Narayana mantra where to Thirumangai
To Thou abode that of Thiruvali, ThiruNagari
That presents Thee juxtaposed to Shiva
Hey Vedaraja, vision, I surrender
35 Descended Thee where from Thiruvidanthai
Espoused Thee where Thou Lakshmi
Thou wedding wherefor deavas congregated
Kadalmagalnachiyar where with Thee gracing Shiva
To Thou abode that of Thirudevanarthogai
That accolades Thou Madhava Thirumangai
Hey Deivanayaka, vision, I surrender
36 Thou repose where on Adisesha four armed
Descended Thee where from Arangam
Thou eyes beauteous where wakeful, blissful
Where with Senkamalavalli Thee blessing Shiva
To Thou abode that of Thiruthetriambalam
That praises Thee in Thirumangai's heart
Hey LakshmiRanga, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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Perumaal 61-66
61 Self manifested where sacred Thee art
Valmiki where visioned Thine Neervannan
Despite moating rain diligent Mangai where visioned Thee
Animamalarmangai where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thiruneermalai
That accolades Neervannan, Neermukhilvannan, Ranganathan
Hey ShantaNarasimha, Thrivikrama, vision, I surrender
62 A girl per day where married Thee of Kaalavarishi
Three hundred and sixty girls in a year after
Compended then where as one Lakshmi
Where with Komalavalli Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvidanthai
That atones where of Bali's killing of Devas
Hey LakshmiVaraha, Nithyakalyana, vision, I surrender
63 His path for ParamapadaNatha ocean-blockaded
Pundarika's devout folly where of hand-dredging ocean
Thee rushed where to bless, then to embed there on
Nilamangai where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thirukadanmallai(Mamallapuram)
That bore Thine child Bhuthathalwar
Hey Sthalasayana, vision.I surrender
64 RishiVamadeva where with saptha-rishis
To vision Thine Narasimha longed like Vishvamitra
As for Vishvamitra where Thee blessed in one kadikai
Where with Amrithavalli Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of Cholasimmapuram(Thirukadikai)
That is honoured with Thine Yoga Anjaneya
Hey YogaNarasimha, vision.I surrender
65 His craving piety where for more lotuses
Gajendra got where Lakshmi's share too
Blessed him then where Thee with Lakshmi worshipped
Malarmelmangai where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thirunavaay
That breathe Thine fragrance nine yogis
Hey Navaay Mukunda, Narayana, vision, I surrender
66 Serene river Neela where Pandavas captured of
Stayed on where to worship Thine Vishnu
Ambarisha's Paramapadanathas where erstwhile encircled
Where with Padmasini Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thiruvithuvakkodu
That decrees Thine Kulasekhara's devotion
Hey Abhayaprada, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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Perumaal91-96
91 Penancing Dharmadev where visioned Thee
Thereon where built Thine abode Vishvakarma
Thine golden beauty where adores NoopuraGangai
Sundaravalli where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of Thirumaliruncholai(Azhagar Malai)
That in appraisal versifies where Andaal handsome Thee
Hey Paramaswami, vision, I surrender
92Deceived Asuras where Thine Mohini
Nectar-droplets where fell to sanctify
Thine Matsya where retrieved Brahma's veda-codices
Where with Mohanavalli Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of ThiruMohoor
That staunch Brahma where worshipped Thee gratefully
Hey Kaalamega Perumaal, vision, I surrender
93 Kadamba Rishi penanced where to vision Thee
Brahma, Indra where gifted Kadamba Thine images
Mayan and Vishvakarma where built Thine abode
Thirumamagal where with Thee bestowing
To Thou abode that of Thirukoshtiyoor
That Narayana mantra where atop Ramanuja preached
Hey, Uragamellanaiyan, vision, I surrender
94 Dhasaratha penanced where for a child
Imploring on ocean farther where Rama to Varuna pleaded
On Dharbasayanam where penanced Rama for Sita
Where with Kalyanavalli, Padmasini Thee blessing
To Thou abode that of Thirupullani
That descended Thee where for Kalava, Kanva, Pullava rishis
Hey, AdiJagannath, vision, I surrender
95 Where for satvaguna blessed Adiseshan penanced
Rishi Athri's son where for Thine grace penanced
Penancing Satyarishi awaiting where after Thee blessed
Uyyavantha Thaayaar where with Thee gracing
To Thou abode that of ThiruMeyyam
That Pururuva too where Thee blessed
Hey Satyagirinatha, vision, I surrender
96 Fish-shaped such that land where from Vaikunta gifted
Manu whereatSarayu-bank founded then
Worshipped Pallikondanathan where Ikshvakus generationally
Where with Sitapiratti Thee favouring
To Thou abode that of ThiruAyodhi
That Kulasekhara fondly where sings Thee
Hey SriRama, vision, I surrender
poem by Indira Renganathan
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Drunken Peace Within
he gave up his faith in the LORD above
turned his back on the ones he loved.
he felt that the walls were closing in on him
then turned to a bottle of gin.
he always drank himself into a stupor
and he fell down and cut his eyes.
the doctors said he may go blind.
now at a point that he could not see
he turned to his family.
they told him that he allowed himself
to get to this point in life
turned his back on GOD, family, wife.
now if he really needed help
then to pray to the LORD above
for his guidance and his love.
he fell to his knees alongside his bed
and started to pray
and asked the LORD to change his way.
as he knelt there in prayer
his eyes started to clear.
he saw a vision standing there
dressed completly in white
to him it was the most beautiful sight.
he saw hands that reached out to him
and touched his head
as he knelt alongside his bed.
'it said' you have been put through trial and error
and from this day forward, your life will be better.
believe in GOD, as you had done before
and peace and happiness will find you forever more.
and as the vision disappeared
he knew his life he would no longer fear.
poem by Louis Rams
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