Two from the Sanskrit of Lady Vidya

by Andrew Schelling

Two from the Sanskrit of Lady Vidya
ca. 7th– 9th centuries

Poem 22

Champak tree

who constrained you to this tiny plot
in a shabby
village?

The people are witless —

they try to coax leafy greens
from bad soil

angrily
they snapped off
your branches,
now you’re a stump.

Meter: Vasanta–tilakam
Spring Ornament