The Unseen Truths

Does the cruel heart know of others' woes?

Or the angry mind of peace that flows?

Does the donkey know the perfume's worth,

Or death the time of one's last breath?

Does the beggar care for loss of pride,

Or the cat for food that's sanctified?

Does the lice know flowers' sweet scent,

Or the dog the tunes so elegant?

Does the fish know water's soft embrace,

Or the snake who poured milk in its place?

Does the banana plant know fruit's return,

Or the whore her client's financial burn?

Does the deaf hear whispers in the night,

Or the mute share dreams of flight?

Does the crow know cuckoo’s sweet song,

Or the owl see day’s bright throng?

Does the monk care for a house's plight,

Or the sick taste meals so right?

Does the monkey know jewels' sheen,

Or the coward war’s brave scene?

Do other gods grant all we plea,

Like Purandara Vittala, eternally?

(A hymn by Shri Purandaradasa)