‘See how my murshid ... rows us through the world’s chaos’: Poems for every month of the year

Chet

Chet/Chetra corresponds to March/April of the Gregorian calendar.

O Bridegroom, this minion heart, in Chaitra
longs only for You.
This life that is an offering (to You)
seeks only Your audience.
Come, reveal Yourself, drench my soul,
dispel doubt and banish my woes
by Your touch.

Vaisaakh

Vaisaakh corresponds to April/May when the summer is at its peak.

Anxiety chokes my heart
if I see You not
in the month of Baisaakh.

In ten directions I have searched
and now am parched,
from cooing for hours like a cuckoo.
For a glimpse (of You) my dry eyes thirst –
tell me, Beloved, what am I to do?

Jeth

Jeth corresponds to May/June of the Gregorian calendar, also a part of peak summer.

O the yellow heat of scorching Jeth!
How I long succour – some comfort, solace.
Grant me Your Naam,
the cooling shade,
the inner lake of calm.
In return, I shall offer prayers
through all eight watches.

Your arrival I yearn for, O Shyam,
lost in the one act
of waiting, waiting…

Harh

Harh/Ashaarh corresponds to June/July, the beginning of the rainy season in the Indian subcontinent.

Ashaarh brings the joy of union with the Lord.
Look, friend – there’s my beloved!
On Hindu and Momin alike
He impartially bestows showers
of blessed rapture.

See how my Murshid,
sweet as honey, says Peero,
rows us through the world’s chaos.

Saawan

Saawan corresponds to July/August, the principal month of the monsoon.

Saawan-showers on my heart’s earth...

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