Lalon : He talks to me

Lalon Shah (d. 1890 CE) was a famous Baul and spiritual leader in Bengal who influenced many, including the writer Rabindranath Tagore. Although he was considered to be Muslim, he rejected all distinctions of caste and creed and his teaching was universal.

He talks to me
But he would not let me see him.
He moves
Close to my hands
But away from my reach.
I explore
The sky and the earth
Searching him,
Circling round my error
Of not knowing me:
Who am I
And who is he?

Translation Deben Bhattacharya

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