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By Kabir

Translated by Arvind Krishna Mehrotra

I won’t come
I won’t go
I won’t live
I won’t die


I’ll keep uttering
The name
And lose myself
In it


I’m bowl
And I’m platter
I’m man
And I’m woman


I’m grapefruit
And I’m sweet lime
I’m Hindu
And I’m Muslim


I’m fish
And I’m net
I’m fisherman
And I’m time


I’m nothing
Says Kabir
I’m not among the living
Or the dead


Source: Poetry (February 2011)

  • Religion

Poet Bio

Kabir
Though little is known of the life of the Indian mystic and poet Kabir, it is believed he was born in or near Benares. He grew up in a family of Muslim weavers before becoming a disciple of the Hindu ascetic Ramananda. Kabir is considered both a Sufi and Brahmin saint. Kabir’s poetry draws on both Hinduism and Islam, though he was critical of certain aspects of both faiths. Some of his verses are included in the compilation of Sikh scriptures known as the Adi Granth. His mystical poems are grounded in the details and earthly particulars of everyday life. See More By This Poet

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