Kagga 13

D. V. Gundappa · 1887–1975 · from the Kannada original

Transliteration

puruSHa swatantrateya paramasiddhiyEnu?dharaNiganudinada raktabhiSHechaneyE?karavAlvanu puSHpa saravendu seLedADeparimaLava sUsuvude?--MANKUTIMMA

In this Universe, what has been the pinnacle of glory of Man?

Seems to be the daily offerings of blood to Mother Earth

Was the purpose when the Creator sent Man to the Universe that He created?

Or was Man intended to achieve a much different & much higher objective?

If so, that doesn't seem to be happening

Man seems to be engaged only in living by the sword & dying by it

Mankutimma, if you pull a sword out of a scabbard thinking it to be a garland of flowers -- will it spread bloodshed or perfume?

Did this poetry & its translation speak to you?

Interpretation for the contemporary workplace.