Marie Bortolotto 2022

 

I TRAPPED MY BREATH IN THE BELLOWS OF MY THROAT

English version by Ranjit Hoskote
Original Language Kashmiri

I trapped my breath in the bellows of my throat:
a lamp blazed up inside, showed me who I really was.
I crossed the darkness holding fast to that lamp,
scattering its light-seeds around me as I went.

~ Lalla Ded,  14th C. (India/Pakistan)