Prince of Vrindavan by Shruthi Gurudev

SECOND PRIZE WINNER
Group 2 [Age 12-15 yrs]

Shruthi Gurudev-Schaumburg, IL

Prince of Vrindavan

O' Charming Prince of Vrindavan:

Whose face mirrors the cerulean ocean's wave

And eyes that brim with eternal compassion

We extol thy honest and forgiving soul, who will accept with divine hands, a nut, flower or leaf

Your charm glorifies the haven of Vrindavan- the very cocoon of happening and homeliness

The effervescent color splashed across the town is due to your presence- and your worshippers the shades to enhance it

How pleasant it is to see your dance by day and euphonious production of sound by night

Hark! Yell circles of gopis, even silencing the pink faced and rabble-rousing youngsters

Silence permeates the thick air, and all that is heard is the subtle tinkle of anklets

Until.... Flute notes dance in the air next to the wind, setting forth a torrent of melody from the wooden baton that is clothed in song- It is the Murali!

Nights are still and silent and joyous, mild weather breeze rustling copper leaves, under which you play your flute and peacocks strut their feathers

And when Indira’s rain threatened, citizens were saved; from battling foes of the physical world and of the mental world, and cutting short the banes of mortal existence!

And many other days do you entertain Gopis with your seemingly innocent mischief, scalding the sharp remark on our tongues and warming hearts in succession

O’ prince of Vrindavan, what more can I utter, for your capabilities are ineffable and my words are running out, like trickling butter from shattered clay pots

Though you appear formidable, with glittering jewels, dark skin and the epitome of power
I say that you are ubiquitous

I sing in praise of your gentle actions towards the good, and your just actions toward the wicked,

O’ Prince of Vrindavan accept my praise and bless this World