Verdure

a poem by Ramaswamy V

When Hari and Ali embrace
The nation is blessed with verdant grace
Rain showers, the earth blooms now
When Hari and Ali together wield the plough

Flower and fruit appear everywhere
Fragrant perfume forever fills the air
When we have with us the Green Forester
Divine all sprouts and also all water

Lake, river, field and garden
Hearts’ stream does awaken
When we have with us the Green Forester
Divine all sprouts and also all water

Union and oneness in every direction
A new age of love and devotion
Mutual quarrels flown away
Foundational unity here to stay

May Hari and Ali Hari until eternity remain
And all children flourish without fear’s refrain
Gone those days of hatred frightful
With a companion beside, heart’s always full

Staff in hand, the Lord’s name we sing
This sacred land we will bring
Companions are with us, the work shall be done
This sacred land shall be won

In the name of God, victory to Lord God
There’s no god but one God
Lord of Creation, Preservation and Balance
Service to the people – is the name of godliness

Mothers of life, learning and spirit
Nourish and keep body and mind fit
May justice and compassion spread beyond limit
And upon all visit Rama and Rahim’s spirit

God is great, God the Blooming
For all, forever, may there be well-being.
God is great, God the Blooming
For all, forever, may there be well-being.

(“Let no one commit the mistake of thinking that Ramrajya means a rule of the Hindus.
My Ram is another name for Khuda or God.
I want Khuda Raj, which is the same thing as the Kingdom of God on Earth.”

Mahatma Gandhi
26 February 1947)