SARANGAPANI


The Madam to a Young Courtesan

Grab whatever cash he has,

that Venugopala,

and think nothing of the rest.

As they say about lentils,

don't worry

about the chaff.

Does it matter

to which woman he goes,

or how late he stays there?

Just pass the days

saying yes and no,.

till the month is over

and grab the cash

What is it to you

if he runs into debt

or if he has an income?

Quietly, tactfully,

lie in wait

like a cat on a wall

and grab the cash

What if he makes love

to her

and only then to you?

What's there

to be jealous about?

When youth passes,

nothing will go your way,

so grab the cash