M.S. - a tribute to.

You were born; one such as was not

born before;

One such perhaps as will never be born

after.

You had got a voice; one such as was

not there before;

Nor would be such a mellifluous as

yours in future.

You had, as it was, the tone of

Nightingale crooning up;

You had, as it was, the flame of fame

burning up.

Without pride you walked, as it were

walking with pride;

Without envy you moved, as it were

moving with envy

.

You had been like a swan ambling

Towards the bank;

You died; ‘I am too old to attend’.      

Your sibling has said.

Is there any instinctual affection,

Any emotional satisfaction,

Or any soul gratification for one

 To die cut off from blood relations?  

19.12.2004

[M. Subbulakshmi was a leading south Indian classical singer]