Kamadevi, Goddess of Desire

You have returned

Unto me, this very moment,

Whilst I am the plaything of the waves

That break upon the coral blooms.

I have long forgotten you,

You’ve left my mind completely,

And my regard.

And now, what is the cause

What is the reason, o mother,

That she insinuates herself in me?

You lead calm hearts astray

Trouble the still water

Awaken the goddess of Love

Give rise to tears...

O Asmara, I am your toy,

You murmur a song of love,

Beat the rhythm of recalling,

Draw me from forgetfulness!

What praise would you have,

What worship,

O avid goddess of Love?

I have sacrificed my laughing,

My love you’ve already broken,

What is it you want, o goddess,

From me sunken in sorrow....

Kamadevi! Blue lotus in your hair

You rest upon a pillow of lotus

As I unceasingly

Upon a carpet of sorrow!

Kamadevi! Is it my life you want?

Amir Hamzah
tr. after Damais