The dry bed of a lake

The dry bed of a lake
    steers the course of the
    ragged feet of the river

The stone in dregs of 
    stone of river; where it
    sinks a heart bent & dry

Where it deepens heat
    of a baked rasp of heart
    of a tender deliverance.

---

It was like a stream
    running into the dry bed
    of a lake,
             like rain
pouring on plants
parched to sticks.

It was like this world's pleasure
    and the way to the other,
                            both
    walking towards me.

Seeing the feet of the master,
O lord white as jasmine,
   I was made
   worthwhile.
(Mahadeviyakka; translated by A.K. Ramanujan)