For having skinned the five spirits
by driving a nail into the sky
another into the patala
and soaking the hide in the seven seas you
deserve those sun and moon gods
as sandals for your feet!
In hunger
or in humiliation
head bowed
you stitch
your skin into shoes
Grandfather!
I dream
that this world
should turn into a strap
and kiss
your big toe.
My translation of Dr. Yendluri Sudhakar's kotta kala from 'kaitunakala danDem', a collection of Madiga poetry.
Tags: Yendluri Sudhakar