Krishna Awakes

Krishna awake, for the day has dawned:

large, deep and lotus-like,

your eyes are as in the love-shaped lake

a pair of swans even a million Kamadevas cannot vie

with the bewitching beauty of your face;

the sun rises in the east,

a crimson ball the night is going

and the moonlight pales

the lamps turn dim

and the stars fade out

as though the bright radiance of wisdom's rays

dispels the pleasures that the senses tire,

and the light of hope chases away

the murky darkness of despair and doubt.

Listen, the birds sing

aloud with glee O sweet child,

life of my life,

my sole wealth,

O darling boy,

bards and minstrels

sing your praises,

saying 'victory! victory!'

Clusters of lotuses burst into bloom

the bumblebees humming with sweet sound

leave the lotuses;

as though the devout renouncing worldly ties,

in your love drowned

chant your name as they go about.

Hearing his mother's words with love

drenched the Lord of Mercy arose from his bed;

the world's woes vanished,

maya's net was rent.

Says Suradasa,

'Seeing his lotus face delusion fled;

all doubts and dualities were destroyed and I found in Govinda eternal joy.

Translated by: Kalaivani Retnavellu