A Country Fair

Drive me out of my mind, O Mother! What use is esoteric knowledge Or philosophical knowledge Transport me totally with the burning wine Of your all-embracing love. Mother of mystery, who imbues with mystery The hearts of those who love you, Immerse me irretrievably In the stormy ocean without boundary, Pure love, pure love, pure love. Wherever your lovers reside Appears like a madhouse To common perception. Some are laughing with your freedom, Others weep tears of your tenderness, Still others dance, whirling with your bliss. Even your devoted Gautama, Moses, Krishna, Jesus, Nanak and Muhammad Are lost in the rapture of pure love. This poet stammers, Overcome with longing: "When? When? When? When will I be granted companionship With her intense lovers? " Their holy company is heavenly A country fair for those mad with love Where every distinction Between master and disciple Disappears Their love of love sings: "Mother! Mother! Mother! Who can fathom your mystery, Your eternal play of love with love? You are divine madness, O goddess, Your love the brilliant crown of madness, Please make this poor poet madly wealthy With the infinite treasure of your love. [Translated from Gospel of Ramakrishan]