Salok Bhagat Kabir, Salok 65 — ground fine, longing to be close
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Kabir says: I have made myself into henna, grinding myself again and again into fine powder.
But You, my Husband Lord, have not even asked about me; You have never put me on Your feet.
The soul works hard to make itself ready, and still it waits for the Beloved to notice.
Mahidee is henna, a plant ground into paste and used to paint beautiful patterns on hands and feet for weddings. Kabir says, mahidee kar ghaali-aa, I made myself into henna, aap peesaa-ay peesaa-ay, grinding myself over and over.
Tai sah baat na poochhee-ai: You, my Beloved, have not asked about me. Kabahu na laa-ee paa-ay, You never put me on Your feet. The ache of waiting is part of loving.
Some readers hear a gentle lesson too: grinding yourself down by your own effort is not the same as being chosen. The meeting comes when the Beloved wills it.
What is it like to wait for someone you love to notice you?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI