Shivling Sadhu

On the foothills
Of Shivling
I choose to live
In a cave,
Alone.

I know that no one
Will desire
My ash-smeared body,
Matted hair
Or sunken eyes,

But when each morning
I go to you, my beloved Ganga,
You enclose me in your bosom
And release me
Effulgent and sturdy.