Krishnarasa Seshadri - I grew

I am the child of all that’s adverse.
I grew, away from all taste of appreciation,
Nevertheless, I grew.

They tell me I speak remarkably well,
Only they do not understand what I say-
That I am a born orator!
Oh, my poems, my humour (woefully sarcastic)
Suffer the same adulation!

Providence decided that I would be unbending,
Unshakeably myself and obstinately independent!
He also decided that
I would be blamed of all that I am.
I am invisible, yet I provoke.

Its not my fault that my Tamil is full of Sanskrit!
Hey, in me, the Aryan and the Dravidian unite.
No, I must be blamed of a race
A race that unites the two
That I didn’t choose to be born in!

I remember my Mahakavi
When I am so blamed.
But poor thing, didn’t he suffer the same!
We both defile the same languages.
We belong no where! But-

I grew, forcing my way into growth.
I corroded myself into thinking,
My poets, and books were a catalyst,
I braved my thoughts and dared to speak.
I must now weather all censure.

I can afford to think.
This universe is expansive
And can afford to lose me to my thoughts.
I don’t ask to be loved for it!
For, who wants love, when there is red, hot hatred?

Well, I am the child of all that’s adverse.
Despite it all, I grew.
I am growing!

Krishnarasa Seshadri

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-grew/