Avadhuta

He was naked and dirty,
His hair was shaggy,
And his eye had a wild look
His step was springy,
He grinned widely,
And he roared:
Look at me­–
I am God’s dog
Grovelling in the -alleys of the world
Look at His caprice–
Such is the fate of those
Who have surrendered to Him.
Such brazenness have you given me
That I can go out in the world
Flaunting my begging bowl at every door,
walking through the crowded streets
My feet directed by Your whim
I wander into a -alley
Halting before an unknown door.
Clapping my hands I wait,
The -door opens,
A housewife drops the remains
Of the mid-day meal into my cupped hands.
I walk away, smacking my lips in relish,
Wiping my hands on my dusty head.
Such is this supreme path
The envy even of kings!