What was it about me which gave me away? Here I was pulsing with red red blood So beloved of the vampires Those creatures who move among us With such entitlement They hated Oh! How they hated Love Which was the only defence against them They greedily sucked out All Joy, Caring, Trust Infecting their victims with guilt Sorrow and a hopeless, hopelessness One too lethargic To commit suicide even A messy end to a sorry life
Did my glance hold yours For a second too long? Did my breathing pattern change The moment you entered the room? Did I sing a tad too exuberantly When you were listening? Did my tone change, caressing Your beloved name, as I called you?
This is too much love For mere human beings to feel Such love, total, unconditional Is only for Gods How dare I love Love this way, with no holds barred? Destruct me then, I am quite happy to be thus But let no harm Fall on your silver head.
—Lakshmi Bayi
Thiruvathira Tirunal Lakshmi Bayi was born XII Princess of the erstwhile state of Travancore
