Written on an haveli rooftop overlooking Udaipur. 13th October 2023. Click here to watch me read it in Udaipur.

Udaipur, O Udaipur

Where art thou, O Udaipur?

A hidden wonder within the Rajasthani ghat so green

A beauty, once beheld, that can never be unseen.

Udaipur, O Udaipur

Come let me find, O Udaipur!

A maze of winding nimble streets

That carve out great palaces and havelis

Where radiant sun and earth doth meet.

 

Udaipur, O Udaipur

Come let me see, O Udaipur!

Your shimmering waters reflect your story,

Carry your princes and inscribe your glory,

As weary hands and wealthy hearts

Pour out as libation at your feet.

Udaipur, O Udaipur

Come let us meet, O Udaipur!

Your streets are filled with the bustle

And vibrancy of people I now meet,

Where at night still roads become beds

For dogs and cows who peacefully sleep.

Udaipur, O Udaipur

How I have fallen, O Udaipur!

Your bridges have reached out to my parched heart

And drawn me in.

Your oasis of green enclosed around

Like your precious jewels circle your Maharana’s crown.

 

Udaipur, O Udaipur

O how I love, my Udaipur!

Bewitched I drown in the depths of your splendour and beauty,

My heart held captive, melted and congealed with you.

O how I love you, my city!

Udaipur, O Udaipur

Run away with me, my Udaipur!

Let us escape to the heavens from which you came!

A paradise touched by angels; God breathed in her veins.  

Let me steal you away like you have stolen my heart!

For I am no one else’s, but yours:

You have imprinted your mark.

 

Udaipur, O Udaipur

Where art thou, O Udaipur?

I called you away, but you did not come.

As the world pulls me away, yours is stilled by your sun.

For though my call is strong, truly I see,

It is here you belong.

Udaipur, O Udaipur

I will return for you, O Udaipur.

Once more we will dance upon your rippling waves

Within your gentle breeze;

To walk with feet bare in your majestic city.

Alas, I have but one request, my only plea:

Udaipur, until I return, will you wait for me?