Don't despise me
Don't despise me as
She who has no one
I'm not one to be afraid,
Whatever you do.
I exist chewing dry leaves.
My life resting on a knife edge
If you must torment me,
Chennamallikarjuna,
My life, my body
I'll offer you and be cleansed.
- Mahadeviyakka
- Translated by : Susan Daniel
- From Women Writing in India edited by S. Tharu and K. Lalita
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