Sreeramayana that runs into a hundred crores
Of books, the one Brahma composed, is not here on earth.
The savage chanting Rama’s name turned into a sage,
And Brahma observing this commanded him to write
Ramayana for the deliverance of all beings on earth.
Narada’s counsel Valmiki had and the goddess
Of the word dwelt forever on his tongue.
Dwell so on my tongue too: this I long to say
But am too shy so to pray.
Translated from the Malayalam by K. Satchidanandan