The Epistemology of Love

Tripti Dastider has a poem that goes: "But I'll love you to exhaustion, till I'm utterly undone..."

A familiar line. Everyone uses it. No harm putting it in a post. But if someone sends it to you written out like that... friend, beware!

This isn't love. This is honest-to-god truth!

Sending you those words means: I'm wrecked, I'm at rock bottom—come down here and get wrecked with me... please, my love! I can't bear being alone anymore. When you come, then the two of us—a pair of broken souls—we'll dance together, wild and free. Begging bowl in hand, that mournful beggar's song in our throat... for God's sake, spare us a coin, mother... what joy... what pure joy!

The rich never want to swell the ranks; only the poor go around desperate, dragging everyone they can into their fold. So whenever someone tries to pull me into their circle, my innocent heart cries out on its own... hey, there, brother!

When you're crying in the grip of emotion, always remember: keep your nose clear. Whatever words fall from your mouth, when it comes time to wipe it—that's when you'll notice there's no one beside you. You'll have to wipe it yourself, or worse, you'll have to stick your tongue out and lick it in front of everyone.

In this life... it's not tears you need someone to dry. It's snot. If you find someone to wipe away your tears, hold their hand and walk with them. But if you find someone to wipe away your snot, lay your head on their chest and cry freely, let your nose run with all your heart! And after that... the two of you together, content, licking it clean... I mean... the snot...

If your beloved says, "Don't worry, my love... I'll wipe away every tear from your eyes!"... then immediately ask them this: "And who in God's name is going to wipe my nose?" Please don't misunderstand me. Ask right now, get their name and address, or later you'll find yourself searching desperately for that person! So it's better to confirm these things beforehand.

By the way, have you heard Sanjeev-bapu's 'International Beggar's Song'?