A NEW POEM ON TAJ MAHAL

 

                A NEW POEM ON TAJ MAHAL

            According to an overview : The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

            Commissioned in 1632 and completed in 1648 , it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, celebrated for its symmetrical Indo-Islam architecture, intricate marble inlay work, and status as a symbol of love. The complex includes a mosque, guest house, and formal gardens.

            Many poets have expressed their views on its beauty and the inspiration which led to its construction. It is visited by thousands of tourists every day.

            Some of the quotes about this mausoleum are:

“A love poem written in marble.” Not a piece of architecture…but the passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones. ---Edwin Arnold.” “ A tear drop on the cheek of eternity.---The Indian poet and Author Rabindranath Tagore.”

            “It is a monument built out of love, where every stone speaks of a promised kept. ‘

             What follows is a new poem which I had never seen before. Its title is Taj Mahal. The name of the poetess who composed it is Lu Gam and it is included in her anthology “Flute Note And Other Poems.” It was published in 1959. There is no biographical sketch available about this poetess. As for her poem TAJ MAHAL one cannot help but admire  it.  

            Mumtaz, do you arise and wander here

And touch this carved stone, this graven wall,

And does your heart, long dust, recall

When you were his beloved wife

In that forgotten state which we call life?

This tranquil beauty, languor which we feel,

Is it your beauty that these halls reveal?

Is it your touch upon this place,

Your unseen self, your time veiled face

That cast the spell and lay the ageless hold?

Do your dark eyes, long turned to stone.

Evoke strange wonders in this room,

As looking out from your sealed tomb

The kiss the chiseled lotus buds

And count the jewels an emperor brought

And with exquisite care had wrought

To immortalize your name.

 

Mumtaz

Vaporous dreams surround this bier.

Are they your mellow memories musing here

Within the marble halls, beneath the dome?

Is it your voice, whispering where you lie

To share with you a love that shall not die,

That speaks in quiet from your earthly home?

                                                *****

G.R. Kanwal

21 November 2025