In the hold of Stillness

Silent he sits, where all worlds begin,
Eyes shut tight, yet awake within.
Moonlight rests on matted crown,

Ganga cascades in silver gown.

He is calm of dusk, the storm of night,

Fire that burns with healing light.

In Tandava's beat, the cosmos sways

Birth and ruin in endless plays.

With Parvati's touch, the fierce grows mild,
Half ascetic, half love's child.
He drinks the dark for life to stay,
Lord of time, who gives and takes away.