Once again, rhythm demanded a single syllable (which makes ‘single’ unfeasible). In the case of “one note”, I suppose I chose the “one” to go with the ‘ಒಂದು” of “ಒಂದಳತಿ”. We know that the koel calling for its “mate of soul” parallels the meeting of the narrator and the jogi, but to call the koel “lonely” right at the outset seems to be both overstretching and a “giveaway” of sorts.Ģ. Also – I’m not sure I agree that “lonely koel” is in sync with the poem’s intention. “Lonely”, on the other hand, is a feasible option…but it, like you say yourself, imbues the line with a ಧ್ವನಿ (suggestion) that is not part of the original. In the case of “single”, a two-syllabled word was required to keep the rhythm. 🙂Ībout your suggestions - they’re interesting and I believe I see where you’re coming from, but I must note that both choices had as much to do with retaining the rhythm (ಲಯ) I had “created” as they did with capturing the ಭಾವ of the original poem.ġ. Though the translation has got some “950 hits” so far (by, say, 500 unique people at the very least), you are the VERY FIRST ONE to write to me - and for that I am very grateful. Thank you too for actually taking the time not simply to carefully read the translation but to actually write to me about it. It was very gratifying to read and I’m very glad you enjoyed the translation so. Thank you very much for your very complimentary comment. Instead, please send me an email at Please include your mailing address (including your country) and the number of books you’d like to buy. To do this, please write directly to the following email address: If you are living overseas, the Amazon link above will not work. If you are living in India and buy 10 or more copies, you are entitled to a 30% overall discount. To read and listen to more (including the entire translation), please buy my book, The Pollen Waits On Tiptoe, at the following link: ġ. In Bendre’s own words, “The poem ‘ಜೋಗಿ (Jogi)’ has sprung from the enchantment of Dharwad’s environs as well as from the terrible, doubt-ridden turmoil that comes from experiencing a dark night of the soul.” Consequently, the translation reads best when recited out loud.

In this translation, I have tried to recreate the rhyme and rhythm of the original.

(It was hailed in 1999 as the “ಶತಮಾನದ ಕವಿತೆ” or the poem of the 20th century.) Attracted almost immediately by its music, it was only later that I learnt of the poem’s special place in both Bendre’s poetry and Kannada literature. Like with so many of Bendre’s poems, I listened to Jogi (ಜೋಗಿ) sung - in an abridged form - before I read it.

Jogi Kannada Mp3