The Rhythm of Service

Goldie Kailay 19.04.09

Dance has always been part of my life and I was inspired to write this poem expressing my daily life, combining both my passion for dance and implementing the spiritual teaching within my life.

A fusion between the metric compositions within my syllabus of Kathak (Classical Indian dance) and the teachings of the Mission comprise this poem. I have attempted to mix the tempo and rhythm of the dance movement and the notation with the feeling and emotions I feel when preparing for a show. I have compared such a show by saying that life is a stage or platform where we should perform our duties of selfless service and unlike my dance performances, life is real and in fact, not just a show.

Ta thei thei tat Aa thei thei tat
Movement to the beat, rhythm filling the street

Ta thei thei tat Aa thei thei tat
Ta thei thei tat Aa thei thei tat
Tat tat tig dha tig tig thei
Tig dha tig tig thei
Tig dha tig tig thei
Light compositions softly sung as the bells synchronise the movement
Each step connoting in-depth understanding to express the beautiful joy within

Taka taka taka
Dig dig dig
Ghin ghin ghin
Takita Dhikita
Dha ta dha ta dha
Practising each day to refine over and over again, within our daily duties
It’s not just for show
Spotlight is shining bright, no time for stage fright, the audience awaits in full sight

Taka taka
Takita dhikita takita dhikita
Dha ti dha
Taka taka
Takita dhikita takita dhikita
Dha ti dha ti dha
Taka taka
Takita dhikita takita dhikita
Dha ti dha ti dhati dha
The footwork shows the devotion travelling everywhere I go
Each word recited like second nature as we learn from each other
No movement or meaning forced, only filled with love
Rhythmic, in perfect harmony as a congregation
We all gracefully bow…