The Burning of Kama

Far away from larking pettiness,
Ideals highest o' mankind as though,
Immense, intense with its sheen serene,
Towers Kailasa with whiteness aglow.

High atop this dazzling peak,
With body still and unswerving mind,
Penance, Shiva, the auspicious, was in,
Unfazed by time and its lowly bind.

Sneaking there was the wily Kama-
Desire, the pious who does stalk.
At steadfast Shiva, he aimed his dart,
When woman was near, to find its mark.

For a moment, the mighty Shiva did err;
The next, his folly, realize he did.
Fiery glance found fleeting desire
And burnt him down, his vision livid.

Goals gigantic and will unfailing,
My Shiva, auspicious, on us bestow;
When desire tempts and weakens resolve,
The glance of fire, on it, to throw.