Maina made him the poet that he became, I’d like to imagine. This PRO at State Bank of India sure had a lot more on his desk. Maina’s memories kept up with him, always looking, from over the shoulders. Sitting thrilled reading his poetry this morning. For once, glad that Sahitya Akademi recognized this distant star of Punjabi poetry.
Mae ni Mae , is the most unusual one and tugs at some moments, experienced. Mae.. is the poet confiding to his mother that sleep evades him. The sting of separation keeps him awake.
Mae ni mae
mere geetan de naina vich
birhan di radak pave
“My songs are eyes stinging with grains of separation”
Contested Realities 