In Former Days
Bhartrhari
page 296
In former days we'd both agree
That you were me, and I was you.
What has now happened to us two,
That you are you, and I am me?
Author: Bhartrhari was a poet and philosopher in the 5th century. Through his life, he struggled to live the ascetic Hindu lifestyle, influenced by luxury and women. However, near the end of his life, he became a yogi and began living in a cave, leaving behind all the worldly things that had kept him down.
Response: This poem stuck out to me, not only because it was short, but also because I really related to it for some reason. When I first read this poem, I pictured somebody reflecting on their past and all of the changes that they had made through their life. I thought this before I read about Bhartrhari and his change but liked the poem even more after learning of his life. I chose the image the man in the rain with his back towards the viewer because it reminded me of what people might often think when they reflect on changes they've made in their life, leaving things behind. I can relate to changing things in my life such as remembering what it was like being a kid, growing up and making new friends while leaving others, and other things. This is now one of my favorite poems because I think that anyone who reads it can relate to this and I think everyone has had to make some kind of change and reflection like Bhartrhari's in their life.
