Poem 562

In plain words

Had I been born in those days as a flute, would I not have sipped the sweetness of Your lips? Had I been in those days the garland on Your breast, would I not have been graced by Your touch? Had I been in those days a gopī rejoicing in You, would Your form not have filled me within? Had I been in those days a cowherd boy, would the blessing of Your friendship not have been mine? Those days cannot be these days now, Swami; are You not the same, You alone, then and now? Grant me what was granted then, and take me as Your own, O child Gopāla, O flute-playing Gopāla, O child; protect me, O God, O God Śrī Sai.