Poem : Dear Swamiji

Malati Dasi : In early 1968, Harsarani Devi Dasi wrote a short, insightful poem in glorification of Srila Prabhupada. In this poem, she referred to Srila Prabhupada as a "cowboy."

"She has become advanced," as quoted by Srila Prabhupada upon reading the poem. Harsarani Devi Dasi is wearing a garland, front row, in the fledgling San Francisco temple.

While we (the little handful of fledgling devotees in San Francisco at the time) thought it was a bit childish, Srila Prabhupada requested that it be printed in the next BTG (which were mimeographed and stapled together at the time).

Sitting with Srila Prabhupada, we shyly asked him, "Are you a cowboy?" (Keep in mind, we didn't know the word gopa at the time). To which, he simply answered in a matter of fact tone, "Yes." We never doubted or double guessed this information. We didn't even know that it was not appropriate to make such an inquiry.

Poem : Dear Swamiji

I offer my respects unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master

Who is always herding cows in Goloka Vrindaban

With his dearmost friend Krishna

Sometimes he is running barefoot

Through the forest chasing cows

And sometimes he is hiding behind a tree

Waiting for Krishna to return

With the spoils from Mother Yasoda's butter pots

I offer my respects unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master 

Who is always thinking of what he can do

In service of his dearmost friend Krishna

And never wanting anything in return