In Hindi school years ago, I learned this word, was taught its religious associations. What could penance mean to a child? I learned it through Kuchipudi²—

Even now, I think of a dance, always; I don’t know why. 

I see Shiva ³ on a mountain, repenting; a dance for the heavens and the Earth. 

My dance. 

Mother Earth, my namesake, I beg forgiveness instead of permission.⁴