This is a translation from Mousumi
Bhoumik's song, [ svapna dekhba bale]
the other day i was told,
you rode out on an ocean wave
to touch the blue-water horizon;
i also heard how
you traced the salty-foam edge
walking far, far away.
i've never been to the ocean
never floated off on the blue
i've never laid eyes on
an outspread-wing sea eagle —
when next you go sea-bathing
please take me along.
you will, won't you?
the other day i heard how
you, yourself and you
had a bull session together
spoken unspoken so much you talked
puzzles, jokes, anecdotes
everything under the sun...
o what use is this endless
rush through the same words
over and over again
living for one's own selfish sake
without love, how lonely it becomes
o where do i find peace
you must tell me.
you will, won't you?
i have heard that you guys
still dream dreams
you still write poems
sing songs fullthroat.
the joys and sorrows of others
still give you pause.
and when you fall in love
it can still bloom a rose.
disillusioned, i come to you today —
a beggar: all i see is unending emptiness
at night in deepest sleep
i never dream dreams.
so i've come to you
begging with my eye-bowls
i want you to fill them
with dreams.
you will, won't you?
amit mukerjee
august 2004
calcutta