THE MONSOON MONTH OF ASAARH
DEBIDAS RAY
The entire Asaarh-sky is filled with fresh blue clouds –
not even an inch is left.
Please do not step out of the house today.
It is pouring with incessant rain – the field growing the autumn paddy
is filled to the brim with water,
the bank on the other side appears dark with black clouds.
Please do not go out of the house today.
The cows are repeatedly lowing – bring Dhabali to the cowshed now.
As soon as the day draws to a close, it will be dark at once.
Please stand at the door and see whether those who went
to the field have returned.
I have no idea where the cowboy spent the whole day.
As soon as the day comes to an end, it will become dark.
Listen, someone wanting to cross the river is shouting for the boatman.
Ferrying has stopped today.
The eastern wind is blowing; there is no one near the river
The waves are rolling over both the banks.
Continuous rain falling rapidly over water is making
a rippling noise.
Ferrying has stopped for the day.
Please stay indoors, do not go out of the house today.
The sky is dark, not much of the day is left.
The cloth covering her body will be soaked by the pouring rain.
The steps to the ghat are slippery now,
Look, how the reeds of thin bamboos are swinging wildly
by the side of the path.
Please do not go out of the house today.
English translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem
entitled “Asaarh” in his collection of poems “Khanika”
in SANCHAYITA,11th ed.2010, p421.
Original Bengali poem first line – nil nabaghane aasarh gagane
Published in The Visva-Bharati Quarterly
Volume -22 Numbers 3 & 4 October-2013 – March-2014. p1.
FEARLESS
DEBIDAS RAY
We are not going to make playthings of heaven on earth
being captivated by beautiful songs evoking tears.
We are not going to fill our bridal night with pleasantness
of the sting by five arrows of passion.
We will avoid begging with timid heart at the feet of destiny.
We have nothing to fear as we know for sure that we are
here to stay together both you and me.
We will fly high the banner of love while crossing inaccessible path
with unstoppable speed and performing uphill task.
Even if we have to face the misery of rough days,
we will still not call for truce nor ask for consolation.
If the oar breaks while crossing the river and the sail is torn apart,
faced with death we will know that where you are I am there too. ,
We have seen the world through each other’s eyes,
we have looked at each other too -
we both endured the heat of desert sand on path.
We never ran after any alluring mirage nor deceived ourselves
by turning truth into falsehood –
With this pride, we will carry on in this world as long as we live.
Let the message be glorified my love that you are here and
I am here too.
English translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem
entitled “Nirbhay” in his collection of poems “Mahua”
in SANCHAYITA, 11th ed. 2010 ,p627.
Original Bengali poem first line
aamra dujona sargakhelna garibo na dharanite
Published in TheVisva–Bharati Quarterly
Volume – 22 Numbers 3 & 4 October–2013 – March-2014.p2.
PIYARI
DEBIDAS RAY
the maiden daughter of the King, her name is Piyari.
When I asked her what she has come for,
she whispered to say, “I ask for nothing.
All I want is that you have a good look at me,
let the light of my lamp fill your mind in full.
Because I come and go across your door,
that’s what makes the wind blow in bakul trees.
When the Jasmines bloom all over the forest,
I bring them in the expanse of my sari to show
them round.
Whatever flowers blossom anywhere in the forest,
they all get thrilled the moment I touch them.
When the morning star appears at dawn and you are alone,
it’s me who goes and greets it properly.
As soon as my anklets start to tinkle,
the blades of the grasses start to shiver.
The flower-beds in your garden all dress themselves up
and whisper amongst themselves, ‘Piyari has come.’
As the sun shines over morning clouds,
the forest wakes up to say, ‘Piyari has come.’
When festival of spring arrives on phalgun full moon night,
there is tumult all round with cries of ‘Piyari, Piyari.’
As the breeze revels in village amidst the mango blossoms,
the flutes everywhere start singing the tune of Piyari’s name.
When water overflows in the Yamuna in autumn,
it keeps chanting, ‘Piyari, Piyari,’ across its banks.”
English translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem entitled
“Piyari” in his collection of poems “Galpo salpo”
in SANCHAYITA, 11th ed.2010, pp836-37.
Original Bengali poem first line – aasilo dewari haate rajar jhiari
Published in The Visva-Bharati Quarterly
Volume 22 Numbers 3& 4 October-2013 – March-2014 p3.
