~Sheetvindu~
Trans: Krishna Chandra Sharma
With the fall of evening
With the kindling of light
The physique of Beli, Chameli and Sita
Feelings of Tulsi, Ujeli and Rita
Begin burning one by one
Mute, smouldering
While burning other things become ash
But here in Kalighat
in Bahubazar and Sonagachhi
Burning bodies never form ash
But water and flow incessantly
in far shores of Ganga Sagar
with waves surging one after another
very close
worship of ‘Kali as mother’ goes on Day or night
But in the Same premises
What is Say about the foul play?
Daughters of Nepal
Beauty from Himalayas
Get their life shattered
Loaded with the silt of Lomanthan
And dust of Rama Roshan
Ganga flows day and night (over and never)
Waves of sea shed the tears of pain.
Tearless eyes like sandy shore
Fixed on the wall
Few bunches of loose flower
Forced to exchange
This night for tomorrow’s lunch
Helplessly posed for other’s fun
This wall of Sonagachhi in Kalighat
Is here for years
Standing as a helpless observer and witness.
(Source : February 2004 Issue of SATHI)
