“Following in steps” Translated by Issani Paul Chowdhury
Onushoron by Ranojit Das (Bengali)
Climbing, the puny bough of the night-flowering jasmine between the earth and the sun Gradually moving ahead with the Caterpillar, matching its run Heavy and sluggish, it is serving as meal for birds, dripping in self-venom If, like it, I too can gain an incredible transformation, craving only this.
“After the Night Show” Translated by Issani Paul Chowdhury
Night Show Bhangar Por by Ranojit Das (Bengali)
After the Night Show Brushing past, saying sorry You went away with a faint, intoxicated smile Leaving me sober and startled in the hour of darkness, on the street--- Life, you never looked back even for once?
“Twin Arms” Translated by Issani Paul Chowdhury
Baahu by Rabindranath Tagore (Bengali)
Whom do the twin arms seek to embrace? Whom do they plead, "Don't leave, please stay." How will they express the infinite longing, For who shall listen to their silent mourning? Wherefrom do they bring the heart's speech, Transcribe the letters of delight across the skin's reach. Touch transports the words of the soul Impregnates our being with love to realise a whole. Disembarking from the inner voice, the wreath of youth Is guided home by two fingers to rest around a neck. The twin arms protect the fragile basket which beats, Dedicates all as if to the temple at feet! May the bosom be graced by eternal embrace Oh! Break not, severe not, the entwining arms.
Ranajit Das is an eminent Bengali poet, known for his powerful urban voice and fresh poetic idiom in contemporary Bengali poetry. He has published ten books of poems, two collections of literary essays and one novel.
Rabindranath Tagore was a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, educationist, painter and a Nobel Laureate.
