An evocative poem where memory and identity merge in a chair by Prabal, exclusively for Different Truths.

My inheritances are humble
Among them
An incredible chair deserves the attention
Seated upon it
Everyone looks the same

My grandfather used to sit on it
Later followed by my father
And my father minutely resembled
the grandfather’s image

Just to avoid getting into  
The trap of resembling the father
I always avoided this chair

I made unknown figures sitting on this chair
And found out each of them resembled the other
I experimented with my friends
Even with my relatives
Whom I failed to differentiate
After seating on this

When the wives of my friends
Saw my wife using the chair
They expressed their desire to sit upon
And in fear, I hid it from their reach

I reckon every god would look the same
Once they were made to sit upon this chair
Even all the religions would become the same
Obliterating the divisions

This chair is not a royal one
Instead, a piece of everyday furniture
Made of good quality woods
If any one of you lacks adequate faith in yourself
You may come and sit on this chair
And discover
Who do you are, and
Whom do you resemble in real?

Translated from Bengali by Armaan Singh

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Prabal Kumar Basu

Prabal Kumar Basu is an influential poet in the post-independence Bengali Literature scenario. He started writing poetry during the early eighties and has to credit 17 volumes of poetry, two short story collections, three essay collections, and one verse-drama in Bengali. His works have been translated into various Indian and foreign languages. A passionate advocate for the revival of verse drama, he has been associated with its production and performance poetry.

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