Here’s an evocative poem of longing, by Prabal, exclusively for Different Truths.
Some men possess an unusual type of balcony Standing on which No human can be seen Only the shadows lurk No tree comes in the eyesight, Neither the birds though the shadows grow longer The shadow of an invisible lamp-post Occupies the footpath Standing on such a balcony How could I catch the right? From such a balcony, I keep my watch Over the city That is devoid of houses, Only the shadows of the houses Stay alive In those shadow abodes Live the shadowy citizens Can anyone tell me Which one of these houses Belong to Rukmini? I need her As I had left my long-lost river to her And I desire to walk on the shores of that river With her For one last time But how can I detect Rukmini’s house? Is it possible to determine from the shadows? The evening seems to descend soon Can anyone tell me what exactly the time it is?
Translated from Bengali by Armaan Singh
Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths
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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