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

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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