Discover Gopal’s evocative haibun on DifferentTruths.com, capturing a poignant moment of silence, deep emotion, and the dance of bees.
I’ve sent back those who came to fill the void. The bee, rubbing its face on yellow flowers, is slightly impatient today. Sitting in the light and darkness, I think – no, I didn't hear any words from her. She's so shy, she's stopped humming and gone silent. What will happen, thinking and thinking, giving sorrow to the open sky?
The little bit that got burnt carelessly while trying to warm it in the darkness will become different under the intense pressure of time. I don't know if it's so necessary to apply a balm to the wound. Seeing the bee, I've realised how difficult giving and taking are today. May you remain beautiful and auspicious all your life. I give you my blessing. The moment I utter the word 'bee', waves of emotion rise. It will set gardens in my heart.
darkness in the morning
the silence is deepest
around the bees
Picture design by Anumita Roy
Gopal Lahiri, a prolific bilingual poet, critic, editor, writer, and translator, has 32 published books, including eight solo/jointly edited volumes. His poetry and prose grace over 150 global journals and anthologies, with translations into 18 languages across 17 countries. Nominated for the 2021 Pushcart Prize and 2025 Best of the Net, he earned the 2020 Setu Excellence Award and 2024 First Jayanta Mahapatra National Award. His work features in the Penguin Book of Poems on Indian Cities.
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