Gitabitan(Songs Collection)

O ascetic earth

(Tawposhwini hey dhawroni)
[Nature -Summer]

O ascetic earth, 
Here comes a spell of intense heat
Your seat of austere penance
Spreads across the silent azure

Let the play of your inner one
Be even more inward bound
Let the bounteousness of youth
Be shorn in breath of sacrificial fire

Varied tunes that cascaded forth
Bursting out in many a song
Let it dissolve into silence
Quiet chant of meditation

May restrained be the curling vines
Be curbed the restlessness of bloom
May the beauteous mother earth don
The humble garb of dusty gray

………………………………………………..

 

 

 

Arrows of red hot fire sear me

(Darun ogni baaney re)
[Nature -Summer]

Arrows of red hot fire sear me
Athirst is my heart in such heat
Sleepless is night, scorched is the day
Rest and comfort elude my ken

A weary dove coos on a dry branch
Crying out its heart in distress

I fear not, I fear not
I hang on gazing at the skies
In garb of a fiery tempest
I know you will appear one day
And pour down on my parched soul

………………………………………………….

There is thirst in my eyes

(Chokkhe amar trishna)
[Nature -Summer]

There is thirst in my eyes,
My entire being pines with it.
I am the rainless day of Boishakh*,
A life that seethes with heat.
Sultry winds have summoned storms,
My mind has fled to the far void--
My veil glides away.
The flower that lit up the garden
With her beauty has turned black with heat.
Who fetters the mountain-spring, 
Bound by hard rocks 
At pinnacles of sorrow?

………………………………………………

*Boishakh - the first month of summer in Bengal.

 

 

 

 

Come, come, come O Boishakh

(Esho esho esho hey boishakh)

[Nature -Summer]

Come, come, come O Boishakh come upon us.
With your ascetic breath, dust away that which is dying
Be gone the refuses and remnants of the year

Let go old memories, let go forgotten melodies
Let teardrops vaporize and fade into the distant skies.

Wipe away weariness, eradicate infirmity
Bathed in fire, may the earth gain purity

Come and blow dry the bogs of confused emotion
Bring forth, bring forth and sound your conch of destruction
Be gone, be gone the misty webs of illusion.

……………………………………………………

 

 

 

There comes the storm

(Oi bujhi kalboishakhi)
[Nature -Summer]

There comes the storm
As it envelops the evening sky!

What have you to be afraid of
And who have you to fear?
Throw open all gates
And listen
As the resonant thunder
Calls your name

So respond as readily
With your melodies and your songs

Let it shake
The delicate branches
And free the momentary twigs
Frailties shall be shattered
And what's there to stay
Surely will.

                                                                            ………………………………………
 

What makes you restless

(Keno pantho e choncholota)
[Nature-Rain]

What makes you restless,
My dear traveler,
Did you hear sombre missives 
From far away voids of the sky?
What ails your expectant eyes
Lost in sadness of parting blues--
Thick locks of hair on your face, 
Lightning, your consorting love,
Wearily restful. 
Among the woodlands
In dusty blooms of Kadamba, 
Secret murmurs rise of soft breezes;
The laments of a longing, desolate earth
Once blithely washed in heavy rains.
But do not fear, 
Hold your patience my dear
The bridal wreathe is not yet faded,
Jasmine blossoms still lovingly touch 
Your feet, entrusting to you
All their pure, pensive beauty. 

…………………………………………………………..

[Kadamba is a tropical tree native to Bengal. The genus name is "Lamarckia".]

 

 

 

 

The sonorous roll of drums

(Hridoye mondrilo)
[Nature-Rain]

In my heart resounds
The sonorous roll of drums
The brows of dense clouds
Twist in curls and curlicues
A thrill runs through the forest
And the lands beyond
Swings the heart in restlessness
In it sway the dreams
Of a coming together
With one who is yet unknown

Abuzz with pitter patter
Of the pouring rain
Stricken is the night
Startled by lightning

The jasmine rustles its leaves
In a piteous tumult
The woods are timorous with
Buzz of clamourous crickets

…………………………………………………………..

 

 

 

                         There in the lap of stormy clouds

(Oi je jhorer megher kole)
[Nature-Rain]

There in the lap of stormy clouds
Comes the rain her tresses undone
Flitters and flutters her raiment

Keeping beat to her song
A dance ripples through leaves
Of mangos, rose-apples
Shireesh and Shal trees
In uproar of delight

In that sweet melody
My eyes wander adrift
The streaming rains
In the shadows beyond

Time and again afloat the wet wind
Which dear friend calls me by?
Stirs a tempest of ache
In this heart of a lonely day

…………………………………………………………..

 

                                  

                                A few words I came to say

(Kichhu bolbo bole eshechhilem)
[Nature-Rain]
A few words I came to say
And then in silence I stared

I saw you at the window
Flung open to the azure
Wreathing a garland
Jasmine buds in lap
Lost in your own thoughts
Humming a refrain

Steadfast in its gaze
The sky looked upon your face

A slight ray of light
Slivered through the clouds
To play on your dark tresses
In soft breeze stirred by rain clouds
Quivered a stray lock of hair

…………………………………………………………..

                               On the vast canvas of the sky

(Gogone gogone apnar mone)

[Nature-Rain]

On the vast canvas of the sky
A game you play all by yourself
Donning many a garb you are
Ever so new in each moment

The sun you hide in your matted locks
To paint the hide-n-seek of shadows
How do I know what you try to say
Wrapped in melody of Megh Malhar

That raucous laughter in Baishakh
Heralding a summer tempest
Its deep rumbles have drifted far away
That streak of golden radiance
Has dissolved into the darkness
Why tarnished is your white raiment?
In misty clouds, covert shadows
What opulence have you hidden?

…………………………………………………………..

 

 

 

       

 

In this morning darkened by clouds

(Ei shokal belar badol andhare)
[Nature-Rain]

In this morning darkened by clouds
To which note has the forest tuned its lute

Raindrops play a symphony
Pitter patter on the palm leaves
Restless the breeze scurries about
Startling the bamboo reeds

Drizzling droplets beneath the shades
Team up and break out into a dance
Tip-tapping away to glory

Afloat an astray melody
My heart drifts around the azure
And overhears a tearful moan
A sigh of impassioned anxiousness

…………………………………………………………..

You come, enthralling my eyes

(Amar noyono-bhulano ele)
[Nature-Autumn]

You come, enthralling my eyes
What beauty I witness with all my heart!
Close to the Shiuli laden trees,
Among heaps of fallen blossoms
On dew-drenched grass
Your footsteps tinged with the morning sun
You come, enthralling my eyes.

A shroud made of sun and shadow
Flutters and falls across the woodlands
The blossoms look at your face
And discover words of their heart.

We shall greet you in a fete,
Uncover that shroud of yours
The one made of thin clouds
Remove it with both hands
You come, enthralling my eyes.

In the gates of woodland goddesses
Conch-shells resound 
The sky-lutes sing out your arrival.
Do I hear golden ankle bells?
That would be my own heart.
In everything and every chore
Melting rock
Pouring out your honeyed bliss
You come, enthralling my eyes.

………………………………………………….

Today in lush paddy fields

(Aaj dhaner khete)

[Nature-Autumn]

Today in lush paddy fields 
Play sun and shade
Oh! A game of hide and seek
Who set sail rafts of white clouds
In blue azure
Oh! A game of hide and seek

Bumble bee forgets today
To sip nectar
Drunk with light it roams around

Sits for some reason today
On riverfront
Conference of birds galore

Go home will I not today
Breaking into and beyond blue skies
Plunder all, I will today

Riding on the waves of tide
As if like foam 
Gallops laughter astride winds

In no work, rhyme or reason
The day will pass
In melody of the flute

………………………………………….

Who let blossom the lotus of light

(Alor amalo kamalo khani)

[Nature-Autumn]

Who let blossom
                       The lotus of light,
Stirring the blue sky into sleeplessness
And lured my winged thoughts
                                  On this radiant path?
Autumn's message 
       Plays like a lute on the lotus, 
Lalit tunes trickle down
     Shiuli  trees.
The wind frolics
         In young green shoots of paddy,
Who is it that stirs up the forests,
           Filling their hearts with secret murmurs?

………………………………………………………

  

Awake you were in my heart

(Hridoye chhile jege)

[Nature-Autumn]

Awake you were in my heart,
Resplendent you are now

  In the autumn cloud.
Today at sunrise 
      How your veil cleared
  With the touch of dew.
Wonder what I want to sing,
Wonder what my message is.
Like Shiuli  petals they disperse
        Under the trees,
Like flash-rains they dissolve
         With the wind.

      ……………………………………..

  Chaste white sails are touched

(Amalo dhabolo paale legechhe)

[Nature-Autumn]

Chaste white sails are touched
                    With a breath of  sublime breeze,
Never ever have I seen such boating.
With gems borne from far-away seas,
                        How my heart longs to glide,
To leave behind
                        All haves and wants
                                       At this shore.
Ceaseless rains pour in the backdrop, 
                                       Sky thunders,
Streaks of early sunshine 
                       Break through frayed clouds
                                  To touch my face. 
Who are you seafarer,
                 Whose precious love,
                     Fraught with smiles and tears?
I do ponder --
         How I should tune my lute today,
                 And what chants will be sung.

                                                                                   …………………………………

                                                                                       

                                    On a cold dewy night

   (himer rate oi gogoner deepgulire )

   [Nature-Autumn(hemonto)]

On a cold dewy night
Winter drew close her veil
Cloaking the lamps lit in the sky
She sent news to each home
“Light up a row of lamps
Illumine with own glow
Bedeck earth with radiance”

Barren are flower gardens
Silent are cuckoo and robin
Kaash wilts on riverbanks

Be gone ennui, grief dark
Light up a row of lamps
Illumine with own glow
Proclaim triumph of radiance

The gods are gazing down
Wake up children of earth
Light up, wake up the night
Day ends, darkness descends
Light up a row of lamps
Illumine with own glow
Defeat dark ignorance

………………………………..

  

Voice of spring in autumn

(Hemonte kon bosonteri bani)

[Nature-Autumn(hemonto)]

Voice of spring in autumn
The full moon does carry 
As if paints floral dreams
Moonlight on Bakul stems 
What secret whisperings
The full moon does carry
Enraptured are forests
With untimely blossoms
Of the white oleander
Warbles time and again
The sleep bereft bird
Whose name no one knows
Sweet memories of whom
The full moon does carry

…………………………………………

The day you had called me

(Shey din amay bolechhile)
[Nature-Autumn(hemonto)]

The day you had called me
Time I had not in hand
You wandered to and fro
Before you went away

Time it was then to play
Fair of flowers in forests
Ever restless was breeze
Anxiously rustling leaves

Today heralds autumn
Dissolved has foggy mist
Departed has décor
The hours draw near
Is it now time?
Awaiting at the door
As day comes to a close
I look towards the road

   ……………………………………….....

                                       

What if I remained unaware

(Jodi tare nai chini go)

[Nature- Spring]

What if I remained unaware 
Of his approach
This pristine day of spring
Would he sense me still?
I wonder, how I wonder!

Would he whisper his songs
To my tender buds 
              And win over their hearts
This tender day of spring?
I wonder, how I wonder!

Would he paint my blossoms
Crimson with his shades?
Would he step into my being
And kiss me awake?

My adorning veil of leaves,
Would it startle awake with a flutter
When he stepped in?
My little secret, would it be realized
This brand-new day of spring?
I wonder, how I wonder!

………………………………………………..

 

 

Alights spring upon my heart

(Nibido ontorotoro boshonto)
[Nature- Spring]

Alights spring upon my heart
So dear, so very my own
And I gaze at you Oh Lord
Treasured wealth of every heart

Quivers a thrill of delight
Through the flowers so athirst
Winds and woods convey your touch

The spellbound cuckoo warbles
Filling night and day with song
Forests throb with rustling leaves

Such charm and exquisite beauty 
Whichever way I look
Recedes all of my distress
All my sorrow comes to end

……………………………………….

 

 

Did you rub off your footprints

(Chorono rekha tobo je pawthe dile lekhi)
 [Nature- Spring]

Did you rub off your footprints consciously 
From the path you had once stepped on?
Crimsoned once by Ashok-dust,
I now see it vanish below the grass.

Flowers cease to bloom,
Birds  forget to sing,
Even the southern breeze
Leaves with a saddened heart.

Yet, when it thrived,
Wasn't it a source of deep sublimity?
Will death prevail,
And the living memories simply
Cease to be!

…………………………………………….

 

 

Fresh green shoots of leaves

(Nawbo nawbo pallobo raaji)
[Nature- Spring]

Fresh green shoots of leaves
Sprout in all gardens and groves
Southern breeze bursts into song

The world is fervent with fragrance
My empty life cries in distress

Come my treasured one
Let my barren heart be
Replete with your presence

…………………………………………………..

 

 

We are harbingers of fresh life

(Amra nuton praaner chor)
[Nature- Spring]

We are harbingers of fresh life!
Tramps of the road, that we are -- 
We have no home!
Did you think Winter would abscond
With his band of wilted leaves?
We will rob and disperse them
Across the southern breeze.
You, we will secure with youthful blossoms
Of our wreathe, in this house of Spring.
Did you wish to leave in secret
In guise of the Old decrepit?
Your raiment may be shrouded,
But how could you hide it!

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

Welcome spring, welcome to earth

(Esho esho boshonto dhoratole)
[Nature- Spring]

Welcome spring, welcome to earth
With cooings of new tunes, new songs, new life
In a breeze languid with heady fragrance
Infuse in each soul a consciousness deep

Bring waves of new delights
Joyful rhythms to rock the earth
All bondages shake free
Imbue new feelings of passion

Come in trembling rustles, humming murmurs
Come in dusky foliage, thrill of new leaves
Come in Malati bowers bursting with blooms
Come in comforting shades, redolent breeze

Come O eternal wayfarer
Seeking the road to paradise 
Ever eager, ever curious
Step into hearts throbbing with joy
Breathe in new life with each new song

Welcome to the lap of a sun kissed dawn 
Blushing a deep shade of crimson
Welcome to mesmerising moonlit nights
To the banks of babbling brooklets
To the calm of languorous lakes

Come like a flash of lightening
Thundering down like a storm
Rippling in waves over seas

Come to the dawn
Astir in wakefulness
To bustling towns
The woods and wilderness
Step into hearts
In words and in action

Come in soft steps tinkled by anklet bells
Come in warbles lilting with melody
Come in garlands of lovely Jasmine flowers
Come in raiment of tender verdant leaves
Come with the eager force of graceful youth
Come valorous one with fiery new pride

Indomitable one, embark on victory spree
In the battle to decimate the decrepit
Spreading far and wide pollen of new life
Restless locks of hair fluttering in air

………………………………………………………………

 

 

 

Sweet spring comes to sweetly unite

(Modhuro boshonto eshechhey)
[Nature- Spring]

Sweet spring comes to sweetly unite
To spread the news of sweet union 
In soft southern breeze

With a fleeting touch of magic
It nudges buds to bloom
In many a hue and colour
A love story it weaves

Behold the earth so primeval
Decked up in dusky foliage
As if to curb the reign of time
Gushes forth the spring of youth

Slays the pain of absence long gone
Heralds hope of a union new
Fresh spring comes to inspire fresh love

                                        …………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

As if from my lost springtimes

(Awnek diner moner manush)
[Nature- Spring]

As if from my lost springtimes,
You arrive, my friend.
The remnants that you left behind,
You have came to find in my heart
Retracing your path
Through blossoms familiar.
As if you have hopes you will find a nestle
Here in my soul, built with tears.
As if you have come to see if the lute of my past
Still resonates,
Or whether it is covered with dust.

 

.............…………………

 

 

 

 

 

From the moonless sea of darkness

(Nibiro oma-timiro hote)
[Nature- Spring]

From the moonless sea of darkness
Embarked in full tide 
The sailing boat of a blossoming moon.

The earth, filled with unseen flowers,
Arranged Her vase at celestial shores
With a string of light,
Hued like the golden jasmine.

Moments turned, at moment's banks,
The boat anchored at Dol*,
The earth smiled in her dreams in silence.

Bringing in a boatload of celebration,
Did she finally decide to moor 
At the full moon night, this pirate of sleep?
……………………………………………………

*Dol - a colourful spring festival of the first full moon of spring in Bengal.

 

 

 

 

 

The earth today is distraught

(Boshonte aj dhorar chitto holo utola)
[Nature- Spring]

The earth today is distraught with Spring 
In her chest sways  
Her dear little heart.
Blissful images sway in the horizon,
Music swings back and forth, 
Swinging the heart of the blue sky.
My two eyes lose sleep in adoration,
Who swings now in my heart? 
He has cradled too the joy within, 
Stirring the heaps of smiles listlessly hidden,
He has cradled, back and forth,
The deepest tears of a life time.

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

Spring after spring invite your muse within

(Boshone boshonte tomar kobire daao daak)
[Nature- Spring]

Spring after spring, invite your muse within;
If She takes her leave, so let Her;
The missives will remain, filled with music -- 
She can not stray too far.
Her soul will burst out with songs 
In your garden,
Her rhythm will live long after it has danced
With freshest leaves on the boughs.
Retain Her melodies in your lute-strings,
Withhold Her tears in the bees' hum
Fleeting among your blossoms.

………………………………………………….

 

 

 

 

Whose missive does the full moon

(Phagoonero poornima elo kaar lipi haate)
[Nature- Spring]

Whose missive does the full moon 
Bring tonight in Phalgoon*?
The message I can not fathom 
A pain fills my heart.
In Nature's first sunrise over the hills,
In which shores of Life unknown,
Did this message emerge? 
In sublime sweetness of meeting nights.
Blossoms of the Madhobi** ever so often
Bring remembrances of celebrations
Of lovers' union, in nights lost beyond memory.
What magic spreads in the breeze like a dream?
Shadows shudder in the bamboo forests
With approaching footsteps invisible. 
…………………………………………………

*Phalgoon - the first month of spring in Bengal.
**Madhobi - a sweet smelling spring blossom of Bengal.

 

 

 

 

The familiar fragrance of a flower

(Chena phuler gondho-srote )
[Nature- Spring]

The familiar fragrance of a flower
Wafting in Phalgoon* nights
Brings to my consciousness 
The breath of a forever-unknown.
The one who in my youth met my familiar eyes 
And played with me in my tears and laughters,
The one whose spoken words 
Have been whispered to me by my beloved,
Whose music sobs like a flute
Within my longing.
Her name lies hidden among familiar names--- 
The one whom I found, and yet did not,
Her fleeting touch I receive ever so often.
………………………………………………..

*Phalgoon - the first month of spring in Bengal.

 

 

 

An upbeat spring awaits you at the gates

(Aji boshonto jagroto dare)
[Nature- Spring]

An upbeat spring awaits you at the gates
Don't you let her down 
With shrouds and reluctance
Simply let bloom your blossoms within
Letting go the sentiments of friend and foe.
In this sky filled with music
Let your fragrance ripple and flow;
In heaps of exuberance
Your beauty thrive 
In the world outside. 

An intense pain chimes 
In the woodland-leaves.
Awaiting whom in the far sky
Does an yearning earth dress herself?  

The southern breeze has touched my soul
Whose door-knock is it waiting for? 
The night today is laden with fragrance,
Whose footsteps keep her awake on earth?
O my Beautiful love,
For whom do you send this solemn gesture?

…………………………………………………………

 

 

Spring writes her music down

(Boshonto taar gaan likhe jay)
[Nature- Spring]

Spring writes her music down 
On the earth's pages with great tenderness
So the earth smiles 
Refashioning herself with newness
Filling her vase with fresh-found beauty  
With such tenderness
A similar freshness touches my heart
Gladdens me with magical spells 
Enchanting, rapturing my soul
Innately thus the melodies bloom
Ever so often with such tenderness

…………………………………………

                                      

 

 

 

 

I gazed at the path and waited

(Ato din je boshechhilem) 
[Nature- Spring]

I gazed at the path and waited, counting moments,
Now you arrive in Phalgoon.
Like a young hero you conquered the earth,
What a wonder
Charmed, I hear you sing in your youthful voice
Your robe swells like breeze enchanted with fragrance,
Your ear adorned with blossoms of Krishnochoora
Yet beneath your juvenile smile I perceive a fire, 
What a wonder
With what sheath do you hide your sword
As you arrive in Phalgoon
………………………………………………..

* Phalgoon - The first month of Spring in Bengal

 

 

Spring to airy breezes bestowed have I

(Phagun haowaay haowaay)

[Nature- Spring]

Spring, to airy breezes bestowed have I
To your airy breezes bestowed have I
my life, losing sense of self, 
my life, breaking free of bonds.

With your Ashoka and Kinshuk flowers
Unseen colours brush my inexplicable happiness
With each sway of your salt cedars
Murmur and rustle the songs of my sorrowful nights.

An evening lit by full moon, scented by tuberose
Wanders this distracted mind gazing beyond sea shores.

Smeared with multi-coloured dreams 
in my eyes enamoured by the skies,
are the wings of your butterfly.
In your glowing moonlight
Mingle and fade away all my woes and happiness.

…………………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

O dweller at home open the doors

(Orey grihobashi khol dwar khol)

[Nature- Spring]

O dweller at home, open the doors, there’s a swing in the air
Earth water woods swaying are they to the spring in the air
Open up, Open up the doors.

Bunches bursting with blushing smiles
Of Ashok and Palash flowers
Crimson passion mingled in the clouds of the morning sky
Waves of rouge stroking fresh verdant leaves
Open up, Open up the doors.

Forests of reed murmur in the wafts of southern winds
Butterflies flit about in the green grass
Bees roam entreating the flowers
Playing the veena of a beggar on their wings
Besotted is the breeze with fragrant myrtle bowers
Open up, Open up the doors.

…………………………………………………..

 

 

 

 

Restless are they for no reason

(Ora okaroney chonchol)

[Nature- Spring]

Restless are they for no reason
Swaying in the boughs 
to the swinging of the breeze, 
the new shoots of leaves.

Scattering a light so dazzling
What game are they upto, 
in all ten directions
Murmuring, they bring into life 
the tumult of youth.

Eavesdropping to hear in the skies farther and beyond
Whisperings of sounds of silence
Which words of the azure.

Surging flow of fountains of life
They cascade and fall in continuous streams
Of the forever ascetic mother earth
They are the dark flames of sacrificial fire

…………………………………………………………

                                                    O fallen leaves

(jhawra pata go)

[Nature- Spring]

O fallen leaves, I am your kindred soul
In much laughter and many tears
Phagun  leaves me with farewell song

O fallen leaves, in colours chrome
Decked have you in final attire
Played Holi  in dust and green grass
In this closing saga of spring

Just like you, in fiery hues
Colour my raiment red and gold
With the philosopher’s stone
May the setting sun caress
The few remnants of my life

                                                  …………………………………………..                         

                                     A paper boat I float

(Patar bhela bhashai neerey)
[Devotion]

A paper boat I float 
To look back I care not
Let it be, heap of chores
To move on is my game

A place I have not laid
A home I have not made
On still banks of the flow

When fetters do find me
My destiny it smiles

Dust riffling winds beckon
Pulling me to the road
At every new turn on the way
I gift my songs to earth

…………………………………………………………..

All the joys that I have culled

(Jibone amar joto anondo)
[Devotion]

All the joys that I have culled
Night and day through all my life
Amidst all of them my Lord
It is you I recall today

The day my heart thrilled with joy
Upon beholding your world
It was then I felt your gaze
Alighting upon my own 

Time and again with a nudge
A song, a scent, a flavour
You have touched my inner core

Along with all my kith and kin
My nearest and dearest ones
You make your way into my heart

...............................................

Lavish your melody

(Sraaboner dharar moto)
[Devotion]

Lavish your melody
On my face, my heart 
In ceaseless cascades,
              of monsoon rains 
Music that may stream
 Into my senses, my eyes,
From the east with dawn's tender sunshine,
Tunes that may pour and flow,
Stirring my deepest dark
Lavish your music, ever so often
Let my tears and smiles soak them up
Every fruitless, bud-less branch within 
Toss them with your sodden breeze
Lavish your melody like the rains  
Permeate my layers of breathless,
            Broken and buried bits,
Lavish your melody, ever so often
   Refresh, replete my thirst, my yen.

…………………………………………………………..…

Possessed is earth by violence

(Hingshay unmotto priththi)
[Devotion]

Possessed is earth by violence
In constant cruel conflict 
Terribly treacherous its paths
Ravenous its greed enmeshed snares
In acute distress cries out life
Praying for a messiah
Save us O Supreme Source of life
Let blossom the lotus of love
Ever exuding a nectar sweet 
Let peace prevail
Let freedom flourish
Let righteousness reign forever
O compassionate One
Let the earth be cleaned of all taints

O Municifent One
Teach us the art of sacrifice
O Supreme Mendicant
Ask from us our ego as alms
Let all people in every land
Forget their woes and worries
Dissipate ignorance
Dispel all illusions
Let knowledge shine bright as the sun
Let a vital life force run through the world
Let the sightless be graced with sight
Let peace prevail
Let freedom flourish
Let righteousness reign forever
O compassionate One
Let the earth be cleaned of all taints

The universe cries out
Its heart ablaze with agony
Decayed by a perverse possessiveness 
Distressed by a deep discontent
On each nation sits heavy a crown
Bloodied by guilt and disgrace
Sound your conch of welfare and well being
Reach out your hand to save humanity
Play your auspicious tunes
To the beat of beauty
Let peace prevail
Let freedom flourish
Let righteousness reign forever
O compassionate One
Let the earth be cleaned of all taints

…………………………………………………………..

Wellspring of my song

(Gaaner jhornatolay)
[Devotion]

To the wellspring of music
You came at my twilight hour
Fill me with your melody
Streaming forth in golden glow

The tune that bursts from caves within
Rushing out in eager flow
To seek the ocean of tears
Dislodging the rocky stones
Those have hardened the heart so

The tune that drifts in the skies
Bearing the message of dawn
Melts with a radiant smile
Into the soft lap of night

The tune that empties itself
Filling the Champa* goblets
And then goes, away it goes
Having played its part in spring

…………………………………………………


 Champa: a fragrant flower of genus Plumeria

 

 

 

 

 

 

My lyrics I arrange

(Khelar chhole shajiye)
[Devotion]

My lyrics I arrange
Scoring them in joyful play
Day to day I set afloat
A raft I craft for that day

Swept adrift on playful waves
I know not if she will dock
In lands unknown far away

So be it if she goes down
So be it if you lift her
So be it if you discard

You who are beyond the known
This my play is but for joy
Its fruition I seek not
Happy in my own delight
Blessed I feel just to play

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

From the heart of darkness

(Ondhokarer utsho hote)
[Devotion]

From the heart of night
Spills a river of light 
            Such is Your light! 
In all strife and struggle a grace
  Vigilant, passionate, keeps awake
            Such is Your grace!
From the ever-winding path, a home
Opens its doors to every pilgrim
            Such is Your hearth!
Trials of battle lend endless life
In guise of fiery tenderness
            Such is Your love!
When all is lost, a love invisible 
            Quietly remains within,
            Such is Your gift!
The cup of Death 
            Forever fills with Life,
            Such is Your Life!
  Below my feet, the soiled earth
            Mothers all men, 
            Such is heaven!
Embracing all, Your heart

Secretly lives within all life, 
            Such are You, my love!

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

All stars in the sky tonight

(Aji joto tar tobo akashe)
[Devotion]

All stars in the sky tonight
Are aglow in my heart
All your world comes in haste
And flings itself into my arms
Each blossom of your garden
Flourishes in my limbs.

Blessed bliss everywhere I look
Deeply fragrant with the
Perfume of my own heart
Like joyful flowers at your altar.

Today, I do not care for any other,
Words and missives slip by me
The breath of the cosmos fills
My chest, like a flute overwhelmed
With eternal, magical melody.

…………………………………………………

 

 

Goddess of bounty when she comes

(Lokkhi jokhon aashbe)
[Devotion]

Where seat her will you 
When she comes
Goddess of bounty
Look within your heart you’ll see
Her favoured lotus
There is none

Bewails the morn breeze
Crestfallen in its pale light
Looks at you the wistful sky
A silent plea in its eyes

With such hopes secret
In the deepest dark of night
Floated up a flawless bud
From beneath the waters deep
Blossom it could not
Severed from its stalk by chance

Where do I find the sweetness
That heaven asks from this earth

 

…………………………………………………

 

 

Who lies awake within

(Tor bhitore jagiya ke je)
[Devotion]

Who keeps awake within
An avid for light, someone
You have kept fettered
A sobbing, troubled heart!

If the breeze carries a pulse,
Why does the lute not awake?
If the sky flushes with light
Why do the eyes not behold?

The bird sings a melody,
A melody of young dawn
Flowers express missives 
In hues varied, of new creation 

There, the darkness fades
Here the lamp is still alight
Oh, why does your home
And the world separate
In two, distant hearts?

…………………………………………………

 

 

Ensue will conflict if confront you do

(Badha dile badhbe lodai)
[Devotion]

Ensue will conflict if confront you do
Doomed to death you will be for sure
This, your grandiloquence will come to naught
Swept aside you will be for sure

With wealth amassed from plunder and pillage
Who among you wants to rule all others?
In a trice will you be levelled to dust
Shaken you will be if you wish to stir

Who are you cowering beneath? 
Why do you weep?
Why manacle yourself in modesty
Remember that
Rich you are in richness of woe
Paradise you will have to build on dust
Sans arms, sans allies you will have to fight

 

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

Play that lone string on your Ektara

(Ek mone tor ektarate)
[Devotion]

Play that lone string on your Ektara
Centering all your thoughts on it
The lone blossom of your garden
Make your bouquet with that alone

When you confront your limits
Happily call it a day
Gaily pick up the cowrie
That you find through His kind grace

Take not to heart what people say
Stop chasing after each fancy
Let your heart know He is within
The King of all that you cherish
Play that lone string on your Ektara
Lost in that tune all by yourself

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let my emotions all stream to You

(Amar shokol rosher dhara)
[Devotion]

Let my emotions all stream to You
Each one lose itself in You today

Let Your caress touch my whole life
Let the whole world thrill in delight
Let my eyes drown in Your beauty

My heart had wandered far away
You brought it back again

My hopes that lie scattered about
Do cull and wreathe into a string
And let it sway on Your bosom

…………………………………………………

 

  

 

Life looms ahead - a long road

(Deergho jibonopoth)
[Devotion]

Life looms ahead - a long road
Many a searing sorrow
Many a scorching woe
Yet I continue to sing
Of His gentle compassion

He has kept His doors ajar
Open His divine abode
End will ennui, fade will tears
This journey come to an end

I gaze at infinity
I sing of felicity
And petty peeves pale away

Can anxiety ever plague
One who has sanctuary
In His infinite abode
Slight momentary burdens
Let them distress me I won't

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

Hours slip by awaiting you

(Bela gelo tomar potho cheye)
[Devotion]

Hours slip by awaiting you
Alone I sit on the banks
Oarsman! Do row me ashore

My flute of playful hours I have broken
My books of smiles and tears I have closed down
The evening breeze caresses my tired limbs
And my eyes grow heavy with sleep

One by one on the other shore
Light up the lamps of eventide
From prayers in a distant temple
Resonates the sound of conch shells

Come and rob me of my fatigue
Bring me coffers of rest and peace
Do come rowing your boat ashore

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

You ferry across to and fro

(Tumi epaar opaar koro)
[Devotion]

You ferry across to and fro
Who are you? Oarsman on your boat
I sit at my door and behold

When the day’s transactions are done
Each one will return to their home
I feel I too should rush along

I see you take your boat at dusk
Rowing it to the other shore
A stirring I feel in my heart
Rises a melody within
Oh! Oarsman on your boat

Gurgles the river
My eyes film over
Golden luminance
From the banks farther
Casts its glow on me

Not a word on your lips Oarsman
What do your eyes say? I behold
Oh! Oarsman on your boat
If ever your gaze rests on mine
I feel I too should rush along
Oh! Oarsman on your boat

…………………………………………………

The prayers that I began

(Jeebone joto puja holo na shara)
[Devotion]

The prayers that I began,
Yet that remained undone,
Aren't all lost, I realize. 

The unopened bud that withered,
The river which died in wasteland,
Aren't all lost, I realize.

My memories, my past,
Even that isn't false, I realize.

My unattained, my unheard,
Like scores will be played in your concert,
Even that wont fade away, I realize.

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

Your loving name, let it cleanse

(Amar mukher kawtha)
[Devotion]

Your loving name, let it cleanse
   All my spoken words,
Your loving name, place it,
   At the root of my silence.
Your loving name, let it ring in joy
When my body plays in rhythm
  To my flowing pulse, like a lute.
Your loving name, like a starry sentinel
   Rise high when I sleep.
Your loving name, let it softly shine 
  Forever on my wakefulness. 
Your loving name, let it glow like flame
  In all my hopes and yearnings.
Your loving name, let it etch deeply
 In all my eager tenderness.
Your loving name, let it take fruit 
 After each mission is over.
Your loving name, in my arms will be
  Mingled with my bliss and tears.
Your loving name, like deepest honey
  Will secretly lie, in my life's bloom. 
Your loving name, I will give you back,
  When it is time to leave, my beloved.

…………………………………………………

 

 

In my night of sorrow Oh Lord

(Dukkhoraate he naatho ke daakile)
[Devotion]

In my night of sorrow Oh Lord
Was it you who called out to me
Awakened my eyes to behold
Your tender gaze so filled with love

I beheld in the light of morn
In your lap nestles the cosmos
Dawns the pristine sun in your eyes

I hear in woods an ode to joy
Forevermore sings the minstrel
A heart so full of hope

…………………………………………………

When night had not yet taken leave

(Keno jamini na jete jagale na)
[Love]

Why did you not awaken me?
When night had not yet taken leave
The hour is late now, I die of shame
How do I go onto the thoroughfare?
My feet cringe in embarrassment

Curling up with the kiss of light
Wilts the Shefali in bashfulness
The Kamini in a dishevelled state
Holds herself together somehow

Spent after a night long vigil
The lamp sighs in relief
When put out by the morning breeze
After lighting up the night sky
The moon conceals its face
Seeking refuge in the azure

Flies by the bird chirping “Night, it has gone”
Women go past laden with their pitchers
How do I go to work tresses undone?
Tumbling down in wild abandon

…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You seem to have strayed

(Jani jani tumi eshechho)
[Love]

You seem to have strayed
Aimlessly on this path 
Very well, I eagerly open my gates

Empty of decor you arrived
I miss your ankle bells,
The chimes of your very eloquence;
Very well, come as you have
In austere simplicity
There in my garden
Maloti* blossoms flutter and fall
Pick them up, wont you,
And adorn your loose tresses 

I haven't prepared for you
My lute too, is not tuned
Very well, let us meet
In my heart's room of deep silence 
As cascades of rain, resonant 
In the woodlands 
Play to the melody of my being,
A fleeting, wafting breeze
In its rhythmic flow
Startles and cradles my heart.

…………………………………………………

*Maloti - a creeper that flowers in monsoon

 

 

 

 

 

My veil flutters in the tempest

(Jhawre jaay ude jaay go)
[Love]
My veil flutters in the tempest
I cannot draw it close
However hard I try 

My modesty swept away
Countenance bereft of make-up
You glanced at me 
After unleashing this cataclysm
Tormenting me to death

All at once skies light up
Who goes? Searching for whom?
Startling flash of lightning
Illumines my dark home

Then let my all be swept away
Into the pitch dark midnight sky
Let this tumultous roar
Resound within my soul
Let my words flow unrestrained

…………………………………………………

 

      

My solitary candle passed out

(Deep nibe gachhe momo)
[Love]

My solitary candle has passed out
In the midnight breeze as I wait,
When softly you approach, my love
Do not let the dark dishearten
And turn you away.

As you walk the path
Even in the dimness of night
The telling perfume of the tuberose
Will lead you towards the altar
Of your worship.

I keep my secret hope alive;
That my remembrance 
Will dawn in your heart 
Every passing moment, therefore
I hum my songs as if 
To summon that recollection;
Fear remains, lest as dawn creeps near
I fall asleep in my weariness and miss your return,
Lest my voice falters, and loses its melody.

…………………………………………………

 

     

My eyes peer in the depths of yours

(Amar noyon tomar noyontole)
[Love]

My eyes peer in the depths of yours
      to glimpse what lies within your heart
There in illusions shadowy
      I lose my way as if in trance
I beseech with my silent gaze
      And yet I see no signs from you
Like one who cannot be consoled
      My eyes well up and drown in tears

Can you sense my feelings – the smallest tinge?
Can you hear what my garland wants to say?

As I amble along I lay out
My ache aflutter in the breeze
The flute casts a shadow melancholic
Can anyone fathom its speech ?

…………………………………………………

My heart listens not to reason

(Amar mon maane na)

[Love]

 

 

My heart listens not to reason 

By day or night

 

In what remembrances

A thrill overwhelming 

Races through my body
In what contemplations
Do my eyes overflow
With tears unabated

Those words so sweet
That gentle touch
And my body sings like a flute
I get lost in that melody
My heart distraught distracted
I know not why

What words waft in the winds?
Whose face I see in skies?
What pleasing tunes I hear
In murmurous woods rustling leaves 
Cascading tinkles babbling brooks
The heady scents of fragrant flowers
Embrace me like a bosom friend
These thoughts
This affliction so sweet
This joyous eagerness of mine
At whose feet can I proffer

…………………………………………………

My eyes seek in deep shadows

(Amar noyon tomar noyoner nibid chhayay)
[Love]

My eyes seek in deep shadows of your eyes
The blossom of deepest thoughts left unsaid
There in remote recesses deep distant
When did it lose its way?

It entreats the silent with a fixed gaze 
Not a trace thereof words concealed within
Like a child who cannot be shown reason
Tearfully wanders amidst the unknown

The speech that hides within my heart
Does it cast the slightest shadow – upon your heart?
A lotus seat at my doorstep
I’ve drawn with the ink of my blood
Does it convey nothing at all?

Walking along the trails in your garden
I lay out my pain afloat in the breeze 
With such hope the flute sends a message to the skies
Does no one understand?

…………………………………………………

 

 

   

For you I leave this song of spring

(Diye genu boshontero ei gaankhani)
[Love]

For you I leave this song of spring
The year will turn, forget me you will
Yet this night of Phalgun
The pathos in my song
And your eyes did well up
Enough that is for me

I do not wish to stay 
Till it’s time to call it a day
I’ll go as soon as ends this play

Phalgun will come again
Once more you will hear then
The songs of a new wayfarer
Words afresh with novelty new

…………………………………………………

  

It is just you, my love

(Tomarei koriyachi jeebonero dhrubotara)
[Love]

It is just you, my love,
I have found to be, forever,
My guiding star, in the deep seas
A sailor of rough tide
I have no fear of losing way,
For you will deeply manifest
Wherever I may drift, 
Your rays will shine down 
When tears flood over me

Your face secretly thrives within 
When you, if you, vanish suddenly,
You leave me then in utter despair 
If some day, my soul longs to go astray 
Your face I will have to recall to find
A sweeping shame cast over me

(another version by Rumela Sengupta)

You I have made my pole star
Lose my way I never will
On these seas ever again

Wherever it is I go
My guiding light do remain
Shine your luminance upon 
My tears when they freely flow

Enthroned is your face deep within
A secret that is mine alone
I find myself in deep despair
If ever I lose sight of you

Away from path of righteousness
If ever my heart goes astray
All I do is recall that face
To see my heart recoil in shame

…………………………………………………

 

When you came, did you not regard

(Chinile na amare ki)
[Love]
When you came, did you not regard,
           I was here, in a dim corner
              Lost in contemplations?
                Viewing none, did you turn back?

How close you were at my doors!
With the slightest touch
       My gates could fling open
                                 To let you in.
            Yet unfavored my fate was
                                 For just this bit.

That night of  a deep tempest, 
        For you I waited and counted moments
    But the storm drowned every sound
                      Of your grand approach!
    Trembling I had been, beneath a clamorous sky
               Bracing myself in fright.
 Was it then, for my trepidations  That the lightning inscribed 
                Its curse on me, with fire!

…………………………………………………

Plays an agony so deep

(Boro bedonar moto bejechho)
[Love]

Plays an agony so deep
When you strum on my heartstrings
Only my heart itself knows
Why it is overwrought so

From dawn to dusk, dusk to dawn
I hold you close within me
I gaze on at your visage

Through many joys, much sorrow
With much love and affection
I remain awake for you

I am done for in this lifetime
My heart headed for doom

…………………………………………………

What melody do you play

(Ki ragini bajale hridoye)
[Love]

What melody do you play
And enchant me so, my love!

Which unsung song do you sing
How you look into my eyes
How you bewitch my heart so
You know it my love, you do

Night and day I hear that tune
I hear its sweet resonance

How you sense my deepest thoughts
How you take my breath away
You know it my love, you do

…………………………………………………

I let myself be entrapped

(Dhawra diyechhi go ami akasher pakhi)
[Love]

A bird of the sky I was
I let myself be entrapped
Seeing new skies in your eyes

What charms lie hidden therein
A smile flits across
And blooms the glimmer of dawn

Alone within that iris
My heart wants to fly and roam
The promise of lands beyond
Lures me to seeking a home

I look into that deep sky
And break into joyous song
My tune yearns to lose itself
In the far depths of your eyes

…………………………………………………

  

   Why hasn’t the time yet come 

(Ekhono keno shomoy nahi holo)
[Love]

Why hasn’t the time yet come
Anonymous guest of mine
Knocked you have not at my door
Haven’t yet said “Let me in”

Amidst the many I am
Yet all alone
Come with a thrill and startle 
My sudden light
Step in my very being

Darkness clinging to my room
I know not for whom I weep

Bless me with the urge to serve
The desire to give my all
Whisper your incantations
Arouse me into a new life

…………………………………………………

     No more can I endure so

 

(Ami jey aar shoitey paariney)
[Love]

No more can I endure so
My heartstrings play the right notes
Weave in the words I cannot

My heart bows like a creeper
Weighed by the flowering of woe
No more can I endure so

Today within my being
In the secretmost chambers
How this breeze makes me quiver
Yearnful rustles thrill me so
Who is that virtuoso 
Who tunes his Veena at dawn
I hear the lilting strains of his song
No longer can I remain at home

…………………………………………………

 

Much I had to say to him

(Koto kotha taarey chhilo bolitey)
[Love]

Much I had to say to him
When our eyes locked on the way

Alone I sit night and day 
Weaving my words together
Gently to many a tune
Of Raag Puravi or Lalit

Those words of mine span the skies 
They bloom in groves and gardens

I play with those words of mine
I hold them within myself
I spread them in the open
I sing those words to myself
As if to entice that someone

…………………………………………………

  

Friend, my dear friend from afar

(Ki bedona mor jano she ki)
[Love]

Friend, my dear friend from afar,
Do you sense the root of my pain?
Lightning startles 
The sheer deep darkness tonight.
My heart trembles ever so often
         With the flurry of rains,
                            Can you tell? 
  Will my eager wakefulness,
     Full of longing, go in vain?

Friend, my dear friend from afar, 
The Maloti you had once sown
                          Outside my gates,
Was tended by a moist breeze
And has burst into bloom;
                             Can you tell? 

Your lute that you had tuned for me,
Is now at play in my hands,
Ringing out in mournful lament,
             Have you forgotten it?

…………………………………………………

 

A flower you are, of which garden

(Tumi kon kanoner phool)
[Love]

A flower you are, of which garden!
A star you are, of which sky!
A memory you are to me, 
                       That I can not place,
A dream you are, as if from far away.
When was it that you sang to me,
When was it that you gazed at me,
Those moments have as if, drifted by.
But those eyes of yours remain forever
Emphatic, awake in my heart.
Do not speak, as you leave,
Simply rest your eyes on mine. 
Simply dissolve into moonlight
                             With a smile.
Half awake, I gaze at the moon, 
My heart fills with mellowed honey,
Let the twin stars, such are your eyes
      Pour out their hearts to me.

…………………………………………………

In the aftermath of separation

(Jokhon bhanglo milon mela)
[Love]

In the aftermath of separation
Thought I’d never forget the tears I shed
Withered the garland as the days went by
Its flowers falling by the dusty wayside
I knew not when time erased memories

Heart hardenened with passage of time
Thought I’d never shed tears again
A chance meeting by the wayside
And my tears streamed unabated
Beneath that which I’d forgotten
Lay my tears rippling evermore

…………………………………………………

Do not call me

(Deko na amare)
[Love]

Do not call me, I beg you
Do not attempt to recall 
One who has left and moved on

My grief I have borne with me
Expectations I have none
Enough for me to have loved
Do not sprinkle your mercy
By sparing a glance at me

My tidal torrent of tears
Will take me off far away 
Away from shame and disgrace

When afar I go from you
Then it is you will know me
Do not cloak with a falsehood
Your indifference today

…………………………………………………

There comes the consummate one

(Oi mohamanobo ashe)
[Ceremonial]

There comes the consummate one,
All of earth is exuberant,
Her grass shivers with thrill. 
Conch-shells sound in heaven,
On earth, rap drum-beats of victory.
Approaches the moment for a great rise;
The hold of a moonless night 
                        Shatters to dust. 
In deep hope of a fresh start
There, where the sun rises over the hilltops,
'Have no fear!', sings a chant.
'Victory to emerging humanity,'
Thunders a voice in the vast sky.

…………………………………………………

Ever-new, let the fair moment

(He nuton, dekha dik arbar)
[Cerimonial]

Ever-new,
Let the fair moment of your birth
Release itself yet again
Dissolving mist, like the sun
Emerging from the heart of barren desert 
Expressing life victorious,
Expounding wonders of the infinite.
Conch shells resound in the horizon-dawn 
Within my heart 
Ponchishe Boishaakh
Echoes the call of the new-forever.

…………………………………………………

…………………………………………………..