Two poems of Rukhsana Kajol

Horipriya

Dear Horipriya,
I was looking for a lost noon but accidentally discovered that I ambushed a memory-house.
All those known roads opened up the bushes of holy basil and lady of night
In them I hear the tune of lost melody.
Rusted gates wrapped with Hiptage
Thick ring of bright red
Beds of faded yellow Oleanders pass
The melody laments and floats in the air around the open veranda.

You had everything, dearest mom
Your own man and his love
So many busy times with work.

Sitting in the porch alone
Why cry still through the summer-noon?
In one life, how many more worships do you owe?

The noon rendered, the tune also gave
Not just able to figure out
Which road to take to find them-
Days end, at the ghat of sacredness
I still sing, my tender heart tunes.
Horipriya, my dearest, know for sure
All your worships and deeds will still remain undone.

[Translated by Razia S Pell]

Courage

My courage demolishing the angry sky of yours. How many times you bulldoze my dream do you remember!
Do you remember the depression you brought wrapped in the brown pouch, broken pieces of sugar candy, rat-bitten potatoes and the moments of dyed tortures?
Under the clean shirt, deep down in the heart you are a monocrat, your brutal rules, threats and false blame — who cares now?
Your seal mark of ownership, whip all over the back but were you able to suppress me?
The moon sings in my soul, emotion trembles open itself, water birds come and sit on Keya-bush, they copulate, the earth overflows with joy to know rain will set in for sure…

[Translated by Razia S Pell]

About the translator
Razia S Pell is a poet and translator. She studied international relations at the University of Dhaka. A teacher by profession, Razia is now living in the United States.
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