Affection for You

It was gleaming
with the gaze

Affection is dumb
Affection is deaf

Like a speaker it did not speak about
the matter
like a listener it did not listen to

Till the moment of parting
it kept waiting in the eyes

In the thick green
of the desolate woods
A tune is ringing faintly

Gazing at the eyes
I want to see

Is it still alive

Oh dear
No way, no way

Cleaving the heart
comes out
a curious sigh

In the teary gaze
is it still alive




(Original Assamese poem titled "Anurag tomar babe")

Tr. © Nirendra Nath Thakuria