Springtide passes with a smile, while parting
Leaves the caress of the last flowers on the forest's brow.
Likewise, you will have to leave, I know,
Your smile will flash
Blossoms of ashoka 26 will fall from your tresses marking the beats of a dance.
The raft for the parting game will keep on drifting
While I shall be staring on the lonely bank.
Whereas the setting sun will pour
26 Red flowers signifying "Absence of grief"
Coloured rays upon your sail
Behind the veil of my night
Darkness lingers.
[ shanai, "The Oboe", 1940]
86. Dream-Companion
She who had been wandering in my dreams
I had not recognised her as yet,
Having whiled my days away.
You called me at an auspicious moment
Relieved me of my shame,
I came to know who you are.
I can no more fight
Against this ceaseless doubt
To know who will turn me back
out of disgrace,
Who will greet me ever,
Who will attach some value to me
In the agony of her love.
Once when truly I understood only you.
[ shanai, "The Oboe", 1940]