Ephemeral Poem by Sunil Gangopadhyay

Ephemeral

Rating: 3.4


Neera, sometimes, it seems
you are more distant
than even the day I was born.
You walk alone --
in the autumn-woods.
The rustle of leaves
under your tender feet,
fill the air!
The mountains, sloped like a bullock's neck
meet the horizon,
and the evening sun
resounding its victory-cymbals
sets behind those hills.
All these, Neera, seem more distant
than even the day I was born.

Sometimes, when I've looked at the sky,
I've seen a dying star.
I feel a shiver in my heart,
my eyes come down to the earth
and to the world all around.
At those times, Neera,
I feel a strong desire
to fight all that is born to die!
I wish to place the flag of the Heavens
in your almond-hued palm,
and tell the whole world,
that the ray of mystical light
falling on your chin,
shall stay arrested, forever.
At that moment,
in the distant leafstrewn woods,
I see your enigmatic smile!

You know Neera,
that the white pigeons that fly in the evening sky,
even they are obscured by darkness!
like the light of our eyes,
and like all worldly sorrows!
It's only the misery of man
that stretches beyond his lifetime.

[Translated from Bengali poem 'Nashbar' by Sheila Sengupta]

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Dr Antony Theodore 09 June 2019

Sometimes, when I've looked at the sky, I've seen a dying star. I feel a shiver in my heart, my eyes come down to the earth and to the world all around. Neera and nature, magnificent. tony

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Adeeb Alfateh 09 June 2019

IT'S BEAUTIFUL- You know Neera, that the white pigeons that fly in the evening sky, even they are obscured by darkness! // GREAT 10+++++++++++++++++++++++

1 1 Reply
Ratnakar Mandlik 09 June 2019

" I feel a strong desire To fight all that is born to die" Congrats, well deserved modern poem of the Day.

1 1 Reply
Kumarmani Mahakul 09 June 2019

Delightful expression has been made on Neera and Nature. It is a beautiful poem by Sheila Sengupta and is well translated by you. Thanks and congratulations.

0 1 Reply
Rajnish Manga 09 June 2019

Sir, the original Bengali poem has been written by the renowned Poet-Novelist Sunil Gangopadhyay and has been beautifully translated by Ms Sheila Sengupta.

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Chinedu Dike 09 June 2020

Well expressed thoughts and feelings, an insightful creation............

0 0 Reply
Mahtab Bangalee 09 June 2020

Neera with you everything beautiful but crawling around the time no modesty in its character Neera truly l lost you into the uncivilized jaw of the time Neera now you are far away maybe singing lullaby in the lap of moony grandma look at my earthly cradle carrying undertaker Neera, the time leaves not me also oh ephemeral all here

1 0 Reply
Sylvia Frances Chan 09 June 2020

I feel a strong desire To fight all that is born to die to place the flag of the Heavens in your almond-hued palm, and tell the whole world, An excellent translation by Sheila Sengupta, my great Applause for you dear Poetess! A most deserving Modern poem of the Day. Congratulations! Beautiful and pittoresk!

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Dr Antony Theodore 09 June 2020

Sometimes, when I've looked at the sky, I've seen a dying star. I feel a shiver in my heart, my eyes come down to the earth and to the world all around. very fine poem. tony

2 0 Reply
Dr Antony Theodore 06 August 2019

The mountains, sloped like a bullock's neck meet the horizon, and the evening sun resounding its victory-cymbals sets behind those hills. beautiful and picturesque. tony

2 0 Reply
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Sunil Gangopadhyay

Sunil Gangopadhyay

Faridpur / Bangladesh (British India)
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