Maidenamelodies Poem by Subhojit Kar

Aparajita, Arati, Anamika, Arpita- -
names such as these
crowd in my tired, technical brain
and open up whole new vistas
clothed in the clever disguise
of so many bittersweet memories.

Damayanti, Dipannita, Dipti, Debolina- -
dulcet sounds like these
melt into glistening dewdrops
driving away the rumbling pebbles
which have gathered in my ears
all these dry, dull months,
and I feel like a new leaf
bathed in the first dewdrops of dawn.

Even names which had seemed so commonplace
when I was sleeping so peacefully
in the affectionate lap of my Bangla-Ma,
names like Protibha, Prova, Pronati or Paromita
now shine in the brilliant rays
of rare artistic grace
when I remember them
in this distant religious land
dotted with Vijaylaxmis, Shashikalas and Jayammas.

Rituporna, Ruby, Ratula, Roshni- -
my ear rings with the melody
of their lilting grace and haunting charm,
I see a host of butterflies
fluttering gaily about me
in all their colorful splendor.

Modhumita, Madhobilata, Modhumonjori or Moloya- -
as soon as I utter these names
I feel as if I am dripping my sambared tongue
into a cup of wonder
filled with the elixir
of a magic mixture
of pure honey and sweet nectar.

Swapna, Sagarika, Swati, Shinjini- -
the names come wafting in the breeze
carrying the sweet, sweet fragrances
of all the scented flowers
in this universe
and my eyes turn misty with remembrances
of my idyllic childhood and adolescence.

Oh, Bangla-Ma, how I long to see
your lovingly beautiful face
adorned by such radiant, fragrant names.

Note: Bangla-Ma refers to my home state of West Bengal personified as a Mother.