SOLDIER

By Dinesh Adhikari

Wait! Don’t break the bangles on your wrist
The rhododendron on your plaited locks
So much suits your youthfulness
Washing your vermilion –
Stop! Don’t ruin your looks
By taring strings of beads
Don’t kill yourself in desires
The coruscating circular spot
Of vermilion on your forehead
Matches the luster of your cheeks.
Just because an epistle
Wound with raw thread has arrived*
I don’t agree, your man is dead
Should someone claim the deed,
He has not died in vain,
Your man! Be proud!
He –
Has made the land fertile
The land you grow your staple diet on,
The soil of our motherland!
In these difficult times of famine

When just a few grains on the forehead
Could come handy for someone in need
He has provided for one newborn
Who craves in the cradle !
You are the wife of a soldier
Don’t you know just this much –
Your husband who they say is dead
Like vapor from water and water from vapor
Now –
Has returned as your country – secure !

And if you ask me
Listen !
A soldier never dies
If at all he does
It’s the day he takes his oath

(Translated by Robin Sharma)

• Such a letter wound with raw thread bears the news of death.

[Dinesh Adhikari (b. 1959) is a Nepali poet and lyricist of high repute. He started writing around 1972. His published works include Antarka Chhitaharu (Sprays of the Inside, poems), Dhartiko Geet (Song of the Earth, poems), Aadim Aawaz (Ancient Voice, poems), Atirikta Abhilekh (Additional Archive, poems).  Aviram Yatra (Incessant Journey), Aaphnai Mann: Aaphnai Aagan (One’s Won Mind; His Own Front-Yard) and Man ra Modharu (The Mind and Melody) are his song collections. Indra Jatra (epic), Jungleko Katha: Jungleko Vyatha (Story and Plight of the Forest, a poetic drama for children), Braiyako Bhugol (The Geography of a Potter, a short epic) and Tasbir ko Katha (Story of Pictures, a memoir with photos) are his other others.  Poet Adhikari is a recipient of Madan Puraskar (1999), Sajha Award (1994), Manshree Award, Chhinnalata Song Award, Moti Award, Sarvanam Honor, Kavidada Literary Honour, etc. He lives with his family in Kathmandu.]