Ramesh Kshitiz
Tomorrow I will not be in your town,
I will return to my country
in a way the wind swiftly touches
cherry blossoms and returns.
In a way the waves in the sea
return from the beaches,
and a bird returns
to its nest in the evening.
On my return, I will take along
souvenir of recollection that is like
an embroidery woven
with a dozen November days.
I will take with me a flower
of hospitality and a love song.
Now, in my heart
is a feeling of a cracked glass.
Like a tune of a flute
someone is calling out to me
as if from a distant place off-stage
Sayonara…my dear Sayonara.
Even after getting home,
half of myself will be left here –
around mount Fuji,
or near Narita airport.
On my way back home,
I will go with the images
of Japanese eyes,
Singaporean tears
Or the picture of a Thai laughter.
Love between humans
is itself a heaven.
Whatever of myself
is left here,
take a loving care
of that, my friend.
Trans: Mukul Dahal
A noted contemporary Nepali poet and lyricist Ramesh Kshitizhas two books of poems published in Nepali titled Arko Sanjh Parkhera Sanjhma and Ghar Farkiraheko Manis and Hindi translation ofGhar Farkiraheko Manis (Ghar Laut Raha Manis).He also has two collections of songs. Several of his songs have been sung by well-known singers such as Rajesh Payal Rai and Anju Panta. Winner of National Poetry Competition for the year 2011, he has been conferred on several prestigious awards including best lyricist of radio Nepal for the year 2000, Rapti Literary Award in 2012, Mohan Smriti Award in 2012.