Basu Shashi
One such flower is needed
Which can sacrifice the good fortune
Of becoming an offering to God,
Which can sacrifice the desire
To be woven into a garland.
I will dissolve its crimson beauty
Into my blood
Lifting it with my eyes;
Pumping it into my veins and arteries
I will offer it all my years,
And it will know that a flower can bloom twice:
Once in a plant,
Then in a man’s mind.
One such river is needed,
A river free from the fear
That should it stop flowing
It will stagnate;
Should the banks attempt to destroy its existence
By closing up,
A river with the courage to rise above them.
I will wash myself in it, dip myself in it,
Soak myself in it.
I will create loud ripples all over its body
With my touch.
I will splash it!
I will drink it and be fulfilled!
And it will also know that it is water
And that it can also turn others into water.
O yes! woman is such a flower,
Woman who is just a woman;
And such a woman alone can find a man,
A man who is not just a husband, who is also a man.
And only such a woman is that kind of a river
That can be called a bridge;
Others are widows, mere widows,
And those who share their beds
Are simply widowers.
[Translated by Padma Devkota for Contemporary Nepali Poems published by Nepal Academy]
[Though Basu Sashi is classed among story writers, playwrights, and lyricists as well, the title of a poet best suits him. A renowned author of modern poetic cult, Sashi considers poetry as the most beautiful means to know life. Basu Shashi was born on 8 March 1936 in Kathmandu, and started writing when he was eight. An extremely popular poet, his published works include collections of poems like Meri Usha, Kehi Kavita, Yeuta Yasto Phool Chahinchha, Basu Sashika Kavita, Yeuta Nadi Chha Ma Aaphai, a short epic titled Paani Gandaina, collection of lyrical poems Sashika Kehi Geet, a play Upahar etc. He received Bhawani Literary Journalism Award in 1992. Basu Sashi died on 17 March 1993 in India.