The Colors of Life

Radha Krishna Bhattarai


Until we go passing
the way we pass is ours
then it becomes others’.
– our footprints do not remain permanently
– The scent of our perfume doesn’t last long
like new leaves in place of withered ones
one goes, another comes out
another goes, and still another comes.

***

Even if we are not
these strong mountains will remain standing as usual
these dancing streams will be dancing as usual
these luxurious valleys will be sleeping as usual
waiting for someone.

***

The house we live in is ours
until we live
then it becomes someone else’s.
– The momentary warmth of our relationship doesn’t remain any longer
– The sweet echoes of our breathing remain no longer
only like the waves that touch the beach and roll back
one comes, another goes
another comes, and still another goes.

***
Even if we are not
these immense, steep mountains consisting of rocks and rocks
these immovable forest trees clasping one another closely
age-old, archaeological temples and mosques
these monuments, and churches will be sitting sadly
waiting for someone.

***

The glass that we look into
will only reflect our faces till we keep looking
the ‘ chautara ‘ where we take rest is ours
only until we seek shelter and get comfort from perspiration
then it becomes someone else’s
***

In a pond,
as a ripple created by a boat
dies out itself
our presence is like that.

***
It means we are like a rainbow
of sorrows and happiness
of pleasure and wonder
of love, war and hatred
of varied colors in our eyes
that get lost
and go into oblivion
in a moment.

***
[Translated into English by Ayodhyanath Choudhary]