Dr. Shefalika Verma
I demanded a drop of water
Though my thirst was wider than the ocean.
Like an ascetic young woman’s strange life
My mind was never drawn to any
This complaint never came to my lips;
Why didn’t it rain in my courtyard ?
My burning feet in the desert
Never craved for a shade.
Among the waves, far from the coast
My fate was like a trembling wave
No gift of happiness
And sorrows reigned untold
In the raindrops of tears
Though my dreams were drenched
They never burst into tears
Rays of light spread
Conditions were plenty
How can fragrance be aloof from flowers?
Dark night is tied to the loop.
Wherever you be, my love will be there
Wherever you be, my emotions will be there
That day didn’t come in my lifespan
My days were spent far away from you
On the strings of wounded breath
I sang hundreds of sorrowful separational songs.
***
[Translated from Maithili by Ayodhyanath Choudhary]