Rabindranath Tagore (Photo credit: Cea.)
As human beings we cry more than we laugh,probably it’s our habit, we do not appreciate the things we get and never think about them,we tend to think it is our right and it is not that big a deal,when we receive something. So when the question arises when was the last time I was deliriously happy,I had to go inside my brain to find out.
I was requested by a friend of mine to translate Tagore’s poem. This was something I did not try,because I was not confident and also afraid I might make a mess of it.At the same time I was not ready to admit I could not do it.
I leafed through the pages of Tagore’s collection of poems and spotted one that seemed one I could dare to try:
The title is: “Remember” by Tagore
I do not have any recollection of my mother.
only when I go out to play I hear a tune ringing in my ears,
the sound mixes with my mother’s words in the middle of my game.
I wonder did my mother sing while rocking my swing___
My mother is no longer here,but she did not forget to leave her song .
I do not remember my mother.
In early morning in September the white flowers in the garden,
are swayed by the wind which spread their scent wet with dew;
why does my mother’s words echo in my mind;
perhaps my mother’s scent and the basket of flowers came into contact ,
with the scent of Pooja flowers and came to me.
I only remember my mother when I sit in the corner of my bedroom;
and I look at the sky,instantly I feel my mother is looking at me;
she left her look all over the sky to remind me of her presence.
When I completed the translation,I published it. My friend’s comment was very generous and his comment gave me the feeling,he has read the Bengali version.The truth is he is not a Bengali.Therefore I was proud and happy that my first attempt was okay.I translated it in October 2012.It was a memorable day for me,my joy knew no bounds,I was very happy after a long time.
Sabethville 