Poem by Bijoya Mukhopaddhay
Once I Die
once I die
Love must die with me
Leaving the world as free as a widow harlot,
Free as a man in utter misogyny
Mere hubbub on motherhood,
Terror in the name of union
The sheer wantonness in love
Scatters filthy air all around
Love walks the way the animal does,
In cities, in its houses on the roads.
In villages and meadows
It wears out and rusts.
I've watched for long
The weariness in her eyes.
I must die. Along with me the love will depart.
We both leave blessings behind.....
O mother earth! Let loose your burden now.
translated by Jayita Mukherjee
