Friendship Poem by Ravikumar C.P.

Hindi poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Translated by C.P. Ravikumar


Friendship neither puts you to test
Nor takes one to prove itself.
Let me define it for you
Friendship is what recognizes the trace
Of tears even on a rain-drenched face.

I had a dialogue with God today,
We spoke a lot about me.
'What wonderful friends I have, ' I said,
'I feel I am so lucky.'
God smiled a knowing smile,
'Take good care of them, ' he said.
'Remember they are my treasures
Which you have inherited from me.'

Days will be bygone and fond memories will remain.
Little incidents will turn into stories.
But friends, they will remain close to your heart,
Sometimes as smiles and sometimes as tears.