Irrawaddy's Dreams Poem by KyawZwar Myint

Aged am I
To remember the course of history in time
Or to relinquish the glories of dynasties.
Yet so as I slumber, I dream.


I dream of my parents,
Mali and N'mai they are,
Fated to meet in the very shadow of heaven on earth
In their 'venturous journey to the south
From the land of white and snow.
So was I born of beauty and handsome
Be the most elegant and fairest of all.
So go on my timeless dream
For all tenses are one in my reign.


I dream of the tinkle songs of Pagodas
Singing out the prosperous days of Bagan
How peaceful the moment, I pause to wind
In my humble homage for the glory of Buddha
Whereas I appeased the tears of countless maidens
Of the dark time before.
So go on my timeless dream,
for all tenses are one in my reign.


I dream of my consort, Chindwin
Strong and wild he is,
The highlander of the west
How harsh the weather of the inner
But never did I feel the edge of heat or cold
In his gentle embrace and support.
So go on my timeless dream
for all tenses are one in my reign.


I dream of my journey's end
The alluring smell of the sea
Then many an offspring I had
Carrying on my will in each
The relentless urge to flourish
Just to see the fertile land to become rich
And a hunger soul forever perished
So go on my timeless dream,
For all tenses are one in my reign.


So I dream in the flow of time
For I see Past, Present and Future
Mingled in a single silver thread.
Many a rises and falls of glories, had I witnessed.
Many a lit' of blood, had I washed.
But never had I despaired, for I believed
The sun is rising in the East.
So go on my timeless dream
For all tenses are one in my reign.