Sunset Poem by Samarendranath Mahapatra

Had I ever thought
I would be so lonely?

I had an memorable fame,
an abundance of wealth,
so many houses, forts,
numerous generals,
followers;
so many relationships
of blood and bones—
so many.

Where did everything go?
Where are the spectators clapping,
waving their handkerchiefs;
the women throwing their kisses;
The lovelorn letters?
Where are these?

All around is only
a mysterious darkness;
under the debris
over the debris of yesterday,
in the heart's cave,
the dreamful sighs again and again..
Does everyone retiring home
lose his addresses, tease himself
in front of the mirror

There is very little time
To know, to understand.
The spiky nails of the hedge trees
enclose me.


Translated from original Odia by Bibhu Padhi