Jharaphula (For A Flower That Withered Untimely) Poem by Namita Rani Panda

Let us take an oath today:
Neither during late night hours nor at the dawn,
Nor even during the broad daylight
We will steal flowers from other's garden,
Neither in the plea of offering the deity
Nor for adorning your high bun,
Neither for winning the heart of your beloved
Nor for playing with it as a cork,
Neither for preparing bouquets
Nor for decoration in the flower vase,
Surely flowers must have also the desire to flower fully,
To sway fearlessly in the swing of the breeze
To lose themselves in the colourful dreams of life.

Let's take an oath today
I will protect the flowers of my garden
And you yours,
And in the absence of the other, each other's,
The wilted flowers will flower again
Will sway heartily in the breeze without restraints
Spreading sweet scent so intoxicating.

Let's take an oath today
We will sign a contract with our successors:
That they will also look after the flowers properly,
We will train them how to take care of the flowers,
And if they neglect, we will reprimand them too,
Then only no flower will either wilt or die untimely,
Spreading sweet scents, they will enjoy their lives heartily.

Let's take an oath today only!