Tagore: Karna Kunti Sangbad Poem by Arun Maji

Don't fear, o mother,
I predict, Pandavas will win the war.
In light of the star,
I see awful end engraved in night's attire.
At this serene silent moment-
I hear from endless sky,
the song that sings fruitless effort and hopeless striving.
I see that peaceful empty end.
Please, don't ask me abandon those
who would certainly lose.
Let Pandavas be the the victor, let them be king,
I shall live amongst those
who only lose and despair.
In night of my birth, you have abandoned me on earth
nameless, homeless.
Today too,
with your same cruelty, o mother,
leave me,
in poor honour-less defeat.
But bless me with your heart, o mother,
neither lust for win, nor desire for fame or fortune
can derail me from path of brave and true.

Translation by Arun Maji