1. Aamar Khela Jokhon Chilo Tomar Shone

Interpretation:

Translation:


In the games that we played together, my friend, 
I knew not who you were. 
My mind knew neither shyness nor fear, 
Life meandered along through its swirling eddies. 

At the crack of dawn when I heard your call
The cry of one twin soul to another, 
Along with you in blissful abandon
I ran the forest trails. 
The songs that u sang for me, my friend, 
I knew not what they meant, 
But my heart, it sang with its haunting melody 
And my whole being danced to its rhythm. 

Our play has now come to an end 
And Oh! What is this I behold? 
The heavens stand still - and the sun and the moon 
In awe, I lower my gaze to find 
The world resting at your feet - motionless, alone...



Original Poem:

2. He Shokha Momo Hridoye Roho

Interpretation:

Translation:

Stay close to my heart always dear friend...
in my daily grind, in my waking and sleeping, in my meditation and in my awareness...

Dear lord, come slowly but keep me always in your embrace....
in my laughter and in my tear filled life...

Encircle me with your loving presence...
bless my every breath, every work and the entirety of my existence...fulfill me and make me whole...



Original Poem:

3. Bhenge Mor Ghorer Chabi

Interpretation:

Translation:

Come break down my door O Lord

Who will come break down my door and take me away? 

Without seeing you, my day stands still. 

O friend, I eagerly await your arrival. I scan the skies and see bright stars eagerly await dawn. 

I see night gently preparing for its transition into day, the first blush of dawn begins to peep. 

Will your chariot not come and stop at my door? 

Once you make your appearance, all else will fade and go to its final resting place. 

As day breaks, I watch friends singing in unison, arm in arm and walk together joyfully. 

I sense flowers bloom, beautiful melodies from the strains of the Veena and happiness swell all around. 

I eagerly and keenly await your arrival. 

Will you not come to my door?

Original Poem:

4. Ei To Tomaar Aloke Dhenu

Interpretation:

Translation:


Under the vast sky of the universe
Where dos you sit and play your flute?
And graze the herd of rays
Emanating from the stars and sun
As a herd of cows.

The tender blades of grass raise their heads
New leaves adorn the branches of trees
And the herded rays
Flock towards the flowers and fruits.

Where do they run, to far away distances all day
Raising a dust storm?

Yet at days end
You bring them back to their shed
To the tune of your evening's melody.

All my hopes and thirst wanders hither and yonder
O shepherd of my life, will you call out to me at dusk?

Original Poem:

5. Modhuro Tomar Shesh Je Na Paai

Interpretation:

Translation:


Dear sweet lord, even at days end, I find no end to your benevolence
I see its joyful aura envelop the entire world.

At end of day with the last trailing whiff of the evening cloud
My mind hums along, losing itself unto somewhere unknown.

The heady fragrance of weary evening flowers wafting in the breeze
fill my entire being with its invisible embrace.

At this hazy dusk against the backdrop of the dark earth
I hear in the woods and beyond the lingering strains of your eternal song.



Original Poem:

6. Nibiro Ghon Andhare

Interpretation:

Translation:


In the dark of this worldly night, don't get distressed and lose yourself dear mind.
Remain steadfast instead like the pole star.

Don't get cowered down amidst life's pains and sorrows
and stop your joyful life songs.
Liberating yourself of desires, make this life self fulfilling.

Have strength, have eternal hope
And in this beautiful world, have love always in your heart.

Traverse through life's joys and sadness ever-smiling
By filling your heart with the Almighty's divine grace.



Original Poem:

7. Aamra Nuton Jouboneri Doot

Original Poem:

Interpretation:

Translation:

We are messenger youths of the new age
We are restless and we are strange

We break barriers and we also get intoxicated with the red color of the Ashok forest
We are the lightening
That tears apart the unity of the severe storm

We make mistakes
We plunge into infinitely deep waters and struggle
Yet we find the shore

Wherever we get called
Amid storms of life and death
We are ever ready

8. Dinguli Mor Shonaar Knhachay

Interpretation:

Translation:

My colorful days in this golden cage no longer remain.
Despite their bond with my laughter and tears, they still do not remain.

I had hoped that they would learn the life-songs of my soul.
But those colorful days went by without telling me all.

I have a dream that those colorful days wander around my broken cage, as if awaiting someone.

Are they merely a bird-shadow like figment of my imagination? How then can so much pain that I feel possibly be unreal?
Does nothing pass by in the horizon, of those colorful days of mine?



Original Poem:

9. Krishnokoli Aami Tarei Boli

Interpretation:

Translation:

I named her after the Krishnakoli flower.
I saw her in the meadows on a dark cloudy day
Her, who village folk call dark complexioned
That doe eyed dark girl

Her head was completely uncovered
Her carefree plait wavering against her back
Dark? No matter how dark she be
I have glimpsed her dark doe eyes

Dark clouds descend, enveloping the day in darkness
A pair of dark cows call out in response
She comes rushing out of her hut on hearing this
And frowns up at the sky
Dark? No matter how dark she be
I have seen her beautiful dark doe eyes

The easterly winds arrived suddenly
And swayed a wave across the paddy field
I stood alone beside the path between fields
There was none around anywhere in sight
And just she and I knew that she looked up at me
Dark? No matter how dark she be
I have witnessed her beautiful dark doe eyes

In just this way, dark as kohl clouds
Arrive at summer's end towards Ishan (the northeast)
Soft dark monsoon shadows then follow
Descending gradually into the dark tamal forest

In just this way on such a monsoon night

My heart unexpectedly fills up with joy

Dark? No matter how dark she be
I have experienced her beautiful dark doe eyes

I named her Krishnakoli
No matter what anyone else calls her
I had seen her in the field near the Moynapara area of the village
This doe eyed dark girl
She did not veil her head
So had not a moment to feel bashful
Dark? No matter how dark she be
I have seen her beautiful dark doe eyes

Original Poem:

10. Aamra Bendhechi Kaasher Guccho

Interpretation:

Translation:

We have bundled bouquets of kaash flowers
Threaded shefali garlands
And placed auspicious tender tops of the paddy flower
All in our traditional bamboo casket
To greet and welcome you.

Oh goddess of autumn, our beloved Lakshmi
Please come in your pristine cloud chariot
Along the pure blue path
To the wooded hills and mountains
Wearing your white lotus crown, sprinkled with dew.

On the banks of the brimming Ganga
Amidst the secluded grove
We have spread for you
A mat of beautiful malati flowers
Where the swans eagerly await
To spread their wings and surrender at your feet

Emanate resounding tunes from the strings of your golden Veena,
Surrounded by soft and sweet rhythms and melodies
Joyful tunes will flow amidst momentary tears of joy

If you bless my heart fleetingly with the gentle, loving touch
Of the touchstone that is glittering amidst the curls of your locks
All worries will turn to gold
And all darkness will come to an end



Original Poem:

11. Ore Nuton Juger Bhore

Interpretation:

Translation:

In the dawn of this new age
Do not aimlessly while away the time
By deliberating endlessly about good and bad
What will happen and will not happen
What will remain and will not remain

Into this dilemma O analyst
Will you immerse your thoughts?

The way the waterfall plunges
At great velocity through the formidable mountains
Jump the same way
Into the unknown and without a care

As many hurdles as dissuade you along the way
Your unbridled strength will duly arise from within
And you will conquer the unknown
To make known

You will hear victory sounds along the way
And the pace of your feet will take you beyond the path
Tarry no more



Original Poem:

12. Ogo Nodi Aapon Bege

Interpretation:

Translation:

O river as you gush at your frantic pace
I, a silent and still champa tree
Spread my intoxicating fragrance and lose my sleep

I stay ever still, keeping untold my way forward
But my way forward is in the arrival of the new leaves
My way forward is in the blooming of the flowers

O river as you rush at your frantic pace
And lose yourself as you traverse new paths of the wild
My way forward though is difficult to explain

Only the sky understands its joy
As do the still stars of the night
Because it is the way forward of the heart towards the light




Original Poem:

13. Tora Je Jaa Bolish Bhai

Interpretation:









































Translation:


No matter what you say, I want that golden deer
That captivating and restless golden deer is what I desire

It startles about and evades my sight
It cannot be tied down
It jolts me and run swiftly away the minute it gets a chance,
Tricks me in the blink of an eye as I try to catch it
And I get lost in the meadows and woods
But I will still pursue it, whether I get it or not

You buy at the fair all that your heart desires
And secure them in your homes
But what I cannot get
Why does its absence sway my heart?

Whatever I have, I have lost
In chasing that which I do not have
But am I crestfallen at the thought
That my storehouse is now empty?

Ever smiling, I wander the meadows and woods
Happily as I lose myself



Original Poem:

14. Prangoney Mor Shirish Shakhae

Interpretation:

Translation:

With the onset of spring at days end, as the chirping of birds quietens unto the stillness of evening

The lebbeck (shirish) tree in my courtyard, is intoxicated and exuberant with its tireless game of blossoming flowers

Everyday, that fully bloomed shirish flower

Asks me every time it sees me

Has it arrived? Has it really arrived?

On a similar day last year

In the ecstatic month of spring

An enthralling heavenly rhythmic dance of

the tinkling of some heavenly anklets

arose on the branch of the shirish tree

Everyday the anxious flowers ask from the depths of their heart

Tell me, has it not arrived yet? Has it really not arrived?

Similarly again when on such a day in spring,

Its branches, with great confidence and agog with excitement

At the sound of imagined footsteps of the anticipated one

Will alertly await its arrival and its branches will speak to me everyday

With great belief and through the sounds of the passing breeze

Does it arrive? Does it really arrive?

I ask this flower filled splendour 

And the night stars of my destiny  

Has my relentless waiting and counting of moments not ended yet?

Everyday the whirling winds fill my courtyard 

But has it finally arrived? Has it really arrived?

Original Poem:

15. Jodi E Aamar Hridoy Duaar Bondho Rohe Go Kobhu

Interpretation:

Translation:

If ever you see the doors of my heart closed,
Break them down and enter into my heart
Do not turn away my Lord

If ever from the strains of the Veena of my soul
You do not hear songs in praise of You,
Stay around,
Do not turn away my Lord

If ever you find me sound asleep and I am unaware to your call
Jolt me awake with the pain of your thunderous awakening
But do not turn away my Lord

If ever I affectionately situate another at Your altar
Even then do not turn away my Lord
For You are my King of Kings for now and evermore



Original Poem:

16. Tumi Joto Bhaar Diyecho She Bhaar Koria Diyecho Shoja

Interpretation:

Translation:

Whatever hurdles you have placed before me Lord
You have showed me the way to ease their load
But whatever hurdles I have accumulated along
Have all now become burdens O Lord 

Set down this burden dear Friend, set down this burden
I know not where I am being thrust forward with its weight
Stop this journey O Friend, stop this journey  

Sorrows I draw unto me, consume me like the fire of lightening
Its hot embers stay with me and yet I attain nothing
But the agony of sorrows you bestow upon me
Drench my soul like the pouring rains of Shravan and bless me 

All that has ever been imparted to me, I have held fast
Whoever sees it, asks me for explanations
Yet none forgives me 

Set down this burden dear Friend, set down this burden
I know not where I am being thrust forward with its weight
Stop this journey O Friend, stop this journey. 



Original Poem:

17. Ki Gabo Ami Ki Shonabo

Interpretation:

Translation:

O my beloved Lord, amidst this joyous gathering today, what shall I present, what shall I sing?

To this divine music in praise of you my Lord, I have invited everyone from here and yonder. 

How can I possibly describe your creations?

How can I possibly propagate your benevolence?

And how can I possibly win hearts with your divine love?

In your name, the sun and the moon surge forward into infinity

And shower your love from the sun to planets and yonder planets, enveloping them all

Enchanted with your radiance

Your ocean of melody incessantly flows 

Amid the uniformly blue, lotus like infinite sky

O my Lord, at this joyous gathering today, what shall I sing?

Original Poem:

18. Shudhu Tomaar Bani Noy Go He Bondhu He Priyo

Interpretation:

Translation:

Dear friend, dear beloved
I wish to not just hear your message
but I also want to feel your touch

I know not how to shed the weariness of my travels
I know not how to quench the thirst of my day
I know not the way forward O Lord
Tell me that this darkness is filled with You

My heart longs to give, not just take
So it wanders around carrying all I have gathered
Outstretch your hands O Lord and touch mine
I will be blessed by your grace and keep it always near me
I will then proceed with my lone beautiful journey



Original Poem:

19. Shunno Hathe Phiri He Natho

Interpretation:

Translation:

With empty hands I wander door to door from one path to another O Lord
I feel my heart, an eternal beggar, eagerly awaits somebody day and night
Not only is my heart unfulfilled, my thirst also does not quench
I lose all that I gain and get washed away by my own tears

The day draws to an end and all travelers have departed
The dark night lies ahead of me hence my day's play has also come to an end
So many paths are yet to traverse but I will now depart, leaving my alms behind
I know not across which waters and in which home has my lamp been lit



Original Poem:

20. Tumi Aamader Pita

Interpretation:

Translation:

You are our Father O Lord
May we perceive you as our Father
May we respectfully obey you
Be not cross O Father, be not cross

O Father, O Lord
Case aside all our shortcomings and wrongs
Give us whatever you feel is good
Give us whatever satisfies you

From you emanates contentment
From you emanates all that is good
And in you is all that gives contentment
And in you all is that is good

You are all good O Lord, you are all good
You embody the essence of all goodness
I bow down to you O Lord, I bow down to you.


Original Poem:

21. Maajhe Maajhe Tobo Dekha Pai

Interpretation:

Translation:

I feel your presence sometimes
Why can I not see you always?

Within my heart that is as expansive as the sky
Why do clouds appear and not let me see you?

In a sudden flash of brilliance
In the blink of an eye when I see you
In my anxiety and fear of losing you
I lose you in an instance

Tell me what I can do to keep you ever visible and within me
Where will I find so much love to keep you in my heart?

I vow with all my might O Lord to look at none other and expect no more
And if you say, I will immerse my all.


Original Poem:

22. Shoda Thako Anonde, Nirbhoyo, Nirmolo Pran E

Interpretation:

Translation:

Traverse life always happy with purity of heart and without fear

Wake up with joy at the break of dawn and work your day joyfully,
Singing joyfully return home at dusk.

In this journey, stay blessed in abundance and in hurdles
In criticism and disrespect, remain always joyful and steady

Stay joyful, forgiving all
Absorbing from the ever present flow of happiness that this world has to offer



Original Poem: