What is that light that plays on the waves
Of life’s currents?
Sitting alone on the lonely shore
I see it flickering in momentary flashes
It floats yet doesn’t flow away
Coming near, it often teases
To pick it up
Stretching out my hands
I wish to take a plunge.
But pause my heart, don’t rush
Even if you want
It can’t be caught
It is neither a pearl nor a jewel
Nor is it a floating flower
Everywhere it is present
Far and near, behind and before
To try to churn it out of life
Would be a great blunder.
Transcreation of song No. 53 – Jiban-srote dheuer pore/kon alo oi beray dule – from the collection Gitimalya by Rabindranath Tagore. It was composed at Santiniketan on 15th Pous, 1320 BS.
