By Lakshminath Bezbaroa
O Friend, what shall I talk of my woes Poison came out in churning nectar The sweet honey turned bitter I wore a jasmine wreath on my bun Its petals fell off I kept the bird in a gold cage That too flew off At dusk a togar bud blossomed When the evening breeze sighed Seen by none smelt by none That too wilted and died
Translated by Nirendra Nath Thakuria
Lakshmiath Bezbaroa (b. 1864-d. 1938) was a renowned poet, novelist, playwright and satirist of Assam.
Nirendra Nath Thakuria, retired Associate Professor of English, is a translator.