Ajit Barua
I've to finish writing Before my departure About certain issues through some other issues About certain issues Through the artifice of presenting some other issues Before my heart stiffens Before the moss of amnesia enters my mind I've to finish writing Before my departure. Because Therein I see the one who keeps beckoning me Where the Brahmaputra river meets the sky Turning into a whitened hue, turning into the thunder of clouds Turning into the stillness after a storm In the extreme west where a flock of crows freezes in flight I'm not prepared. I haven't Brought the map of Kamrup with me If summoned for an explanation, I've no deposition to show (In the middle of the Dwaipayan lake, boundary-stakes are fixed during moments of weakness : Why, after being acquainted with my creed, I remain Aloof from it !) Before my last breath I seek To write about my apathy for truth (Supreme truth is perceived only in absoluteness)
Translated by Krishna Dulal Barua
Ajit Barua was a modern Assamese poet, novelist, essayist and translator.
Krishna Dulal Barua is a prominent translator and writer based in Nagaon, Assam. He received the Katha Award for translation in 2005.