All that my heart wishes for

আমার পরান যাহা চায়
amaro porano jaha chaay(audio)

All that my heart wishes for
You are the one, that you are.
In this world, apart from you
I have no one, nothing have I.

If pleasure you do not find
Go in search of happiness.
I have found you within me
Nothing more I desire.

Pining for you, in your absence
My self will fade, to live in you.
Long be the day, long be the night
Long be months and years that go by.

If you love someone else
If you never return
Then whatever you covet
That may you get
May all suffering be mine

Suffer I can a lot more hurt

আরো আঘাত সইবে আমার
aro aghat shoibe amar (audio)

Suffer I can a lot more hurt
Play a tune more severe
On my heartstrings

The melody you awaken
Scaled it has not the highest note
Thus in merciless tremors
Manifest your self in music

May it be caressed with more than mere compassion
Amidst a play of lullabies be not futile this life

Set ablaze all fires
May the winds roar out
Stirring all of azure
Do impart completeness

When did I leave home with your song?

কবে আমি বাহির হলেম
kobe ami bahir holem (audio)

When did I leave home with your song?
It was such a long ago.
When did I first long to see you, can't recall.
It was such a long ago.

I was a mountain spring
who doesn't know her love.
My heart flowed along with life.
It was such a long ago.

How many names did I give you then
How many times have I painted you?
In what delight have I walked my path?
It was such a long ago.

I was like a flower that waits at night
My heart hoping to find the light.
It was such a long ago.

On a cold dewy night

হিমের রাতে ওই গগনের দীপগুলিরে

himer rate oi gogoner deepgulire (audio)

On a cold and dewy night
Winter drew close her veil
Cloaking the lamps lit in the sky
She sent a message to each home
“Light up, o light up a row of lamps
Illumine with your own glow
Bedeck this earth with radiance”

Barren are flower gardens
Silent is the cuckoo

Kaash* wilts on riverbanks
The robin sings no more

Be gone ennui, grief dark
Light up a row of lamps
Illumine with your own glow
Proclaim the triumph of radiance

Wake up children of earth
The Gods gaze down

Light up, wake up the night
Day ends, darkness descends
Light up a row of lamps
Illumine with your own glow
Defeat dark ignorance

Kaash* : a tall species of grass that is usually seen in autumn

Whenever I wish to light the lamp

যতবার আলো জ্বালাতে চাই

joto bar alo jwalate chai 

Whenever I wish to light the lamp
It flickers out time and again
Your seat of honour in my life
Ever remains in deep darkness

Withered have roots of the last vine
Buds take form never to blossom
I serve you therefore, gifting my life's ache

The glory of worship
The power of piety
None have I, not a trace
This devotee of yours
Wears humble clothes of shame

None have come to this festival
The flute sings not, bedecked is not home
I have summoned you with my tears
To my temple that lies in ruins

Make me bow kneel down at your feet

আমার মাথা নত করে দাও
amar matha noto kore dao (audio)

Make me bow, kneel down at your feet
Submerge my arrogance in tears

To lavish honour on myself
All I do is insult this self
Encircling ensnaring my self
Each moment I spiral to death
Submerge my arrogance in tears

May I not promulgate myself
In work that is my very own
May fulfilled be your own desire
In this life that you have made mine

I pray to seek your utmost bliss
Bless me with your splendour supreme
Shrouding this vain ego of mine
Grace my spirit with your presence
Submerge my arrogance in tears

Today my heart has drifted off

আজি হৃদয় আমার যায় যে ভেসে
aji hridoy amar jay je bheshe (audio)

My heart drifts off today
In search of the one yet unseen
Oblivious of strings that fasten
It flutters, floats on with the breeze
Sailing upon the lap of clouds
To which land beyond the probable

There on solitary sea shores near the foothills
Monsoon clouds thicken
On dark Tamal* branches in the King's abode
Peacocks starts to dance
On hearing anklet bells
Beyond the distant wilderness

Tamal*: a tree associated with Lord Krishna

Come have I with great hope

বড়ো আশা করে এসেছি
boro asha kore eshechhi

Come have I with great hope
Do summon me to you
O mother please
Do not turn me away

The distressed and deprived
Have none to look after them
You will I know tend to them

Nothing more do I want
But to sit at your feet
Nothing more do I want
But to call you mother

If you shelter me not
Where will I find refuge
Roam about in tears where
Ahead I see
Deep dark illusions
And a dense dim night

(another version by Arunabha Sengupta)

Come do I with hope filled heart
Shelter me in you
Forsake not me,  o mother
Come do I with hope filled heart
Shelter me in you

No one does want the poor and needy
      I know you will – welcome them too

There is no more I desire
But abode at your feet
By just calling you mother
All my wants will I meet

Renounce if you where will I find refuge –
Where tearful will I retreat?

Hark, wherever I look –
Darkness abounds, deep is the night …

Alone I walk in this world

আমি একলা চলেছি এ ভবে
ami ekla cholechhi

Alone I walk in this world
Who will show me the way

Fear not, fear not
Go on yourself
Like the bee that surges ahead
With just the fragrance of flowers

Voice of spring in autumn

হেমন্তে কোন্‌ বসন্তেরই বাণী
hemonte kon boshonteri bani  (audio)

Voice of spring in autumn
The full moon does carry
As if paints floral dreams
Moonlight on Bakul* stems
What secret whisperings
The full moon does carry
Enraptured are forests
With untimely blossoms
Of the white oleander
Warbles time and again
The sleep bereft bird
Whose name no one knows
Sweet memories of whom
The full moon does carry

Bakul* - a fragrant white flower that grows in the Indian subcontinent

The day you had called me

সে দিন আমায় বলেছিলে
shey din amay bolechhile

The day you had called me
Time I had not in hand
You wandered to and fro
Before you went away

Time it was then to play
Fair of flowers in forests
Ever restless was breeze
Anxiously rustling leaves

Today heralds autumn
Dissolved has foggy mist
Departed has décor
The hours draw near
Is it now time?
Awaiting at the door
As day comes to a close
I look towards the road

My heart yearns to give you something

তোমায় কিছু দেব বলে
tomay kichhu debo bole

My heart yearns to give you something
Whether you need it or not
When I caught sight of you
I saw you roaming by yourself
In dense darkness of lonely woods
I wanted to light a lamp for you
Whether you needed it or not

I saw the people in the marketplace
Flinging filth and abuse at you
Amidst the dirt and dishonour
On and on played your lute
Engulfed in it’s own tune
I did wish then to garland you
Whether you needed it or not

They come in hordes singing your hymns
Many languages much tumult
Knocking hard at your door for alms
Cursing much, weeping even more
I yearn to give this self of mine
Unconditionally to you
Whether you need it or not

- circa 1918

Why did I not moisten with tears

কেন চোখের জলে ভিজিয়ে দিলেম না
keno chokher jole bhijiye dilem na
(audio) 

Why did I not moisten with tears
The dust and dryness of the road
Who knew you would come unbidden

Across the desert you traversed
Not a tree there was for your shade
The travails of the road you bore for me
Such is my wretched fate

Couched in indolence I was then
In shaded comfort of my home
I knew not how much pain
You suffered at each step
Yet that feeling resonated
In a secret grief deep within
Left it’s mark in my very core
A deep wound to bear on my heart

- 7th Apr 1914

Who wafted by my heart

আমার প্রাণের পরে চলে গেল কে
amar praner pore chole gelo ke (audio)

Who wafted by my heart
Like soothing breeze of spring
He touched me, brought me to my knees
Made flowers bloom in tens of thousands

Went by, without a word to me
Where did he go never to return
On his way he did gaze
What was the song he sang
So it is by myself
I sit in the garden

Like a wave he rippled
To go where the moon beams
With each thing he smiled at
He left back his laughter
From a corner of his eye
I think he beckoned me

Where should I go, where should I go
I think thus sitting by myself
He waved his wand of moonlit dreams
Dangled a string of flowers deep within
What was it he whispered to wild flowers
Their heady fragrance went away with him
Fervent is my heart, heavy are my eyes
Through which place to where did he go

A slight sensation a few words

একটুকু ছোঁওয়া লাগে
ektuku chhowa lage

A slight sensation a few words
With that I create spring serenade
In my heart deep within

A little intoxication
Of Palash* mingled with Champa**
With that I weave in many shades
Soulful tunes so many

The little that flows in
Slipping between moments
Paints dreams in a corner
Of the mind mesmerised

The little that drifts far away
Tingles thought in sweet melody
With that passes the hour and day
Keeping beat to the anklet bells

Palash* & Champa ** : flowers of spring

Singing your melody

তোমার সুর শুনায়ে যে ঘুম ভাঙাও
tomar shur shunaye je ghum bhangao (audio: Debabrata Biswas)

My sleep from which you awaken
Singing your divine melody
That slumber to me is charming
A companion to wakefulness
Do bless her with your touch

A deep hunger she has within
A concealed wish for radiance
In the bosom of my night she is
Your own beloved of the morn

For her breaks dawn in crimson skies
Awakens new hope in birdsong
Silent your footsteps sing to her
A welcome song of your advent
Tender bud of twilight she is
Do pluck her at sunrise

The flower that blooms now and then

নিত্য তোমার যে ফুল ফোটে ফুলবনে
nityo tomar je phool phote

The flower that blooms ever so often in your garden
Why not nourish this heart with it’s nectar
This heart that wanders like a bee
The assembly that gathers ever so often in your courtyard
Why not make this servant sing there

The world like a lotus blooms at the kiss of your step
It looks up to you with ardent devotion
Why not let my heart-flower look up to you evermore

The sun moon and stars pace the skies
Tireless your rivers speed to seas
Why not in that very same way
Make hasten the stream of my life
To seek forever the sea of nectar

You arouse a joy in the twitter of birds
You fill the flower with fragrance
Why not in that very same way
Ever bless this heart with your grace
This heart a beggar at your door

Whatever you may say

তোরা যে যা বলিস ভাই

tora je ja bolish bhai amar shonar horin chai 

Whatever you may say
My heart is set on one
Thief of hearts, fleet of foot
The golden deer I want

One who wanders and thrills,
Evading sight
Ensnared who cannot be
When within reach
Pushes to slip away
Blinding the eye
I will still chase the one
Futile be it
Whether or not I get
Lost in myself,
Amidst fields and forests
I lose myself

You can buy what you want
And fill up your store room
What cannot be acquired
Why does it stir my mind so
Lost the little I had
In search for what is not
Accumulations wane
But do I cry in vain?
I am at peace I smile
I have no deep sorrow
Lost in myself,
Amidst fields and forests
I lose myself

Shadows darken over the woods

ছায়া ঘনাইছে বনে বনে
chhaya ghonaichhe bone bone

Shadows darken over the woods
Clouds rumble in the skies beyond
Who knows when in first dense downpour
Secretly crept in screw pine flowers
At a silent signal from east
A moment on a sleep starved night
Set sail in the winds on which path
Which boat carrying monsoon fancies
The heart that was filled with nectar
In what fear enshrine it in thorns
On the way to a lover’s tryst
Did your heart catch a glimpse within
A sharing in quiet seclusion
Forgetting oneself in exchange

Many a time have I thought

কতবার ভেবেছিনু আপনা ভুলিয়া
kotobar bhebechhinu apona bhuliya

Many a time have I thought
To forget this little self
And bare my heart at your feet
To clasp you and say out loud
Secretly, my friend, how I love you

There you were the Lord of heavens
How could I tell you of my love
Though afar and away from you
All my life worship you will I
In solitary seclusion

None will know of my deep love
None will see the tears that flow
Now that you come today
How do I say aloud,
How much do I love you

O fallen leaves

ঝরা পাতা গো

jhawra pata go

O fallen leaves, your kindred soul I am
In much laughter and many tears
Phagun leaves with a farewell song

O fallen leaves, in colours chrome
Decked have you in final attire
Played so riotous a Holi
Amidst the dust and the green grass
In this closing saga of spring

Colour my raiment red and gold
Just like yours, in fiery hues
May the setting sun
Caress with a Midas touch
The few remnants of my life

Phagun/Phalgun : the penultimate month of the Bengali calendar
Holi : festival of colours celebrated on the last full moon day of Phagun

What melody is it that plays

কী ধ্বনি বাজে

ki dhwani baaje (audio)

What melody is it that plays
Amidst my deepest consciousness
In which joy resonates
My own heartstring
Amidst my deepest consciousness
In captivating honeyed touch
Unperturbed and stoic are thoughts

My heart is not in itself

আমার মন কেমন করে

amar mon kemon kore (audio)

My heart is not in itself
Who? Who knows for whom it quests

A bird of a path unseen, unknown calls out
Calls out to the distant horizons
My thoughts speed with gusty winds of the seashore

The bird of my dreams spreads it’s wings
Who chains me to a golden cage?

Thus.. your happiness with me..

তাই তোমার আনন্দ আমার 'পর..

(tai tomar ananda amar par)..

Thus.. your happiness with me..
And.. so have you come down.. to me..
Without me.. Lord.. of three-worlds,
Futile.. would be.. your love..

by virtue of me.. a display of your wares..
A play of emotions.. by virtue of me..
Taking varied forms, in my life..
Ripples, rolls your own.. wish..

Thus, as the king.. of kings,
In captivating garb..
You roam, amidst.. my heart..
Lord, ever-present.. are you..

Therefore, Lord, have you come to me..
this is your love..
In the heart.. of your devotee..
This is your form..
In this union.. of the twosome..
In this completeness.. expresses itself..

A tempest of joy swells in life

প্রাণে খুশির তুফান উঠেছে
praane khushir toofan uthechhey (audio)

A tempest of joy swells in life
Dams of fear and worry are smashed
To embrace with all might
To hold woe close to soul
This heart speeds forth
To vanish in a flash

Those whom the heart refused a shelter
Have all come crashing through the doors

I kept this self pristine with care
It rolls in the dust in delight

Today in full moon all have gone

আজ জ্যোৎস্নারাতে সবাই গেছে বনে

aaj jyotsnaraate shobai gechhe bone (audio)

Today in full moon all have gone
Gone have they to the woods
In this delirious breeze of spring

I will not go, not go
I will remain in my room
Alone in solitude
I will stay in my own corner
I will not go, not go
In this delirious breeze of spring

With tender care
I will tidy my room
I will remain awake
Who knows when He will come
If He does remember
In this delirious breeze of spring

Be that you speak not words

ওরে তোরা নেই বা কথা বললি

ore tora nei ba kotha bolli

Be that you speak not words
Standing amidst the mart,
Be that you rouse not streets
Futile is your furore
In vain your words galore
They only look and laugh
Be that you burn alone
Igniting your own heart
What lies deep within you
Be that you spread it not
Belittled in rumours
Be muffled the drumbeats
March forward in silence
Work if there is, go work
Shame there is, remove it
Who, when says what to you
Be not ruffled by that

Go forth alone

যদি তোর ডাক শুনে কেউ না আসে

jodi tor dak shune keu  na ashe (audio link)

If no one steps forth to your call, go forth alone
Go forth alone, go forth alone, go forth alone.

If no one speaks to you, o wretched one
If in fear they turn away their face
Open up your heart, speak out your mind
Alone, let your spirit tell it’s own tale

If they all turn back, o wretched one
If on deep dark dense paths, they do not look behind
Alone, let your blood stained feet crush all thorns.

If no one holds a light, o wretched one
If in dark stormy nights, doors are closed shut
Then in lightning fire, light up your own ribs
Alone let your heart go forth burning bright


Another version by Anandamayee Majumdar (a rendition in English is given here)

If all they do is disregard, won't you walk all alone
Traveler, solitaire, walk away, fly on your own.

If the people do not speak, make you feel apologetic
if they turn away, are truly meek
release your heart
make your voice big and energetic, voice all alone

when they turn a blind eye, leaving you solitary
'neath the dour sky
embrace the path
with its suffering and wounded sigh, walk all alone

if they do not hold a light, shark away in dire fright
they shut the door in the stormy night
Burn your heart
Let your blazing breath make the light, a light of your own

The path on which I walk

আমার এ পথ তোমার পথের থেকে

amar e poth tomar pother theke

The path on which I walk
Has swerved away far from your path
Will my flowers ever again
Wreathe into a garland for you
Your flute in distant breeze
Rings out, cries out to whom

Fatigued are my feet with every step
I sit on the road beneath tree-shades
In secret pining for a friendship lost
Where is the one to whom I can tell
Travellers go past lost in themselves
Leaving me behind by myself

It is joy enough to gaze at the road

আমার এই পথ-চাওয়াতেই আনন্দ

amar ei poth chawatei anondo (audio)

It is joy enough to gaze at the road
To watch the play of sun and shade
As rain and spring come and go

They all rush in front of my eyes
To and fro with day to day news
I am at peace, lost in myself
The breeze wafting gently by

On the look out all day
I sit alone at the door
If arrives asudden
That sacred moment
It is then I will glimpse

Till then in each and every hour
I laugh and sing lost in myself
Till then ever so often
Floats forth His fragrance