Special Section by Prabal Kumar Basu

As he wanders Along

Celebrating Prabal Kumar Basu’s Poetry

Marriage Anniversary (Original poem ‘বিবাহবার্ষিকী’) (Translated by Barnali Roy)

Our marriage anniversary is scheduled for tomorrow Today is the eve of annulment of our wedding Yet we hadn’t planned any festivities For either of the two events Slightly backdated, regulated and somewhat nagging too Surely you don’t enjoy it anymore Even I have recently overcome the shallow emotion To reminisce that special day. It’s winter, on the eve of our anniversary Let’s go for a walk For the last time let us walk together

I can feel the air of concealed excitement On the eve of the dissolution of the sacred vows You tripped while walking by my side I steadied you for the last time You took away your hand cautiously Somewhat frightened You realise, this unwanted marriage anniversary thrust upon us Has no worth anymore Instead tonight let us Speak of the forthcoming days Actually some of these days, still Secretly will belong Exclusively to us.

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