The Ecstasy of Creation (Aj Srishti Shukher Ullashey)

A tempestuous flood-tide comes today roaring
into the crevices of my shuttered soul.
In the joy of creation come crowding
laughter and tears, and bondage and freedom
and a sadness from the depth of my desolate heart.

Today my heart breaks into pieces
and words gush forth from my lips
and a joy is born out of bitter melancholy.

Piteous groans and heart-rending sighs fill the air.
The sea heaves, the sky seems to tilt and roll,
and a hurricane begins to blow,
Comets and meteors appear bent on
upsetting the whole creation.

I watch this mad crazy tumult
and in the ecstasy of creation,
the flowers of a million gardens
radiantly smile in my breast.

Today fire smiles and spring heaves
languid sights,
While Cupid shots his unerring arrow
dipped in blood.

Ashok, Palash and Shimul fall ready victims
and a pink glow spreads on all sides,
even over the yellow dress of the
village lass.

Excerpts from translations by Professor Kabir Chowdhury