Three Spring Songs in Translations

Aha Aji E Boshonte

By Rabindranath Tagore

On this lovely spring day
So many flowers bloom
So many birds chirp away
And so many flutes play!
The beloved's heart
Was tender as a flower
Who was so uncaring
As to let it wither?
Why did he come close
Only to fake smiles?
Once so very close
Now would rather stay away!
But let such contented ones
Contented stay
Let their spring be bliss-filled
And let them feel fulfilled!
One so cruelly happy
Won't ever detect misery
Even in a woman's watery eyes
Alas, he'll not feel her pain,
Nor show any sympathy
Or glance at the woman again!

Boshonto Batashe

By Shah Abdul Karim

In the spring breeze, my friend,
In spring's intoxicating breeze
Scents from my dearest's garden
Keep drifting towards my house.

My dearest's house's garden
Lights up with colorful flowers then
Their beautiful scents enchant me
And bee-like, my mind starts humming.

In a corner of the grove
Of my dearest's house
I hear a flute playing—
A tune totally captivating.

It's a tune so overpowering
Its sheer beauty entrances me
Till totally overcome, Abdul Karim
Keeps looking her way dotingly!

Fakrul Alam is a Bangladeshi academic, critic and translator. Currently, he is UGC Professor, Department of English, University of Dhaka.

Raangie Diye Jao

By Rabindranath Tagore

Brighten up everything as you go—do—before you go away
Light up everything with your signature tunes and secret hues.
With your youthful smile and your purple tones,
With your wan tear-filled tunes too!
Let your colors touch the innermost me, impacting on all that I do
Let them light the evening lamp's wick and keep me awake at night.
Arouse me before you go away once again,
Stir my blood with the moves you make as you sway!
Just as stars awaken in the cradle of the dark night
Just as streams flow from stony caverns
Just as clouds rumble from the heart of clouds
Just as rhythms spring from the center of the universal dance
Sway me too as you go—do—before you go your way
Driving all tears and obstacles away!