Classic Poem

Ho now, Beguni! your lover's coming tonight
so comb your hair, coil your braids high
hush, Kirtinasha's rising, racing, drenched in desire
under the last full moon in this season of sighs

Damodar, the wind's husky voice is sweet tonight
hope's phantoms rock the tethered boat
water kisses it, night clasps its planks
seeking sleep's secret in the dripping rain

foamy waves whirl wildly over rippling arms
soaked ribs quiver in the rampaging wind
ho now, Beguni! never mind your scented clothes
no tired feet, no darkened doorways, forget them tonight

tomorrow Kirtinasha will ebb and flow as always
tonight is different, Damodar, tonight's call is different.

[Translated from Bangla by Carolyn Brown ]