DIPANKAR Bera
Narendrapur, West Bengal
Jhinukmala, Jhinukmala,
where do you reside?
Come to my home now and then,
don't ever try to hide.
Cross the fields of far-off dreams,
through a forest small and green,
There I stay, your dearest friend,
in a land so calm, serene.
Sit upon the woven stool,
bathe in pond so wide,
Have some puffed rice on a plate,
with betel leaves beside.
Leaves will fan a gentle breeze to
cool your glowing face,
Even the sun will blush for you
and hide in cloud’s embrace.
Jhinukmala, Jhinukmala,
hear your footsteps fall,
The winding path is grinning bright
beneath the sunshine’s call.
Red-auntie sighs when she sees you,
her heart begins to race,
On the fence the black drongo sings
from the vines with grace.
Flicker, flutter, giggle, glitter —
nothing stays quite still,
Water bugs peek in and out
near lilies by the hill.
Palm fruits drop and herders run,
little Shon is bright,
Jhinukmala, this one’s for you —
a song of pure delight.
Lotus blooms and lilies smile,
the flute begins to sway,
How the queen’s long golden hair
dances all the way!
Jhinukmala, gently come,
to this home of mine,
Call it yours and never think
you’re not part of the line.