They Are Calling
SHYAMACHARAN Karmakar
Kolkata, West Bengal
Look, over there in the garden,
Rows of mango, guava, and banyan trees,
Everyone wants to be close,
How can I stay if they call me?
My heart is restless, my eyes wander,
I wish to touch them,
But mother, in your fear,
Can I really go out?
All my friends keep calling,
Calling through the window to play,
How can I forget them?
Can I forget that playful afternoon?
I search for the fragrance of trees,
I long for companionship, not isolation,
Can I stay in this empty room
When they are outside, waiting?
The butterfly says, "You're so foolish,
Come out, leave the house behind!"
The butterfly calls me near,
Waving its colorful wings.
The cuckoo, the dove, the myna,
The parrot and the sparrow flutter their wings,
Saying, "Come to the garden,
Does it feel good to stay alone?"
Can you not hear their call, mother?
Does it never reach your ears?
I wish to drown my heart
In games and the songs of birds.
They call me every day,
But your prohibition stops me,
Where will my heart's wishes fly
If I can't follow them?
How long will I stay with my books?
Who likes to stay locked inside?
The trees, the fields, the afternoon games,
They beckon and fill me with longing.
I want to touch them, mother,
Give me a break from studying,
The boys are all playing in the field,
Let me join them and make a team.
Mother doesn't care at all,
She says, "Stop these childish requests,"
"If you can't focus on your studies,
Just draw the pictures your teacher gave you."
At her command, I put down my book
And picked up my drawing pad,
The crowd gathered as I drew,
While tears filled my eyes.
Tears roll down my cheeks,
Water gathers in the corners of my eyes,
Childhood dreams slip away,
And my heart aches when the evening comes.