Elude Me Not

In the dark rainy July with invisible steps

you walk silent like night eluding all watchers!

And today the morning has closed
its eyes unmindful of the resolute calls
of the east wind and a thick veil is drawn
over the ever-wakeful blue sky.

The woodlands too have silenced their songs

and doors of all the houses are shut
while you, my only friend, a solitary wayfarer
is in the street completely deserted.
 
My beloved the gates are open in my house;
so do not pass by my home like a dream!

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 22

Henry Victor          02.01.2013

Ineffable

I boasted among men and women
that I had known you, and they see
your picture in all my works
and ask me, ‘Who is he?’

I do not know to answer them
so I say, ‘Indeed, I cannot tell.’
Denouncing me, they go away with disdain
while you sit there smiling.

Then I put stories of you into songs
as inspiration rush from my heart
and men and women come to me
saying, ‘Tell us the meaning.’

I do not know to answer them
so I say, ‘Who knows what they mean!’
Denouncing me, they go away with disdain
while you sit there smiling.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 102

Henry Victor          14.11.2012