Time to Go

The day is no more and the shade
is on the face of the earth with time to go
to the stream to fill my pitcher, for the evening
air is zealous with the sad music of the water.

It calls me into the dusk
with no passer-by in the lonely
lane winding through the twilight
and the ripples are rampant in the river.

I know not if I shall come back home
and I know not whom, by chance, I shall meet
but at the fording in a little boat
the unknown man plays his lute.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 74

Henry Victor          05.12.2012

Moment to Let Go Control

The time has come for you to take the helm

that I controlled in the past, and now the moment
for me to let go control has come, and I know
what there is to do will be done instantly.

Vain, therefore, is this struggle, oh my soul;
take away your hand, putting up silently

with your defeat and think it your good fortune
to sit perfectly still where you are presently placed.

I tried to light lamps forgetting all else are blown

out again and again at every little puff of wind;
but I shall be wise this time, my Lord, and wait in the dark
spreading my mat on the floor for you to take your seat.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 99

Henry Victor          25.11.2012

Time to Go

Now I have my leave to go my brothers

and sisters, hence, please bid me farewell.
I bow to you all and take my departure
and here I give back the keys of my door.

Now I give up all claims to my house
but ask only for last kind words from you
as we were neighbours for so long
when I received more than I could give.

Now the day has dawned and the lamp

that lit my dark corner is out
for a summons has come to me
and I am ready for my journey.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 93

Henry Victor          23.11.2012