The World of
Assamese Poetry
Ananda Chandra Barua

Hafiz and I

Yes, it was I, I remember now
Who had drunk the fragrant wine of persia
With unquenched thirst
and with purling music had enticed my heart.

I was Khayyam and Hafiz, with flowing beard
And dozing eyes
Face clouded with dreams and riddles
Mind impassioned in eager love

Mellow on the pink grape wine
Overflowing the cask
I saw on leaves and trees and grass and sedge
But the passing of a moment of love

In the contours of Anarkali I saw
A deep sea of mystery
As if the wishes of the unseen one
Were but a strain of my love’s melody.

As if it was I who had served
The ease of poesy
Mixing wine with the Shirazi garden.

             [ Translated by Pradip Acharya ]

Ananda Chandra Barua (b. 1907 - d. 1983) was a major poet of 20th century. His collection of poetry includes Porag (1930), Paporir Porimal (1969), Bokul Bonor Kobita (1976) and Sei Nimati Puware Pora (1982). Rciepient of Sahitya Akademy Awad, Barua was also a playwright. Read more about him here.

       Poetry Home   Top of the page
Home | Assamese Fiction | Music From Assam
Visitor’s Comments | Sign Guestbook