AFTERTHOUGHT

You were perhaps hiding as a pearl  
In the womb of the sea.  
When I went to seek you out, counting the waves.  
I found you lying on the breast of the skies.  
You were a nameless star—
how could I know your identity ?  

I asked the moon about you.  

You were then perhaps drifting with the wind  
Or maybe you were among the colourful flowers.  
Unable to find your hiding place  
I began to put questions  
silently, to myself.  

I am sure, you were only smiling  
from the mirror of my heart  
Between the anxieties of gaining and losing.  
  

Translation :
Brajakishore Das