R. Ramachandran's Poem

Inclination
by R Ramachandran

The twilight vanished beyond the paddy fields,
Through the blooming lane of Vaka trees

The gentle wind fluttering its wings
In the wild mussaenda grove on the river bank

The dark shade of the banyan tree longing for night
Slumbering unknowingly.

Like a sad saga lingering in the heart
The murky world stretches out.

Like a tender kannanthali flower
Blooming in the twilight silence

Like an idol on the country crossroads

Left unnoticed by passers-by

Someone in fresh glee
Is calling out my soul dwelling in seclusion.

That sweet voice is familiar to me
And in it submerged -

The dreams of the moonlit night
Wandering on the distant mountain crests in dismay,

And the pains in the eyes are obvious
In the depths of the cloudy sky,

Tears brimming in memory
Of a summer night of silent separation.

That sweet voice is familiar to me
As one inherits the voice.

My days are desolate and anxious

Like a deserted bower sighing

Bashful in giving a reply
My soul hides in darkness dejected.

Translation: K T Dinesh