I AM SUCH AN UNGRATEFUL SON!
How often had you drawn my obdurate attention
To the stars at nights, and during days to the Sun;
How often had you recounted to me imaginary stories
And sung to me songs traditional or born of your own
So that you could feed me, and thankfully end your worries!
Fie upon me! For, never have I felt in my life time once
‘How much has your hungry old stomach to resist sufferance!’
How many seas of bitter tears you had drunk speedily
So that you could see me in high spirits and cheerful
So that you could collect beads of diamond and pearl
In my smiles shone brightly on my joyous lips readily!
Fie upon me! For, grown up and well to do I’ve been
In course of time with your divine love and timely care,
Still, till date I’ve not ever shown an iota of concern
To fathom the intensity and relevance of your tears rare!
I’ve ever had a sound sleep on the safest swing of your lap
Like a baby weaver bird in spite of storms and cyclones dreaded.
Fie upon me! I’ve ever failed to improve your wretched hap
And, you still sleep on a torn mat in a small straw thatched shed!
Whenever I fall ill, you forget to eat, drink and give up sleep.
Alas! I’m ever too idly busy a son to be free to visit you for a peep
Let alone be a much needed support like a banyan tree’s hanger
And serve loyally so that you can stay healthy and live longer!
Resist sufferance – bear pain
Dreaded – fearful
Wretched – pitiful, miserable
Hap – luck, fortune
Peep – a quick look
N.B. – The above poem is the English version of an Odia poem “EMITI PUA MU” written by Nishikanta Kahalasingh.
Copyright: Dr. Shankar D Mishra, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 16.03.2023
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