Translation

THE OLD BIHARI
TANVIR MOKAMMEL
(Translated by Dr.SKSAHA)

(On the 60th anniversary of division of India)

Write down, Journalist Maestra, I am Bihari
We had farm lands in the district of Patna
My father was a Railway shed Guard
My husband too worked in the Rail- as a line man
Burning our skin- a new flag is born
When first arrived at Pakistan, we lived in goods train
Shunting of engines still rings in my ears
Today this colony, tomorrow that colony
Passed away the days of my life.
Then what nonsense happened in this Bengali native-land
That time burnt my house, this time burnt my fate
My husband was murdered in Shantahar,Son-in-law in Mymensingh
My son was called to attend a meeting in Dinajpur
36 years passed, that meeting did not end even today!
Write down NGO sister, I am a Bihari..
My second son after much hardship fled away to Pakistan
Another daughter also lives in Karachi in Ourongi town
I don’t see their countenance for the last 22 years.
And the youngest son , Gullu
Now waiting for visa
Abuses alcohol, and also something else taken by young guys
As we have no sky here in this camp, Farishtas don’t see
Write down foreigner sir, I am a Bihari..
So many generals have come and gone
But I’m waiting till this day
When I will go to Pakistan or
My tomb-stan
I have developed cataract in my eyes, don’t see properly
Only remember, our farm-lands of Patna
And I like drizzles of Bengali rainy season
As if it is equivalent to my weeping. And
Dream Hills of Pakistan at night.
But alas, in such a big earth
I don’t have an address in no land;
Write down Journalist sir, NGO sister, foreigner sir
Sisters, only ask Mr. Jinnah
Where is my motherland?
Yes, write down…I am a Bihari!