Ego-My Prison House

My lock-key has been lost And closet-ed Life has become Uncomfortable herein I am not, Still my macrocosm Has suddenly shrunk. That world where - Bees hum, flowers smile, Leaves rustle, fields dance, Morn and eve worship Sun and moon. That world where - Song of stubborn nightingale and Cry of cuckoo echoes And every heart is thirsty for love. That world where - Crowds dally and discuss Dulles' war strategy, Nehru's peace policy. For me today, That world, A real world, Is standing coffin-clad at my threshold. Because, My lock-key has been lost. Whom should I call? From the Inside-locked closet, Get it unlocked from outside How can I? My fate, Flee away from it. How can I? For life Say imprisoned How can I? Accept my alone-ness Like a half-burnt cigarette, How can I? No, No, No,… All this is Impossible ! But! for the outside crowds Everything is possible. Come dawn Crowds will mob my door And finding it locked, They will break, not one But all the locks and latches. Then, Long-lost lovers will meet. But, today My lock-key has been lost And a dreamy night Has made me teary, Within the four walls My breath, I have lost Because, My lock-key has been lost. (Translated by R.P.Chaddah)