The Distant Echoes

Ramesh Gautam
Norway

Since a few days,
In the silence of your heart’s concealed realm,
I’ve been observing you closely,
Unseen, a silent witness.

And I’ve discerned,
You’re gradually slipping away,
Engulfed in profound melancholy,
Restlessness in disarray.

As you gracefully glide amidst garden blooms,
Where vibrant butterflies waltz,
Why don’t your supple lips form a smile?
Listening to this enchanting melody,
Humming to you in solitude,
Why does your cuckoo’s throat remain silent?
The radiance that once graced you,
Why has it faded from your moon-like visage?
Why has the ground beneath you darkened?
Why is the heart I am concealing ruffled?

For these recent days,
I’ve been collecting the pearls,
Gently cascading from your eyes,
Each one, a tale, emotions encased.

One day, you inquired,
Why does the sun appear to follow you,
Yet, never truly be by your side?
Why does it touch every heart from afar?
“It’s the intangible forces that guide our path,
Emotions, akin to distant light and the rift that separates us,”
I replied.

Why can’t you encounter me,
Concealed within your very own heart?
Despite dwelling in the chambers of your soul,
Why can’t I reach you?
And our distance remains unchanged.
For fear of causing you more anguish,
My trembling hands hold back,
From wiping your tears, my heart’s anguish.

Sanu,
Do you realize?
Sometimes,
One must traverse vast expanses,
To bridge hearts in sorrow,
To construct love’s abode.
Can you grasp these light years that stretch before us?

[Translated into English from its original Nepali version by the poet himself – Editor]