DAUGHTER IN MUMBAI: A FEW IDEOGRAPHS : RAJASTHANI POEMS : ATUL KANAK : ENGLISH TRANSVERSION BY RAJNI CHHABRA

 ATUL KANAK

DAUGHTER IN MUMBAI:  A FEW IDEOGRAPHS

1. 

I had trained her 

For swimming into river

On a fateful day

She moved to 

City of sea

Perhaps, she intended 

To comprehend

What exhilaration river derives

From mingling in sea?

2.

Kandivali, Beachcandy, Bandra, Andheri, Dadar

These  might be only names of localities for people

But for me, these hold significance like pilgrims, since the day

My daughter has reached Mumbai to settle over-there

And frequently moves in these localities

I beseech well-being of my daughter

From these only

Just as, masses ask for any boon

With bowed head in pilgrims.

3.

First of all, she goes to station by rickshaw

Then catches any local train from station

And reaches the place

That is nearby to her office

And then moving hurriedly , marks her presence. 

My sparrow used to sleep till late 

Even after sunrise

Covering her face with sheet of dreams

How has she become so mature that

 Prior to sunrise, wakes up

To cherish her life?

4.

I feel concerned for my daughter

I am settled near Chambal river

And she, in the remote city of sea

How will she be managing everything

Coming/ going/ staying and smiling?

She was very fond of singing

Will she be able to manage

 A few moments for humming

In her hectic schedule?

Not long ago

I had trained her to walk

Holding my hand

And now, running 

She has learnt to board

Packed local trains

Is she my daughter

Or result of accumulated virtues

Of my previous lives

I intended to hold her 

Cupped in my hands

Presently, she is flowing

To wash sins of the world.