The Last Poem

The Last Poem (Sesher Kobita) By Rabindranath Tagore Translated by Snehendu Kar Do you hear the roaring march of the eternal Time? His speeding chariot is causing shivers In the heart of this universe. You can hear the screaming stars Crushed under its wheels In dark somber nights. Dear friend, that racing time has trapped me in his net and lifted me on his chariot On a fearless journey- far away from you. It seems I have lived a thousand deaths And have arrived at the peak Of the tallest mountain On a bright new dawn. The blasting gust on the chariot has blown away my identity. Now there is no way for my return. If we happen to meet me again You’ll not see someone you’ve known Oh, my dear friend, farewell. Please do not grieve for me. I have my Karma and my destiny My cup is not yet empty, I’ve taken a vow not to let it be empty. If someone, somewhere, waits for me with a keen expectation, She’ll make me worthy of existence. She- who gathers a basket Of fragrant queen-of-nights On a full-moon night, And brings a welcome garland on a dark moonless night, She-who accepts me With all my merits and limits, I wish to offer myself in her silent meditation. The gifts I gave are yours forever. From time to time your lonely heart May quench its thirst From the memories we made And the dreams we’ve shared. Oh, my dear peerless friend The gifts I offered you, were the fruits of the gifts I’ve received from you. The more you have taken from me, the more you have filled me with deeper gratitude. Oh, my dearest friend, farewell. © Copyright Translation by Snehendu B. Kar (The Last Poem 1030)