Just Now, Into the Five Elements

Just now, into the five elements,

A body dissolved and merged.

Along with that body, burned away

All the sorrows of her life,

Her grievances and silent hurts (Abhimana),

And the stories of the Puranas she had gathered.

That joyful smile visible from a distance,

And the hand of affection over my head—all are gone.

The sweet cry of “Mausi” (Aunt)

Has been lost from the lips forever.

To recall a passage from the scriptures,

I can no longer make a loving demand of her.

If I pass by the road near her house

And alter my path to avoid her,

There is no one left to scold me anymore.

Above and beyond all earthly honors,

Where shall I find a place worthy of you, Mausi…?

In the lamp I have lit for you,

I will pour my deepest offerings of reverence and respect.

— Ratnamaya Tripathy

Adhyayana, Balangir

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Original Odia : Ratnamaya Tripathy

Translated by : Dr. Khyatimaya Tripathy