Because I could not tell anyone, The stories of my fantasy world (Kalpaloka), All my imagined sins and flaws Now make my mind spin in contemplation. Under the spell of a sorcerer's magic and bodily illusions, Wandering through the beautiful, dense forest, Struck by the bow of the desired, beautiful woman, I burn away in the fires of passion. Blending infamy, bad logic, and ugly words Into the sweet fragrance of the white jasmine (Kunda) flower, You, the night-lotus (Kumudini) of the moonlit pond, Acted as a skillful enchantress. In the auspicious morning dew, You are the bud of the white water-lily (Kalhara). O flowing river (Kallolini), along the course of your surging waves, You came and brought me glorious fame. — Ratnamaya Tripathy Adhyayana, Balangir —————–Original Odia : Ratnamaya Tripathy Translated by : Dr. Khyatimaya Tripathy This specific poem by Ratnamaya Tripathy is a brilliant stylistic showcase of "Ka-Anuprasa" (Alliteration of the letter 'K' / କ-ଅନୁପ୍ରାସ). In traditional Odia poetry (like Upendra Bhanja's Baidehisa Bilasa), writing verses where every single word begins with the same letter is a highly revered classical feat. Want to read this poem in Odia ? Click Here Want to read this poem in Hindi ? Click Here

The hours spent in waiting Did not rot, wither, and go to waste. The number of candles Upon the birthday table Did not increase on their own accord. The bumblebee did not lose its way intentionally, Nor did the flowers in the garden change With the turning cycle of seasons. These poems would never have overflowed like this Into the pages of the diary; The fugitive, runaway words Would never have submitted or obeyed. The deadly venom would never have transformed Into sweet nectar. Never had the bud of a rose withered away In the intoxicating fragrance of night-flowering jasmine (Gangasiuli). Even after the distant birds flew back, The nest did not fall into disarray. Abhimanyu, too, returned From the depths of the Chakravyuh. Yayati, detaching himself from desires by his own will, Returned the borrowed youth. Even when rivers lost their way And failed to merge into the sea, The ocean's loving waves never diminished. Even after the footprints on the quicksand Were completely erased, The path remained visible. Look, only because you had said so, Even spring has not deserted the courtyard. If promises are forgotten, Who here is truly known, and who is a stranger? — Ratnamaya Tripathy Adhyayana, Balangir —————–Original Odia : Ratnamaya Tripathy Translated by : Dr. Khyatimaya Tripathy Want to read this poem in Odia ? Click Here Want to read this poem in Hindi ? Click Here

I will no longer give you the seven colors of the rainbow, I have saved only the color of love for you now. Upon this withered body that had shed all its leaves, Fresh green foliage has sprouted once again. Look!!! See how I am evergreen now. The bumblebee that had lost its way for many days, I have called it back into the garden. At your slightest gesture, it will wander From this flower to that flower. To welcome you, I have kept A thornless rose. I have perfumed the courtyard with the scent of jasmine, And amidst the thick canopy of the mango tree that has just blossomed, I have told the cuckoo to sing a song of welcome for you. The Krishnachuda (Gulmohar) trees will look Even more vibrant this time. When you come this time, I will absolutely never say that I am too busy. I will write poetry just for you. If you so wish, I will bring love songs From the enchanted poet of romance And sing them to you, staying awake all night long. The morning will break only after you wake up, And the night will fall the moment you go to sleep. Whatever you desire shall happen, I will accept everything with a bowed head. I have drenched you in the Phagu (Holi) colors of spring many times, But this time, I will drench you purely in the color of love. Winter has departed, and spring has arrived now; May our…

On a lazy morning, the unruly wind Makes the mind drift away in abstraction. Promises of arrival made at unearthly hours Only leave the heart restless. The entire courtyard is heavy with regrets here; If you must come, what hope will you bring? Why come for no reason at all, Only to be subjected to blame and reproach? Look…… My entire body is covered With the scars of bitter stings. Cruel destiny keeps walking away After inflicting endless pain. Even a distant bird, coming from afar, Does not lose its way here. Look at my plight during the day— A miserable, incomprehensible state. In the month of Phalguna, you had promised to play with colors, And build a palace of seven-colored dreams. But a house cannot be built on the palm of mere promises; To build a home of love, It is essential for hands to join with hands. — Ratnamaya Tripathy Adhyayana, Balangir —————–Original Odia : Ratnamaya Tripathy Translated by : Dr. Khyatimaya Tripathy Want to read this poem in Odia ? Click Here Want to read this poem in Hindi ? Click Here