In The Middle

Let Babi be in the middle, and either you or me on the wallside.

After all there are just those few bricks

at the foot of the bedstead,

and all the bricks have raised their heads

between you and me.

How long it's been I do not bring bakuls in my palm

and offer you to smell,

neither do I see you standing at the door as before

when l turn round the corner of the lane.

Let Babi be in the middle, you near the wall.

At least till we can settle Babi down with his brush and colours

and then quietly leave for the room next,

just you and me.

translated by Sankarlal Bhattacharjee