Twilight in Privacy

Sabuj Sarkar (Indian Poet) 

Assistant Professor
Department of English

University of Gour Banga

Malda, West Bengal, India

It makes difference when you are alone

On your birthdays. 

Green hills surround you like a puan

The warmth is everywhere and still you feel 

You are nobody’s;

A guest like an occasional shower

You are in hurry to get down the hill,

Green grass hardly giggles 

As you pass them down

Birthdays at home make you insane,

Phone calls, well wishers, gifts and flowers

Make you dazzled all through

Being alone on such a special day
Is a rejuvenation.

An unlit candle smiles on you

You see within,

You grow old, gradually, 

Wrinkles of a mountain woman

Make you feel stronger for a long journey
Chhangban in the morning,
Jhum field waits for you round the clock.
Wood stack on you heavy back hung low 

You prepare for another flight.

Such birthdays in Mizoram is always special

You are always in between

The aroma of Myanmar and the bustling sound of 

Bangladesh,

You are always in between

Relishing the sweet cake of Myanmar
In a bowl made in Bangladesh.

You meditate near the Presbyterian Church

The old man working over there

Hardly notices you.

You feel a warmth within when a

Gentle breeze from the distant Lushai Hills comes.

You prepare to go home 

Like the free petals of Bougainvillea

You remember the waiting faces of your family

Your daughter is always ready to cut the 

Cake made for you!!!

[Note: Puan is a traditional dress worn by women in Mizoram. Chhangban is a kind of bread taken regularly by Mizo people]