The news came <br />From the child who was born today. <br />She has got the testimonial, <br />And therefore she proclaims her rights to the new <br />unknown world <br />With piercing cries. <br />She is helpless and small, yet her fist is raised, <br />Glowing in an incomprehensible oath. <br />No one understands. <br />Some laugh, some reprove. <br />I recognize her language, though. <br />I see the signs of a coming age <br />As I read the child's credentials <br />In her hazy, misty eyes. <br />The new child has arrived. We must make place for <br />her; <br />And move away <br />Into the wrecked and dead wastelands <br />Of this old earth. <br /> <br />And leave we will. Yet as long as I breathe, <br />I will go on clearing the debris <br />with all my strength <br />From the face of this earth. <br />I will make this world habitable for this child; <br />This is my firm pledge to the newborn. <br /> <br /> <br />Once my work is done, <br />I shall bless the child <br />With my own blood. <br />And then, I shall become history <br /> <br />[Translated from 'Chhadpatra' (Bengali) by Rini Bhattacharya Mehta]<br /><br />Sukanta Bhattacharya<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-testimonial/
