Nirmalendu Goon

What Sin Would Redeem Me

I have never tasted the fruit

of the forbidden tree,

I have been waiting, waiting.

like the sea that waits for river,

or the river, for the surging tide,

in the remote hope

that a feeling would curl up

from within the rocks

and set my heart ablaze with passion.

I have never been to a brothel,

nor ever swallowed in that forbidden pleasure,

I have been waiting, waiting—

like the revolution that brews and simmers

and waits impatiently for the climatic hour,

or like the heaving bosom of a young maiden

awaiting her first love.

I have never slept with any pleasure girl

in the hope

that love, like the sea-monster

charming the sea in a violent mating duel,

would teach me the art.

Tell me, O wise soul, please do,

what sin would redeem me.

                              Translated by Harunur Rashid

Nirmalendu Goon (1945-) Poet, Journalist, Translator, Story and Juvenile Literature Writer. Poetry : Premangshur Rakta Chai (1970),  Na Premik Na Biplabi (1972), Kovita, Amimangsita Ramani (1973), O Bandhu Amar (1975), Ananada Kusum (1976), Banglar Mati Bangalar Jal (1978), Tar Age Chai Samajtantra (1979), Chashabhushar Kavya (1981), Achal Padabali (1982), Iscra (1984), Chirakaler Pakhi (1986), Sonar Kuthar (1987), Ananada Udyan (1995), ]. Column : Nirguner Journal –1 (1989),  Nirguner Journal –2 (1995). Story : Apondaler Manush (1976), Juvenile Literature : Kalomegher Vela (1982), Baba Jakhan Chhotta Chhilen (1997), Travelogue : Volgar Tire (1985), Vietnam o Compuchiar Smriti (1993), Guensburger Sange (1994), Raktajhara November (1975). Autobiography : Amar Chhelebela (1988), Amar Kanthaswar (1995). Awards : Humayun Kabir Memorial Award-1972, Bangla Academy Award –1982, Alaol Literary Award –1982.