Classic Poem

1. Dreams

All kinds of dreams! tell me, my friend,
do they come stealing into your heart? —
winged, light, and very sweet —
too swift for the mind to seize.

Like sparrows on whirring wings from far,
flocking and scattering on the breeze,
so swiftly they're out of sight
they just bring sadness to the mind.

Most pleasing are they to the heart,
like the very sweetness of our land,
too far and hidden in the leaves
for you to catch them in your hand.

And bringing sadness to this heart, my friend,
this spirit ever looking for a path.
They move the spirit among gardens, then
out of sight — but our sighs will never end.

2. Remembering

When I remember in my heart
my grand, enchanting country
and the wind ruffles my hair
tears fill my eyes.
How much I might have done,
what splendid dreams fulfilled!

The heart says with its tears
what many-mouthed Shesh might say.
Why is it, oh why, do we
shed our good tears constantly?
How much there is to say!
How much there is to tell!
I pray Lord Shiva may
see it in my heart.