Proshno or Question was written by Tagore somewhere between December 1931 and January 1932 and later published in 1932 in a collection called Parishesh[1]. The poem with its poignant overtones continues relevant to this date.
Almighty, over eons, you sent emissaries
To this ruthless world,
They say: “Forgive everyone”, say, “Love only Love —
From deep within, toxicity purge.”
In these cataclysmic times, I turn them away with a shamed bow
For they now remain only as ideals to be revered, remembered.
I have seen the helpless persecuted by
Violence in the shadows of deceitful night.
I have seen unprotesting truth victimised,
Justice weep secretly in plight.
I have seen passionate young men driven wild,
Beat their heads on rocks and tortured, die.
Today, I am voiceless. My flute is stilled.
In the moonless night, who have filled
My universe with nightmares?
That is why cleanse with tears —
Those that poison the air, extinguish the light. O God,
Have you forgiven them? Have you given them your love?
One of the interesting things to note here is the reference to the flute player. Is he the same one who was evoked in his poem Ebar Phirao More (Take me back) written in 1894? That poem[2] starts with:
While the world moves busily You play the flute, like a truant boy, Leaning under a shady tree in a field with The fragrance of the forest floating on A tired breeze. O, arise — there is a fire!
Is it the same flute player whose flute has been stilled?
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[1] Translates to — At the End
[2] Our translation of Ebar Pherao More can be read by clicking here.
The poem has been translated by Mitali Chakravarty with editorial input by Sohana Manzoor on behalf of Borderless Journal
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