Sangita Swechcha’s poem has been translated from Nepali by Saudamini Chalise
ANIMATE DEBRIS
A living dream
smoulders
in the boulevard,
blowing the trumpet of revolution.
Not a dream anymore—
he turned to ash.
In that animate rubble,
dampened eyes
batted lashes.
Someone’s soul
had incinerated.
Some took to the streets,
seeking justice.
Some said he lacked the mettle to survive,
and self-immolated.
Others said he martyred himself
for the revolution.
Tender hearts grew pensive.
The one who dreamed for them
had burned.
And now, they would wonder:
Why even dream
where dreams are doused
before they’re born,
where realities,
before turning to corpses,
were already draped for the cortege?
But for those
who had clung to that burning dream—
who lived off its flickering light—
they are now
reborn from its ashes.
Sangita Swechcha is a Nepali writer, poet, and scholar based in England. She published her debut novel Seto Siundo at 18. Her other works include Rose’s Odyssey, a collection of short stories and co-edited anthologies like The Himalayan Sunrise and A Glimpse Into My Country.
Saudamini Chalise, author of three thrillers, is also a prolific translator and biographer, known for translating works by Khagendra Sangraoula, Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, and Kiran Acharya.
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