Janakpurar Janakiye

Janakpurar Janakiye misik masak hanhe
Ratanpurar Budhuwa aji tair pine aahe
— Bhupen Hazarika

Janaki from Janakpur smiles coyly.
Her eyes are on the long pathway like a snake,
Between the sylvan patches of the tea plants.

Today, Budhuwa from Ratanpur walks along the road towards her.

The red sari deepens the colour of her skin like wild honey,
On her long hair floats a red hibiscus,
Dazzles her nosering in the sun.

Today, Budhuwa from Ratanpur walks along the road towards her.

She’s distracted by the image of walking Budhuwa.
His naked torso and his copper armband and his muscular thighs,
Are fire. Janaki begins to melt.

Today, Budhuwa from Ratanpur walks along the road towards her.

Beyond these tea plants, behind the highway, there’s a market.
Of desire, every Saturday, from where Budhuwa returns,
He gets something for her, he gets nothing, Janaki wonders.

But, her heart.
Her heart beats faster,
In the rhythm of the approaching footsteps.

Today, Budhuwa of Ratanpur walks along the road towards her.