I saw him going away

when the sun was about to set 

Through the foot-lane¹ amidst the fields

A japi² on his head

two heavy sheaf of paddy on his shoulders

Making jirik jirik³ sounds.

They too left with him,

the golden sunshine of August

the hay covered neighbourhood, the thin lane

midst bamboos and grass

and the singing birds.

Were going

and

went away.

Who knows,

if he will,

in this lifetime,

come back or not.

Original Source: Assamese poem ‘Mormantik’ by Nirmal Prabha Bordoloi

Teuk moi juagoi dekhisilu                          

beli lohiuar porot                                        

potharor bokiaidi.                   

                 

Murot japi                                                

kaandhot metmora duta dangorir          

jirik jirik maat.                                       

Teur pise pisei golgoi                            

aaghunor sun boronia rod                     

kheror suburitu, baah bononir            

kesa aalit                                             

aaru gaan gua soraijaak.                   

Goi aasil                                         

Aaru                                                

Golgoi                                           

kune jane                                        

teu aaru

ai jonomot                                  

ubhoti aahibone nahe.