Bodh

For the social group in Himachal Pradesh, see Bodh people.

"Bodh" (Bengali: বোধ, in Clinton B. Seely's English translation Sensation[1] and Fakrul Alam's An Overwhelming Sensation[2]) is a Bengali poem written in 1930 by Jibanananda Das. It was first published in the literary magazine Pragati in 1336 of Bengali calendar. The poem was later included in Jibanananda Das' poetry book Dhushor Pandulipi (The Grey Manuscript) published in 1936AD. According to Clinton B. Seely, Jibanananda gives us in "Sensation" an account of the burden he bore, the creative process conceived of as a presence, a constant companion, and not always a welcome one:[1]

"Into the half light and shadow go I. Within my head
Not a dream, but some sensation works its will.
Not a dream, not peace, not love,
A sensation born in my very being.
I cannot escape it
For it puts its hand in mine,

And all else pales to insignificance--futile, so it seems."[3]

Transliteration of one stanza in the Latin alphabet

Transliteration and Translation

Transliterated lyrics Approximate translation
4th stanza

Sakal loker majhe base;
Nijer ami mudradoshe;
Ami aka hotechi alada;

As I take a seat among other beings,
Am I becoming estranged and alone
Because of my mannerisms?

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Seely Clinton B.. ""By way of Introduction": The Scent of Sunlight, Poems of Jibanananda Das, translated by Clinton Seely". Parabaas.com. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  2. ↑ "Barisal by the Bay". Thedailystar.net. 2010-06-12. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
  3. ↑ ""Sensation" translated by Clinton B. Seely". Parabaas.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.

External links