Surjit Patar

Surjit Patar (b. 1945) is known for his exquisite lyrical verse. The characteristic feature of his poetry is gentle satire and refined irony. He dwells on his topic in a stylistic manner and gives vent to his feelings in a systematic order. He received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993 for his collection of poems, Hanere vichfulagdi Vern-mcHa.

A Duologue
(between two trees)

Would you construct
a scaffold
out of me
or musical rabab?

Tell me, Sir-
or would I go on
standing like this
all through my life
counting and recounting
leaves and seasons?
Tell me, Sir ?

What do I know
how can I discern?
I too am like you
a tree Well-
take the trouble of
reading today's newspaper

There is nothing in the newspaper
except the leaves
fallen fallen fallen.

Then consult a book.
In the books
there is nothing except seeds.
Then think-

In the thoughts
there are
the imprints of the teeth
the footprints of the
wayfarers
or my pointed nails
which I have implanted
deep down
into the bosom of the earth.

Then think
think think think

Thoughts are dungeons
fear and fright
bound to earth I am
day and night
They go
fall apart.

What would happen
if I fall apart?
I shall be reduced
to the cinders
the ashes would take
the form of sand
and then
everything would go up
gas-like.

Then
you keep mum

When did I utter a word?
these are the sounds
of my leaves
fluttering in the air.                                     Do Rukhan di Guftgu (1990)