WHO AM I

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Who Am I  
English Translation: MB Pradhan

Sandhya Regmi with renowned writer, poet & translator MB Pradhan

 

MB Pradhan reciting Sandhya's translated poem, July 2012

Who Am I

Vanquished may be

Defeat I acknowledge never
Nor do I readily compromise;
My inner soul invincible always

Victory I celebrate in discomfiture 

Illustrious instance I am
Of resolution, courage and valor
Dare to take plunge and rejoice
In rolling, roaring waves,
 
Lord Shiva I am to swallow
A brimming bowl of venom
I belong to that ancestry of blazing sun
The burning ball of fire.

Stern antagonist I am

Of rule despotic and power absolute,
Zealous worshipper I am
Of humanity that disapproves
Grossly of serfdom inhuman
Cognizant I am of finer values
Of liberty, unity and diversity,
Of civilization, amity and tranquility.

Unfailing and imperishable I am

Impossible to split asunder,
Munitions and arms incapable
To wreck and decimate me,
Relentless fighter I am,
For greater freedom and liberty;

Who can but I dare to die

In holy sacrificial altar
To free dear motherland of mine
From savage, cruel shackles
Of brutal slavery.

Vanquished may be

Defeat I surrender never
Nor do I readily compromise,
My inner soul invincible always
Victory I celebrate in discomfiture.