Triveni Journal
1927 | 11,233,916 words
Triveni is a journal dedicated to ancient Indian culture, history, philosophy, art, spirituality, music and all sorts of literature. Triveni was founded at Madras in 1927 and since that time various authors have donated their creativity in the form of articles, covering many aspects of public life....
To the Washerman’s Donkey
tc "To the Washerman’s Donkey "
Harindrannath Chattopadhyay
O tragic comrade, dusky grey!
Of whom so few have truly sung,
Believe me, I respect your bray,
Your heaven-cleaving mother-tongue.
I long to know the thoughts you think,
For you can think if mortals can, -
Sad contrast to the gaudy pink
Turban of your grim washerman!
I know your wretchedness, your grief,
And knowing it mine own hath ceased.
But how shall I impart relief
To you, O poor exploited beast?
When I behold your master’s whip
And hear it on your body crack
I seem to feel the warm blood drip
And trickle right across my .
I seem to have become a part
of all exploited things like you;
My heart goes beating to your heart
And every beat rings clear and true.
With you I toil and trudge and keep
Incessant pace, being equal-hired,
But, brother! Soon we both shall sleep
For god knows, we are very tired!