Kana

I had this poem by Kusumgraj when I was in school. Used to absolutely love this one. I can never forget its last line. Just googled for it and found the poem. Wanted to find the devanagari version of it, but couldn't.

olakhlat ka sir mala , paavsat aala koni
kapde hote kardamlele , kesavarti paani

kshan bhar basla , nantar hasla , bolla varti paahun
gangaamai pahuni aali , geli gharat rahun

mahervashin porisarkhi , char bhintit nachli
hot navhat te nel , bayko matr vachli

karbharnila ghevun sange , sir aata ladhto aahe
padki bhint bandhato aahe , chikhal gaal kadhto aahe

khishakade haat jatach , hasat hasat uthla
paise nako sir , jara ektepana vatla

modun padla sansar tari , modla nahi kaNa
paathivarti haat thevun , fakt ladh mhana

-Kavi Kusumagraj

Translation for the uninitiated!

'The Backbone' - Translation by Ravindra Joshi

"Do you recall Sir ?", came a sudden whisper..
I Saw muddy clothes & hair drenched with water…

He sat quiet a while, looked around & then started to talk
"Mother Ganges arrived suddenly, must have come for a walk
Like a married daughter back to home, swirled around & danced..
You know, guests don't return empty handed, only left my wife around…
Walls crashed, stove washed, took all belongings..
Of course left tears in our eyes as the parting Blessings…
With wife helping out, Sir - I'm putting up the Struggle,
Raising those walls, cleaning the trash & wiping the muddle"

Looking at my hand going to pocket - hurriedly got up with a laugh,
"No money please, no money, Sir - just felt was getting lost
Only broken is home, Sir - still the Backbone is very much intact
Please put your hand on my back & say - "Just keep up the Fight"