First Kadam

Translated by Faruk Kader

You have gifted me rainy day's 

First Kadam flower, O my beloved 
I offer you songs of monsoon rain.

Gift not away all
Flowers from your bough
Leave some to grow
Monsoon rain still reigns.

Hidden away in dark 
Shades of cloud,  
I cherish my songs as 
A Golden harvest from seeds  
Of music I have sown.

My songs mingle with  
Monsoon downpour and
Drive away tides of oblivion. 
Keep afloat our boat of longing,
O my beloved.