HAVELI - Translation of 'Haveli' ಹವೇಲಿ

 Haveli

 from Mukhamukhi (1978)

- 1 -

In this haveli now nobody lives. 

Who it belongs to nobody knows.

The eyes of the old paanwala on the street outside

look like they have soaked up the history of this haveli.

But he’s unwilling to reveal anything. 

His hands that fold the betel leaves are always quivering.

 

- 2 -

Wild creepers have climbed up to the terrace.

Huge cobwebs have draped the windows.

These days we won’t be able to find masonry

like this anywhere, that has supported

all these rooms and concert halls.

See, how tall this mansion stands

amidst the towering bushes.

- 3 -

Since such places have a lot of shade

one can stand here and reminisce about

almost anything;

each one’s smiles,

each one’s capers.

Amidst all this,

a sound from somewhere inside

of clothes falling to the floor

could well be real.

 

But, I know about one thing surely;

When a stone is dropped into this deep well

it takes several minutes before you can hear the sound –

the time between these

is filled with anxiety.

§