Poetry and Sleep

Ghum Parani Gan
(Bengali Version)

Khoka ghumalo para juralo
Borgi elo deshe,
Bulbulite dhan kheyeche
Khajna dibo kishe.
Dhan furalo, pan furalo
Khajnar upaye ki?
Ar kota din shobur koro
Roshun bunechi.

As the Child Sleepeth
(Traditional Lullaby of Bangladesh)

The Child sleeps, Everywhere is calm and serene,
But the Tax-collectors have returned.
The Nightingales have ate all the crops. Alas!
How can we pay our taxes?
No wheat, No leaves,
O What will we do?
Please wait a few more days O Tax-collectors,
The seeds of Garlic we have just planted.

Ghum ParaniGan
(Bengali Version)

Ghum-parani Mashi Pishi
Moder bari esho
Khat nai,  Palong nai
Chokh pete bosho.
Bata bhore pan dibo
Gal bhore kheo,
Khokar chokhe Ghum nai
Ghum die jeo.

The Lullaby Ladies
(Traditional Lullaby of Bangladesh)

Come to our House, O My Sleep Damsels
No bed or quilt we have,
Cast your Dreamy Spell on our dear Son’s eye-lids.
For your indulgence we will,
Give you sweet, juicy betel-leaves.
But no sleep there is Yet, in his eyes.
Kindly enchant him into slumber, O My Sleep Damsels
Before you Depart back in to The Night.

Bhor holo, Dor kholo
(Bengali Version)

Bhor holo Dor kholo
Khukumoni Othore
Oi dake Jui shakhe
Ful kuri chotore.
Khuli hal, Tuli pal
Oi tori chollo,
Eibar Eibar Khuku chokh khullo.
Alshe noy she
Uthe roj shokale.
Roj tai Chada Bhai
Tip day Kopale.

The Princess and the Dawn
(by National Poet of Bangladesh
Kazi Nazrul Islam)

The Dawn embarks
Wake up Little Princess!
And with you the Jasmine flowers bloom,
And all flowers and fruits dance in Euphoria.
Let us Steer the Rudder! Let us Fly the Sails!
Look in Wonder, as the Boat glides through the Waves!
And henceforth, the Little Princess opens Her eyes.
Idle she is not, like a Morning-bird she awakens every day.
And for that reason alone, Rewarded she is,
With a Symbol of Mirth on Her Innocence, from Brother Moon.

Ghum Parani Gan
(Bengali Version)

Ae Ae Chad Mama Tip die ja!
Chader kopale Chad tip die ja.
Mach katle muro dibo
Dhan bhanle kuro dibo,
Kalo Gorur dudh dibo
Dudh khabar bati dibo,
Shonar thalae bhat dibo
Rajar meye bie dibo
Chader kopale Chad tip die ja.  

Uncle Moon
(Traditional Lullaby of Bangladesh)

Dear Uncle Moon, please come and leave a Mark of Joy-
On the brow of my little Moon-child, leave a Mark of Elegance, as Graceful as Thyself
When Fish is aplenty,
A delicious Fish-head Curry You shall have.
When the fields are green,
The finest Crops will be reserved for You.
The creamiest Milk of the Black Cow,
Will be served in a bowl for your Gratification.
Rice shall be served on a Golden Plate
You will be wedded in Glamour,
To the Royal Princess.
O Uncle Moon, do leave a Mark of Joy on his forehead, as Graceful as Thyself.