A speck of dust ( Ek Tinka )

A translation of  "Ek Tinka" by Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay 'Hariaudh'.

Original (transliteration): Ek Tinka

An English lit translation: A speck of dust

Mein ghamando mein bhara entha hua, Ek din jab tha mundere par khada, Aa achanak door se udta hua, Ek tinka aankhen mein meri pada. Mein jhijak utha, hua bechain-sa, Lal hokar aankh bhi dukhne lagi, Moonth dene log kapde ki lage, Enth bechari dabe paon bhagne lagi, Jab kisi dhab se nikal tinka gaya, Tab 'samajh' ne yon mujhe tane diye, Entha tu kis liye itna raha, Ek tinka hai bahut tere liye.

Puffed up with my pride, haughtily, One day, on the ramparts, I stood tall. Flying in from far away, suddenly, A speck of dust into my eye did fall. I was irritated, and started to yelp. Reddened, my eye began to itch badly. With wet cloths, as people started to help, My poor pride beat a retreat sadly. When somehow the speck had gone out, My 'Reason' mocked me mirthlessly. Oh man! Of what art thou so proud? A speck of dust is enough for thee.

Flower And Thorn (Phool Aur Kanta)

A translation of "Phool Aur Kanta" by Ayodhya Singh Upadhyay 'Hariaudh'.

Original:  Phool Aur Kanta

An English lit translation Flower And Thorn

Hai janam lete jagah me ek hi, Ek hi si poudha hai palta. Raat me un par chamakta chand bhi, Ek hi si chandni hai dalta. Meh un par parasta ek-sa, Ek-si un par hawayen hain bahi. Par sada hi yeh dikhata hai hame, Dhang unke ek-se hote nahi. Ched kar kanta kisi ki ungliyan, Phar deta hai kisi ka var vasan. Pyar-doobi titliyon ka par katar, Bhnoure ka hai bedh deta shyam tan. Phool lekar titliyon ko god mein, Bhnoure ko apna anutha ras pila. Nij sugandho au nirale range se, Hai sada deta ji ko khila.

Born together at the same place, Nurtured by the same plant the same way. At night too the same shining moon Upon them the same moonlight doth lay. Upon them the same breeze doth blow. Upon them the same rain doth fall. Yet always we do find Their actions - not the same at all. The thorn pricks our friendly fingers, Rips the clothes off the body, Cuts the wings of lovelorn butterflies, Pierces the dark skin of the bee. The flower takes them in her lap, Feeds her honey to the bee. With its fragrance and colours, It fills my heart with glee.