By Now

Like branches of river, we split in two, 
and I flow a long way to meet you.
Carrying water to same pond below, 
for pastures and meadow that grow.
We will be meeting somehow, 
but this is all we have by now.
I fly with you in the clouds, 
and I walk beside you in crowds.
I stand with you under the sun, 
staring at shadows that combine in one.
I should wait for long, but how?
Haven’t you known me by now?

I hear that sound, your heart beating, 
the fear of your worries repeating.
I’m the joy that follow your pensive mood, 
and eloquence of silence in your solitude.
You see me, I am vague though, 
and the fraction you feel by now.

Come and stay with me for the night, 
hold me and tell me all that you like. 
And sit with me under this oak, 
till morning wrapped in single cloak.
Head on your lap, your locks on my brow, 
certainly fallen into precipice by now.


Baleshwar Singh

A Character

I marvel how Nature could ever find space

For so many strange contrasts in one human face:

There’s thought and no thought, and there’s paleness and bloom

And bustle and sluggishness, pleasure and gloom.

There’s weakness, and strength both redundant and vain;

Such strength as, if ever affliction and pain

Could pierce through a temper that’s soft to disease,

Would be rational peace–a philosopher’s ease.

There’s indifference, alike when he fails or succeeds,

And attention full ten times as much as there needs;

Pride where there’s no envy, there’s so much of joy;

And mildness, and spirit both forward and coy.

There’s freedom, and sometimes a diffident stare

Of shame scarcely seeming to know that she’s there,

There’s virtue, the title it surely may claim,

Yet wants heaven knows what to be worthy the name.

This picture from nature may seem to depart,

Yet the Man would at once run away with your heart;

And I for five centuries right gladly would be

Such an odd such a kind happy creature as he.

William Wordsworth