The Last Stanza
The Burning of Tri-Chandra College
Who was it that set fire,
To that very classroom where, only yesterday, I had dreamt of a better tomorrow
To that very desk where, only yesterday, I had sat at and studied.
If no flowers of creativity bloom in your black minds, then it’s alright
Why uproot the seeds that others have planted?
If your hands can’t light up a black room, then it’s alright
Why set fire to my classroom where sparks to light the world are produced?
If you can’t read, it’s alright
If you can’t write, it’s alright
Why burn down the books in my library?
Why not set fire to those dirty rooms where, daily, our country is sold?
Why not speak out against those who’ve struck us dumb time and again?
Why not rise up against those who attract us with flowers, only to pierce us with their thorns?
Forgive me, my friend,
My quarrel only lies with the thoughts you carry and those flames you wield.
This poem was originally written in Nepali. Translated into English by Pranaya SJB Rana, V.E.N.T! Magazine.
Brabim Kumar K.C.
Brabim Kumar K.C is a youth activist, social entrepreneur and General Secretary for Association of Youth Organizations Nepal. He was the founder president of Creative Youth Society, a non-profit, non-political organization empowering youth to act on making positive changes in society. He is involved in various youth- led organizations and is working as a radio program producer. He writes regularly for Nagarik Daily specially on youth issues. He is also a poet whose works have been published in various national and regional magazines. He has published two poetry collection so far.
( Jul 10th 2009, 12:02 PM ) says:
Good one, I am really impressed!
( Jul 10th 2009, 09:17 PM ) says:
This poem should be pasted in front of trichandra college. Excellent job, Mr. Brabim
( Jul 11th 2009, 12:19 PM ) says:
It reminded me of the Fire in the English Department at TU couple of years back...!
( Jul 12th 2009, 09:20 AM ) says:
Yek dum ramro cha... Man paryo...All the best
( Jul 12th 2009, 03:31 PM ) says:
Who give them right to destroy our dreams, destiny and life paths......who the hatest villains of historical commemoratives???
( Jul 13th 2009, 06:02 PM ) says:
You have expresses ur views mockingkly..Hope those who involved in this will read this n spank that words in their minds...BTW .Nice one...I like the Nepali version of this poem..The best one.
yea.....it's very realistic and full of irony. I think everyone is thinking like you. So' it's better to think what we can do onwards to save our literary assets in future so that no other literary property will burn and vanished..