7. I CONVINCE

- Madhav Borkar

I convince myself
that you are not
far away from me.

When
the bare trees of winter
put forth tender green leaves
the soft touch of the moon
makes the mogari spread fragrance.
Like the pipal tree,
in my blood
flutters the breath
you had once sown.

I convince myself
that you aren't
far away from me.

When the cuckoo
perched on the mango-tree in the garden
hints at the arrival of spring
your wind-like hand
makes the pollen open
in every pore of my being,
and my poems
dream only of you.

I really know
that you are not
away from me. 

(Translated from Konkani by poet himself)