Kedarnath Singh: A Pithy Poet

Mother Tongue

As ants return to

their nests,

a woodpecker

returns to the wood,

and the airplanes return to the airport

one after another

stretching their wings in the red sky,

O my language,

I return to you,

when my tongue feels

stiff from

remaining silent,

hurting my soul.

(Kalpana Singh-Chitnis' translation of “Matribhasha,” a poem from Akaal Mein Saaras)

A simple sentiment, but reminded me of homing pigeons. Very heartfelt and easy to identify with. Kedarnath Singh's poems are deceptively plain, but hard-hitting.

I remember on both my trips abroad, we were happiest eating Indian food and dancing to Bollywood songs. Even in India language is such a barrier. I live in Pune, and Marathis are reluctant to speak in a language other than theirs, so I often end up being silent at a ladies get-together!

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