She asked,

“Are you going to march with the flag
Are you going to fly the balloons in the air?

Are you going to share sweets with friends?
Are you planning to enjoy with relatives?”

I replied,

No. What joy is there for this nightingale?
Who is far from his wonderful land of hill

The fate of lovers has been to silently remember
The bygone days of past spent in love’s chamber

Notes

Watan’s day: referring to Republic day of India which is celebrated colorfully throughout the nation.

Land of hill: The literal meaning of Malabar.

January 26 2004. Inspired after Juma’ prayer.