Be careful, O Captain
-Kazi Nazrul Islam
Be Careful, O travelers!
You have to go through the impassable
Route of mountains, deep forests, vast deserts
And oceans at dark night.
The ship is moving, the river is swelling,
And the captain is losing his path.
The sail is torn-who dares hold the steering?
You have to sail into the harbour despite fierce storm.
The night is covered with horrid darkness-
Be careful, the armed guards devoted to the mother!
The pains, accumulated over the ages, have declared revolt.
The piled up indignations foam up in the heart of the deprived.
You have to take them along with you
And their rights must be honored.
The helpless people are sinking
And know not how to swim.
O Captain! We shall judge your vow to free thy mother (land)!
“Are they Hindu or Muslims?” —
Who ask this nonsense question?
O Captain! Reply-men, sons of my mother, are dying.
The coward travelers fear to go through the gorge amidst
Rough weather with frequent thunder-sound.
And today doubt arises in the minds of those lagging behind.
O Captain! Will you lose the path?
Or give up the adventure in mid way?
Let us go ahead pulling the oar, despite mutual fighting-
It’s a great responsibility.
O Captain! There lies the ground of Plassey ahead,
Where the sword of Clive was reddened
With the blood of the Bengalese!
Alas! There in the Ganges the sun of India has set!
To rise up again brightly reddened with our blood.
Those who have sung the song of victory of life in the gallows,
Have appeared unseen and asked-Who shall you sacrifice?
Today is the day for test-will you relieve the nation or the cast?
The ship is moving, and the river is swelling,
O Captain! Be careful.
Translated by Md Ekramullahil Kafi
