English Translation: A Village Sobbing
A Village Sobbing
Vanaja Tatineni
The village cradles you in its womb and cares for you. Yet
you, seeking your own growth,
bid farewell to the village that raised you until then.
You even forget to visit the village as a guest.
You wander far and wide,
tucking the village away in the folds of your memories.
Wandering, wandering, wandering... tired, you come searching for the village.
Then the village, with its faded gaze, does not recognize you. Instead...
“Who... is this stranger?” it asks,
staring at you with suspicion, over and over.
Even if you shout at the top of your lungs, “This is my village!”
the village does not listen.
It casually asks, “Who are your people here?”
Not a trace can be found of the bonds you sold off and left behind.
Your name will not be inscribed on the school, the temple, the water tank, the hospital,
or even on the bench where four people sit.
The four saplings you planted in your family’s name
are not there as trees, for you to be recognized by.
None of your relatives’ children... or your friends’ children
are around. Had you ever come for a wedding, a ceremony,
or even to offer condolences for a death?
You would have saved the village’s number as 'Unknown' too.
Even if a signature on a cheque book is scratched out...
though you search the entire village, there is not one signature of yours.
When the village opens its mouth and asks, “What did you give me?” you are stunned.
Still... even if the village does not remember you, with its gaze
it asks after your well-being. It offers a pot of water
and quenches your thirst. Seeing your eyes, it senses your hunger
and gives you a fruit or a snack.
It bids you a silent farewell.
The heaviness of the village’s heart is unknown to you.
Not just to you, but to anyone who has left the village,
it is unknown.
Like a newlywed bride looking back again and again, in tears,
the village sobs watching those who leave it.
A mother, the village, cool like moonlight that has never known a new moon night.
It safely tucks away your footprints in its heart.
Like a mother, the village sobs and cries.
11 April 2026. 07:50pm.
మూలం: ఊరు వెక్కిళ్ళు పెడుతుంది.
- వనజ తాతినేని.
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