Flipping through the Konkani 'Jaag' which is a monthly published in the Devanagari script and currently edited by Madhavi Sardessai (in the past Ravindra Kelekar used to be the editor), I came across a poem by one Soter Barreto which I liked entitled, 'Avoichem Naksheo'.
Without his permission I'll transcribe it into the Roman script (incidentally, regarding which, I am unstudied so those who follow certain standards may kindly pardon me if there are errors). Avoin babdean Hanchean khatir Raandpan sosun Aapleo naksheo Zhoroileo Hanei mat Jivitbhor Aapleo naksheo Phakt rangaileo A more or less word for word translation would be: Poor mother Because of them Tolerated widowhood Her finger nails She wore out But they All their lives Their nails They just painted I think this neat little poem could be enjoyed by a larger audience if it is trans-created. Here is my two paisa worth attempt: Fingernails Poor Mama Never had Fingernails Worth writing home about As she endured widowhood. She wore those nails out Slaving for Them. They On the other hand Spent all their lives Polishing their own nails Brilliantly! Cheers Augusto -- Augusto Pinto 40, Novo Portugal, Moira, Bardez, Goa, India E [email protected] or [email protected] P 0832-2470336 M 9881126350
