Amidst the dark night, the fireflies are burning on and off

On and off …

Moina gazes with brimming eyes at the far horizon

Her lids do not flicker

Her husband had deserted her during the poverty of kartik

Two monsoons ago

Yet life’s kirtan khola does not want to leave Moina

Does not want to forget her

Everyone wants to forget her

Everyone wants to leave after devouring the fine kalijira rice

Never glancing back a second time.

 

In her mind a station countless trains are coming and going

Coming and going …

Moina once again dreams of starting a new life

What sweet cravings!

Everyone says goodbye after eating the honey from the beehive

Who will give her permanent subsistence?

The fireflies are burning on and off

On and off …

But Moina still searches for a touch of magic in the air

Hope brims over her tired eyes

She still believes in the world of fairy tales

She still dreams on …