CREATIVE WRITING:

The following poems were written and translated from Bengali to English by patients at Antara. They explore the feeling of loneliness that accompanies many mental illnesses. The first poem recall the joy of childhood - a reminder of how important those early experiences are throughout life.

Childhood Friends
I remember your smiling face and laughter
I took whatever love you offered generously
From infancy we have been together
It will remain a memory for ever
So much laughter
So many songs we have sung together
At night I recall you and your words
It washes away my sadness
When you are not there
I remember you
And feel very sad
Your love will always be with me.

(Dilip)

Translated by Anindita Iyer

Me
Cloudy skies, a quiet afternoon
A sparrow sits on the window
A sorrow filled atmosphere
A certain emptiness
A depressed atmosphere
I am bound to the sparrow
In my loneliness
This loneliness brings on depression
Me, I am sad
Because I am lonely
I am a question mark.

(Banani)

Translated by Anindita Iyer