Ishwarke Eve


I was first
to realize
that which rises
must fall
inevitably.
Like light
like dark
like you
I was first
to know.
Obeying you
or disobeying
means the same.
I was first
to know.


I was first
to touch
the tree of knowledge
first
to bite
the red apple.
I was first,
first--
first to distinguish
between modesty
and immodesty--
by raising a wall
with a fig leaf
I changed things
totally.


I was first.
I was first
pleasure,
my body
consoled
the first sorrow.
I was first
to see
your face
of a child.
Amidst grief and joy
I was first.
I first
knew
sorrow and pleasure,
good and evil,
made life
so uncommon.
I was first
to break
the golden shackles
of luxurious
pleasure.
I was never
a puppet
to dance
to your tune
like
meek Adam.


I was
rebellion
first
on your earth.


Listen, love,
yes, my slave,
I was the first
rebel--
banished from paradise,
exiled.
I learned
that human life
was greater
than paradise.
I was first
to know.


Kabita Sinha
Bengali poet (b.1931)
Translation: Pritish Nandy


Art: "Eve: Mother of All Living" by Sandra M. Stanton