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Uncle Mohan Singh
1930. The people of Nakodar are wonderstruck tonight.
In the tent a silent film is being shown
and my chacha uncle Mohan Singh plays the harmonium.
A window is illumined in the wall of darkness.
The actors move their lips, voiceless.
A flower blossoms, silently.
In the film when they walk it seems they are running.
People watch their dream and laugh to their heart’s content.
Uncle Mohan Singh is accompanying them with his harmonium
and making the flowers blossom.
Tonight the people of Nakodar are dreaming together
awake.

© 1996, Amarjit Chandan
From: Beejak
Publisher: Navyug, New Delhi, 1996
ISBN: 81 7599 005 8


© Translation: 2007, Amarjit Chandan with Julia Casterton