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Chandrasekhar Kambar
The Character I Created
The character in my play
climbed down the stage
came directly to me,
and took the chair next to me.
I was looking at the play
he was looking at me.
His looks, like arrows,
pierced my heart.
If I shifted my legs,
so that they would not touch his,
his legs wantonly brushed mine.
His hand fell heavily on my shoulder.
When the audience was silent
his laughter burst out.
When he clapped, it was unnecessary.
Every eye was on him, and
his eyes were on me.
It was just not right.
Standing up
I walked out.
He followed me.
As I opened the door
he went in, before me
Smiling familiar smiles
he stood --- a mirror in front of me
Why do these so many characters,
educated in civility by me,
behave like this ?
Translated by O. L. Nagabhushana Swamy
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