Bhupi Sherchan

Bhupi Serchan

Some, by being torn off themselves,
others, by getting cut by rats
few, as being distributed among sons, grandsons, mates, and friends
one by one
the old army jerseys are all gone
but two of the signs of life in the army,
saved with so much care
hanging a big old design pocket watch, on the breast
and donning a worn-out hat on his head
like an old Gurkha pensioner
Passing the dull, boring days of old age

the clock tower
as if
lowering a baited hook
into Ranipokhari.

A Himal Khadka Translation