The Suckling Baby

THE SUCKLING BABY

Introduction
This simple poem contains the thought that the habits formed in infancy last for ever. It may be taken as the elaboration of the saying , Child is the father of Man.

Translation
You scream as I snatch away the knife from you
Do you consider me unkind though I am kind to you?

O Newcomer of this sorrowful land, you will scream
Beware! The pen's point is sharp, the prick may hurt you

Ah! Why fond of the troublesome things are you?
This piece of paper is harmless, play with it

Where is your ball? Where is your China cat?
Where is that small animal with broken head?

Your mirror had been free of want's dust cloud
With eye's opening has been flashed the want's spark

In your hand's movement, in your looks is hidden
Your want also is newly born just like you

Your life is free of the discretion's restrictions
But the secret of Nature is displayed in your eyes

When being annoyed at something with me you scream
What is the matter a mere scrap of paper you accept

Ah! In this habit I am also concordant with you
You love fidgetiness and I also love fidgetiness

I am the lover of ephemeral pleasures, I cry
I soon become angry, I soon calm down

My eyes are attracted by apparent beauty
My ignorance is no less than your ignorance

I am also now crying now laughing like you
Outwardly I am elderly, I am also simply a baby