Bilingual

I know two languages but often get myself in a bind

The right word in the language I am using does not come to mind

The appropriate word presents itself to me

But in the other language unfortunately

I try to search for the word’s literal translation

But the translated word often has a different connotation

Sometimes I spend hours trying to find the word that feels right

In the language I need- this dilemma of being bilingual I fight

*

Unique words in every language exist

Without literal equivalents in other languages, translation they resist

When used in their original versions they make

A piece of writing more vibrant, the monotony of a single language they break

*

At this juncture I must confess that I often use

A mixture of both languages at home, I choose

Words that come more naturally to me

Whether in English or my mother-tongue Hindi

Some words sound better in one or the other language

Therefore I have brought them in daily usage