My Two Loves

Nepali* is my wife.

English is my mistress. 

My wife is my life,

simple and graceful.

I understand her every mood

and she does mine.

She takes care of my kids,

my home – everything.

To tell you the truth,

without her I’m nothing. 

She is the sunshine of my life –

but she’s just a housewife.

My mistress is the salt of my life,

modern and charming.

She’s a living encyclopedia;

I can talk about anything with her.

She keeps me in touch with things 

and helps me deal with strangers.

The world outside my home

would be quite dark without her.

I owe her so much in my life

but she can’t be my wife.

I love them both equally well – 

and my biggest problem is

I don’t want to lose

either of them.

*Nepali is the poet’s first language.