Amay Nahe Go Bhalobasho..

Dearest, even if you won't love me

Do love my songs

Who cares to know about forest birds

When they cease singing and fly out of sight?

Whoever wants the moon by itself?

Everyone enthuses only about moonlight!

When the concert ends the veena lies forlorn in the dust 

No one notices how wicks get burnt

When lamps emit their light!

Cut stems dripping dewdrops

In time blossom as flowers

But when plucking flowers and taking them away

Do you ever think of helping the plant in any way

Or of filling up the flower pot?

All quench their thirsts with river water

But the act parches the river bed so!

Seek, seek the river's water in an ocean of sorrow

But dearest, even if you won't love me

Do love my songs!

Professor Fakrul Alam teaches English at the University of Dhaka.