From Jibananda Das’ Ruposhi Bangla

"Prithbir Pothe Aami Bohu Din"

Having lived in the world's pathways for a long, long time

I know many stressful, hidden tales of the heart now.

In forests, branches and leaves sway—as if

Djinns and fairies conversing! On graying evenings

I've seen on their bodies a drop or two of rain dripping down.

Like parched paddy will. White specks of dust soften in rainwater.

A faint scent suffuses farmlands. From frail bodies of Gubre insects

Indistinct, melancholy sounds dip into the dark river water;

I've seen them all—have seen the river immerse in the sloping dark;

Shapmashis fly away; In Asuth tree nests, ravens flutter their wings

Incessantly; someone seems to be standing in the lonely, fog-filled field.

Farther off, one or two straw-roofed houses lie scattered.

Why do the frogs croak on in Nolkhagra forests? Can't they not stop?

Freshly laid crow eggs slip and slide into the Sheora bushes.

Fakrul Alam is a Bangladeshi academic, writer and translator.