This Day I Haven't Come to Shed Blood
Like all of you present here I love roses a lot
While crossing the Race Course field yesterday
One of the roses blooming there
Said to me: "Make your verse sing of Sheikh Mujib"
I'm here to sing of him.
A bloodstained brick that had
Fallen from the Shahid Minar told me yesterday:
"Make your verse sing of Sheikh Mujib"
I'm here to sing of him.
Like everyone present here I love to see palash trees blooming
While crossing Sangbad's office yesterday
A newly bloomed palash whispered in my ear:
"Make your verse sing of Sheikh Mujib"
I'm here to sing of him.
The water sprinkling from Shahbagh Avenue's fountain
Cried out to me:
"Make your verse sing of Sheikh Mujib"
I'm here to sing of him.
Like all of you here I am partial to dreaming and to love
An audacious dream that came to me last night told me:
"Make your verse sing of Sheikh Mujib"
I'm here to sing of him.
Let all of you heartbroken people assembled on this spring day
Let all the still, parched, unsuspecting,
Not-yet-blossomed krishnachura sprigs listen intently
Let the dark cuckoo that will perch on the tree
In the darkening light know I have kissed holy soil
Under my feet this day.
I'll be faithful to the pledge
I have made to the palash this day
I'll be faithful to the pledge
I've made to my vision
I haven't come here to shedblood this day
I've come here only to sing of my love for him.
(Translated from Bangla by Professor Fakrul Alam)
Comments