Nationalization

I shall nationalize all the roses for children,
otherwise they won't get a single flower
I shall, likewise, nationalize land for the peasants
or they too like the children won't be assured
of food.
Like banks, insurance, textile mills and factories
I shall nationalize all baby food.
I shall nationalize moonlight and happiness,
because, like sorrow, happiness too
cannot be claimed by an individual.
I believe in the certain victory of equality,
I shall nationalize light against darkness
otherwise light will never get into the dreary slums.
Only through nationalization can one
be assured of food and flowers.

Mahadev Saha is a poet and journalist. M. Harunur Rashid taught English at Jahangirnagar University. From A Choice of Contemporary Verse From Bangladesh.