Published on 12:00 AM, August 11, 2018

Poetry

Fakrul Alam

Aachhe Dukhho, Aachhe Mrityu

There is sorrow—death too—separation's pangs scald as well—

Yet there is peace and joy; beyond the mortal, the Eternal dwells.

In souls, life flows; the moon stars and sun shine on;

Spring lights up gardens and groves in varied hues;

Waves meld with each other and then crest again.

Even as some flowers wither, in others buds form

There is no ultimate loss, no end—no scars that forever remain.

In the universe's wholeness thus, the mind craves its place.

As dawn's light peeps through clouds

And I'm leaving, what calls me back?

On this rainy morning, forlorn birds

Crying out in forests deep call me back!

As if looking for someone, the overflowing river

Rushing forward in the shade calls me back

On the dawn of my departure, who is it

Lodged in my heart, that calls me back?

Fakrul Alam is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of East West University. He is also the Adviser of Star Literature and Review pages of The Daily Star.