Shabdaguchha

The International Poetry Journal in Bengali

Translated Poetry
9th Issue
July-Sept 2000

From Barishal to Briarwood:
Bengali Poetry in English



Naznin Seamon (1974-)

Human Race from the East
The abscess that has been growing on the pit of the world
For millennia
Is now in the worse pain. Countless
Attacks of the world wars, wars of Independence,
The Persian Gulf,
And the Cold War have totally broken its fresh green branches.
Its smooth body, like a teenage girl, is inflamed by air attacks.
Its rotten vagina
Now spreads a rank stink in the
Restless, sick and bluish atmosphere--
Made by the naked launch of atoms.

Although, people are confused by the
Beckoning of three fourths of colorless water,
Often lives are going down the drain,
But still move on
Towards the time bell with dreaming eyes,
As if they will be in peace in the new millennium.
And right before the abscess starts
Throwing its pus to the world,
A novel laureate of the century
Comes forward with a scale
To measure the distance of the human race from the East.

Translated by Hassanal Abdullah.

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    Shabdaguchha, A Journal of Bengali Poetry, Published in New York, Edited by Hassanal Abdullah.