Shabdaguchha
Shamim RezaJerusalemThe burning smell of Jerusalem And the last cry of the newborn babies Streaming down through my blood. I salute you—the sky, the remote world, Roots, leaves and the branches— The green semen of grass Smashed under the tank Or even everlasting time The smell of dead souls in my feelings Sound in the hip of sound— Dissolving into my shadow The distorted history of soil The last breath And poetry My land My motherland. Shamim Reza (1970 - ) is the author of three books of poetry including Jakhon Rattir Naima Asay (When the Night Comes). He edited the literary supplement of the Daily Ajker Kagoj. The recipient of the Krittibus Award (2007), Mr. Reza teaches Bengali literature at Dhaka College. Translated from the Bengali by Hassanal Abdullah |