SHAHID QUADRI[1]
Insurrection
In the garden of Manzul Elahi
We are sitting in the dappled evening
A few of us. We talked, of many a subject
Some said of Bangabandhu,
In this connection about murdered Allende and
Some commented about the history of the of upraise of Chile’s army.
However, subjects of Iran and Iraq were also discussed.
Uncertain future of Cuba after Castro’s departure
Dominance of unscrupulous traders
And about the distress of the people of Bengal,
Lifelong starvation, we all talked about all these
While chewing cashew and drinking coffee.
Gradually night descended
Like silent steps on black cat
The fireflies blinked around the tables and chairs
As if they will remain blinking for ever.
We went to the dinner table
Manzur Elahi repeated, Rifle is the source of all power.
Classless society can not be achieved without bloodshed
Nobody gives up the class interest.
I looked through the window
And saw the entire garden of Manzur Elahi was captured by the fireflies.
Without a battle, without bloodshed.
(Translated by: Siddique Mahmudur Rahman)
[1] Shahid Quadri (b. 1942), first book of poems ‘Uttaradhikar‘ was published in 1967