Belal Chowdhury

 

  Native Land

 

 

I am spread out in your shade and sunshine

In this grass and, like your fragrance

By your side, like your shadow

All along your body.

 

In the gentle murmur of your rivers,

I am there, as you wish me to be –

In the rustling of leaves, in the

Whinning of winds,

Day and Night in your paddy field.

 

An indifferent Baul  ;

A Bhatiali strain floats away  into the distance

I am there like the rays of the setting sun,

Rolling in your feet

I am there in the ears of young paddy

Your girl in blue I am there

On you like the diamond of your Nakchabi

Sparking always sparkling.

 

 

                      Translated by M. Harunur Rashid

 

 

Belal Chowdhury (1938--)

Poet, Journalist and Writer of Travelogue and Children Literature. Poetry : Nishad Protikriti (1964), Swapnabandi (1989), Selai Kora Chhaya (1980), Botrish Number (1997), Essay : Kagoje Kalame (1997), Children literature : Sabuj Bhashar Chhora (1981), Botrish Dant (,,), Travelogue : Surja korojjal Banobhumi (1964), Translation : Mrityur Koranara ( from Gabriel Garcia Marquez- 1997). Awards : Bangla Academy Award-1984, Alakta Literary Award-1997, Niharranjan Award-1992.