I’m Not Here to Shed Blood this Day

Like everyone else present here, I, too am so fond of roses,

Yesterday while passing by the Racecourse ground, a rose from the bushes

Entreated me to speak of Sheikh Mujib in my poems.

I'm here to speak of him. 

A blood-spattered brick dislodged from the Shahid Minar

Implored me yesterday to speak of Sheikh Mujib in my poems.

I'm here to speak of him.

Like everyone else present here, I'm also fond of the palash flowers.

While passing by the Samakal office, a newly-bloomed palash 

Yesterday whispered in my ear, 

Telling me to speak of Sheikh Mujib in my poems.

I'm here to speak of him.

The interactive fountain at the ShahbaghAvenueurged me

To speak of Sheikh Mujib in my poems.

I'm here to speak of him.

Like everyone else gathered here, I'm partial to dreams;

A dauntless dream that I encounteredat theend of last night 

Pleaded with me to speak of Sheikh Mujib in my poems.

I'm here to speak of him.

Let the mourners crowding in this spring at the foot of the Banyan tree be witness,

Let the tender krishnachurabuds that dried before blooming

Be the keen audience, the black cuckoo of approaching dusk shall know; 

The sacred soil under my feet, my witness 

This day I commit myself to theappeals of the rose,  

This day I respond to the palash's solicitation, 

This day I stand by that dream's desire. 

I'm not here to shed blood this day

I'm here to speak of my love for him.

Hossain Ahmed Arif Elahi is a Professor of English at Cox's Bazar Government College.