Dreams and Imagination / Abu Karim

I have a sweet-sour relation with dreams and imagination.

I have been alive somehow with their liberal company.

Thirst for life is suffocated by adverse society and nature;

many  people are killed by their fellow beings here.

If any one improves anyhow, others drag him down.

Good things are nameless, rather dishonor seems to frown.

Once Korea, Malaysia and Singapore were backward to us,

but they have already surpassed us in our wretched plight.

Hoarding wealth by hook or by crook and its excessive use

have turned into diseases fatal more than cancer for people.

Politicians always prattle on democracy and patriotism,

but their impatient life lacks democracy, patriotism;

they misappropriate public wealth. Everyday getting

the harsh beatings of reality, I weep and ponder

whether this country could be once again habitable or not;

I go on weaving dreams.

13 January 2010

''স্বপ্ন এবং কল্পনা'' কবিতার অনুবাদ

[Translated by Dulal A Monsur]