A Child's Lament About The Grave Poem by Jahir Hasan

that is a child's grave
he is refusing to accept the system of graves
he is trying to come out
to play, towards this world
he has no idea that a grave stockpiles everything
the angel appears, as if enquires:
why so restive, why do you regret?
here are playing grounds galore
try as many fixtures as you wish
every sport under the sun nigh that garden of palms
never in million years should you ask that ancient greybeard
what time it is here!


Translated by PRASANTA CHAKRAVARTY,