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Poem

Striding down the road, if ever by any wild chance,
We meet, my dear heart,
Please look at me with those eyes drunk with longing,
Like you used to in the days past.

On that day, if tears well up in your eyes,
Do not hide them by any pretense.
That endearing name you used for me,
For one last time, please call me by that name.

And if the present lover be by your side,
Do not fear; he would be dear to me too.
I’d tell him, ‘Love my Beloved, please,
More than I was ever able to.’

Perchance you are pained seeing me so lovelorn,
I’d move myself away.
Lest I be a thorn in your way,
I’d beg, and I’d pray
For your alms of oblivion.

[Translated from the Bangla by Farida Majid]

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