The meaning of the word Timeline has evolved
So have the meanings of many other words.
Electronically explained, they are
And , perhaps, distorted in terrible distractions..
Lexicographers play with words
And also in the field of Grammar
They often blow whistles like in soccer games
When the ball goes beyond the line,
But today, let’s not talk about words and sounds
Let’s talk about wordlessness
Which fortunately remains untouched
By puritan rules of Grammar.
Mesmerized in the silent memory
I have seen the pledges in my Timeline’s sculpture.
Muscular like the Greek Warriors , they seem
Promise-bond firmly for future.
But along the time line
They also take us to the rough arena of history
Where our existence was questionable
Where art and music were forbidden .
The fluttering flag was foreign to us
Promises were false, allegations fabricated.
And then forces of fire and blood
Lighted the torch of freedom .
And my motherland , once depressed
Is now glorified in the sunlight.
It is firmly placed amidst the proud pledge
Of the invincible Bangla .
It doesn’t fall or falter amidst recurring attacks.
More than the Statue in Banyan
The tri-statue possesses the dynamism of truth .
At its backdrop remains the union of wisdom and intelligence
So ,is never afraid of pirates and plunderers
This Timeline is proud of protecting itself
As much as it is the reminder of the proud past
It extends into the flowering future.
Translated by the poet from the original in Bengali
October 7, 2013.