Roll Call and others by Mujib Erom

M (ujib) E (rom)
Oh My Keane Bridge
Hawk over River Surma
Clock of Ali Amzad
Zalali pigeons…
Cloud flown over from Meghalaya
Cold from Jaintha mountain…
I have kept within me the ancient stone
Kinfolk’s hills
Fountain for ever…

So why feel an outsider—a stranger–feel as if destitute in my own home!

Prostration to poet
Oblivious
I too have touched
The water of that Jinai river…
Did I stand on the Baushi Bridge?
I cannot remember…
I remember
River- water flowing at ankle height
Crematorium noon
Mustard field
Dazzling ankle bells…

I will go again to touch and offer water on
The poet’s grave…

Roll Call
Mujib Erom, Present? : Yes madam.
Who calls my name? Who is doing the roll call calling my name? I am the exam failed, seated at the very back, forever late person…name not on the register- still why is my name being shouted out- why am I reminded of the roll call time after time, my being presence- raised my hand- from far very often- stretched my neck- I am alive- can you hear me- my madam teacher?

I am an ‘out reading’ person- way back when I wronged the roll number- I also wronged the name of the registry book.

Translated by Nazrul Islam Naz

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